Gastonia minister offering reward after being robbed outside church

GASTONIA, N.C. — A minister said he has already forgiven two men who robbed him as he stepped out of church Saturday morning.

The Rev. Marc Newsome of CrossFire Worship Center in Gastonia was at the church preparing for a fundraiser, he told reporter Ken Lemon. He stepped outside around 12:30 a.m. after doing prep work Friday night.

He said that while he forgives the two men, he will not remove his Facebook post offering a $1,000 reward for their arrests.

Newsome said he heard footsteps as he approached his truck a few yards from the front door of the church on Linwood Drive. One man started to hit him and the other held up a jacket.

The man kept his other hand behind the jacket as if he had a gun, Newsome said. That man yelled at Newsome that he would kill him if he didn't give them money.

The minister said he pleaded with the men, telling them that he had children and a family. He said he was touched by the look of hopelessness in the eyes of the man who indicated that he had a gun.

Newsome, who describes himself as a three-time felon who turned his life around, said he understood that look.

He said he never had a problem finding a job, even with his criminal record.

He said he identified with the men and gave up his wallet, but said they didn't have to rob him.

"I would have given them the money if they asked,” he said.

He said the church is seeking to draw in people with troubled lives and give them hope.

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