They say thieves managed to steal thousands of dollars of equipment from four sanctuaries in Bell County, and now several people are facing charges.

Police believe the break-ins happened back on September 20th and 21st. They have arrested two teenagers and a juvenile, and are now looking for a fourth person they believe was involved.

Judy Taylor says even though she heard about break-ins at several other Bell County churches, she had hoped her church was spared.

"I saw the pulpit, and I just turned my back and cried, I said 'oh no, they did, they took our church too,'" says Judy Taylor, the wife of the pastor of Blue Ridge Baptist Church.

Thieves busted through this door at Blue Ridge Baptist, and took speakers, mics, and a money box full of cash.

Fifteen hundred dollars of equipment, including several mics, guitars and an amp were stolen from Ferndale Missionary Baptist.

"It's bad enough when they break into houses, but a sanctuary, God's house, it's just pitiful," says pastor Clarence Mason.

Old Cannon Creek Missionary Baptist Church and Calvin Primitive Baptist Church were also targeted.

Police were able to recover several of the stolen items at a Claiborne County, Tennessee pawn shop. They will be able to return the merchandise to the churches by the end of the month.

Police arrested 18 year old Christian Partin, 19 year old Sherri Green, and a juvenile. They also have a warrant to arrest Ryan Miracle, who police believe is from the Page area of Bell County.

"And all the ones they broke into that night, it's just so sad. I just want to cry, it hurts, it hurts bad," says Taylor.

But the congregations say they are pulling together, and trying to move on as best they can. They are also stepping up security at their sanctuaries to guard themselves for the future.