STOCKTON — Deacon Stephen Bentley become elbow-deep in wrenches and wheels Thursday.
With the motorbike repair ministry of Saint John the Evangelist Church, Deacon Bentley is concerned about providing sustenance and salvation for Stockton’s needy souls.
“The first factor they will ask is, ‘How much does it cost?’ And I say, ‘It’s free,'” Bentley said. “And you may see their eyes extensive and open. ‘It’s loose? Well, how do you guys stay in the enterprise?’ I say, ‘It’s all donation-based.'”
His church is named for the person who delivered Jesus’ message to the sector through John’s Gospel. But the deacon has his very own message for those who have added the worst of the industry to his shop’s door.
“The run-ins were very disheartening. We’ve had four because of the remaining June,” Bentley stated.
Shop surveillance video shows the final two wreck-ins. The first came from 4 a.m. On Jan. 6, one man in a darkish hoodie and every other in Golden State Warriors clothing compelled their manner into the store on East Miner Avenue to scouse borrow.
Four days later, at five:12 a.m., one man can be seen breaking in and grabbing a motorbike.
The place below assault is called the HUB, which stands for Helping Urban Bicyclists. It’s meant for the homeless and others who have no other way to get around besides on wheels.
When the HUB has been hit by thieves in the past, it has been a double whammy.
“Unfortunately, one of the stolen bikes belonged to someone who ultimately sued me for the value of their motorcycle, and that is cash out of our pocket,” Bentley stated.
The lack of money and growing aggravation ultimately forced them to shut down for a week in June. Now, they’re fighting to live open in the face of modern-day heists.
“We are here to provide you with what you need. You don’t have to break in and do this,” Bentley said. “You are available to speak to me. You are available to communicate with us, and we will do the first class that we can to provide you with the satisfactory offerings that we can.”
