'Targeted': Luther Church Leaders Find Racist Messages Spray Painted On Building

Police have started an investigation after leaders at a church in Luther found a surprise they couldn’t believe.

The church’s pastor said they were targeted for who they are.   

People find fellowship on a normal Sunday at Luther’s Church of the Living God. One should expect old friends to catch up. Rev. Dwight Guy did not anticipate he would discover vandalism on Sunday morning.   

“We got real nervous,” Guy said. “Never had anything like this done.”   

Someone spray painted a swastika on the back of the church building, one of multiple messages and symbols Rev. Guy said reflected hostility toward his congregation.  

“The church was targeted as a hate crime,” Guy said. 

Pepper Guy grew up in Luther. He said this isn’t what Luther represents. He said it's why this incident hurts.   

“Especially here,” Guy said. 

Member Ed Threatt knows his community.  

“Why this would happen here? I'm not sure,” Threatt said. “Lots of good people here.”  

Threatt said whoever did this fails to uphold the foundation that built this town.  

“Like they say in The Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home.”  

 This incident pealed back old scars from Rev. Guy’s childhood. 

“I have experienced it in other towns yes I have,” Guy said. 

 These moments illustrate his experience of growing up black in Oklahoma. However, Guy remains hopeful.   

“Even though it looks sad – even though it’s bad – still, it will work out,” he said. 

Their faith is strong.  

“Turn it over to the good Lord,” Threatt said. 

Guy said people can expect forgiveness and a place that brings everyone closer together. 

“Praying that God can touch their heart,” Guy said. “We’re still standing strong.” 

One investigator with Luther Police said they have some leads for suspects and are working with the evidence they have collected.

Luther Police say that because of the nature of the vandalism, they plan to turn this case over to federal authorities.