KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A church in Kansas City, Missouri is asking for help in locating their charter bus they say was stolen over the weekend.

Kansas City police are investigating. Police told FOX4 detectives are working to identify a person possibly connected with the incident.

The church said this was not the first theft at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, near 83rd Street and Holmes Road.

Leaders of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ told FOX4 someone busted through their fence and stole the church’s bus.

“Our bus was taken,” Assistant Pastor Henry Young Jr. said, “So, it was pretty devastating to see that.”

Broken parts of the charter bus still litter the church’s lawn, while their chain-link fence is torn apart.

A different van on the lot went untouched. But the 26 passenger bus was stolen outside the church.

“Initially they came thru this area here,” Young said.

He said someone took their set of wheels Saturday night. He said, in the process, the people caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damages – including tire tracks through the grass.

“It’s just a little disheartening,” Jordan Anderson said.

He’s a lead musician at the church.

Someone with the church shared a photo of the bus.

Anderson said they often take members on trips out of town sharing their faith.

The bus is white with a grey stripe. It also has the church’s name on the side.

“It’s a resource that we use to provide for people who don’t have those same resources for transportation and things like that,” Anderson said. “So, it kind of enables us to pivot and make an adjustment, but overall we’re encouraged that something can be done still.”

Anderson said this isn’t the first time something’s been stolen. They said thieves took several catalytic converters out of cars in the parking lot.

Anderson said the church won’t let this get them down or stop members from a future trip planned to Tulsa. They were going to take the bus.

“If we have to make adjustments, we have to make adjustments,” Anderson said.

Before the theft, the bus just got back from the repair shop.

Young said a new engine and AC system cost them thousands. Now, that’s out the window.

They’re hoping to get the bus back to continue their mission in helping others.

Pastor Young also has a message for the thieves.

“Whoever took it we would love to see you actually come into our church and sit in one of our services,” Young said. “God forgives.”

If you have any information, call the Kansas City Police Department or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.