Albuquerque church holds craft fair after $4,000 break-in

Grace Church in Albuquerque sustained approximately $4,000 in damage when a young man smashed four windows, a door, and a television inside the building. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, just days before the congregation scheduled its annual Holly Day Craft Fair.

Pastor Aaron Giesler described the sequence of events based on security footage from multiple angles. The intruder initially threw rocks through several windows but could not gain entry through those openings. He eventually broke a door to come inside and remained in the church for roughly 25 minutes before departing with two Bibles.

Giesler stated that he does not believe the break-in was motivated by hate and has decided not to press charges. He observed the man speaking to a family member during the video review, suggesting the individual was dealing with personal difficulties. Giesler expressed compassion for the man, noting that he appeared to be having a difficult day.

The church announced the damage on social media, prompting local community members to offer services and financial assistance for repairs. Despite the physical damage, leadership confirmed that the Holly Day Craft Fair will proceed as planned this week. The event is scheduled for Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More than 100 vendors are expected to participate in the fair. Admission is free for attendees, while vendors pay a fee to secure a space. The revenue from these fees directly supports the church's missionary work, specifically funding an orphanage in India that houses about 100 children. The church has supported that institution since the 1990s.