Church Leader Hopes Latest Vandalism Act Sparks Change In St. Cloud Neighborhood [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- A recent act of vandalism against a St. Cloud church has some hoping it will open some eyes.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Friday the front door of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers Orthodox Church was smashed. A theme Fr. Nathan says is a common occurrence.

"Like 15 broken windows over the years, signs smashed, fence down, things stolen, but every time it just gets right to your heart," says Kroll.

He says over the last 15 years usually budget for $1,000 per year to cover the cost of damages done to the church.

However, it's the psychological destruction that takes more of a tole.

"Many people won't go outside at night in this neighborhood because they don't feel safe," says Kroll.

According to police 19-year-old Michael Garner has been arrested in connection to the crime.

Fr. Nathan says while he is thankful the suspect was caught, he is more thankful for the neighbors who reported it.

"To me it truly has honestly helped almost cancel out the violence that took place," says Kroll.

But the biggest hope from all of this is that this situation starts to spark change in the community.

"Someone will say well that's a bad neighborhood so you should get out, why get out why not make it not a bad neighborhood," says Kroll.