In a world full of bad news, there is a place ...

Virtually every morning, I receive a text message from my father in which he usually sends encouraging words followed by a Bible verse.

One day this week, he sent me a well-known verse that made me think a little bit.

The passage was Proverbs 13:22, which reminds us all that "the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just."

Undoubtedly, we all have done something wrong. But the just, those in right standing with God, will reap the bounty that has been stored as a result of their continued devotion to Him.

Everyday, we hear of people losing jobs and businesses closing — definitely bad news for all.

However, if you didn't think God is true to His word, look to the churches in the area, or as I like to call them "beacons on a hill."

Throughout the county, churches are full, sometimes needing new building projects due to attendance that overwhelms current seating arrangements.

Just to name a few of the good things going on at churches locally, construction has begun on a new family life center at Buford Street United Methodist Church, while the Restoration Church of Gaffney is putting the finishing touches on its renovation project that will expand the church's sanctuary and help open office space for the many things it does in the community.

A number of other churches have moved into new buildings, definitely worth congratulations in my book. While I'm making my way around the county, I receive invitations to area churches, being told what the Lord is doing locally, statewide, nationally as well as internationally. In a world full of bad news, there is a place where we can all find something good and that will stick to our bones, giving true energy to get through a grueling work week.

While these churches and religious groups continue to till the ground in hope of finding a harvest, their success is not going unnoticed.

A few weeks ago, the local Salvation Army discovered that thieves hacked out the catalytic converters on two of their buses used to transport children in the organization's after-school programs.

The Salvation Army of Cherokee County recently lost an estimated $20,000 after a storm ripped the roof from the charity's thrift store. Not only did the Christian-based group lose revenues while the store was closed, employees lost work time and wages during the down period.

While the buses are now back on the road, the group likely was forced to shell out thousands of dollars it could have used in other ways as a result of the theft.

Days ago, the Broad River Baptist Association was the target after thugs made off with the organization's disaster relief trailer. Police still are on the lookout for the culprits.

Other churches and religious organizations have also had their share of misfortune, as air conditioning units and other items with easily sold metals like copper have become targets for thieves hoping to make some extra cash.

I know the economy is not what we want it to be, but stealing from neighbors will only make life worse. You are putting your family, freedom and most importantly eternal destiny in jeopardy.

The best thing to do is look to hills where your help comes from — He has the answer to this mess.

But there is one thing that is sure, punishment comes to those who harm the interests of God's people.

Joe L. Hughes II (joe@gaffneyledger.com) writes feature and enterprise stories for The Gaffney Ledger.