Church Pastor's Van, Used For Helping Others, Stolen In Bronx

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The van used by a Bronx pastor to help others has been stolen.

Pastor James Miller choked back tears Monday while talking about the van, which was swiped in the Norwood neighborhood, where he serves Mass.

"I don't think it's somebody local that would knows us because there's a lot of people (who) know us in the neighborhood, and they appreciate us," Miller told CBS2's Emily Smith. "They appreciate what we do."

Miller opened the Good News Christian Church a few years ago, moving to the Bronx from Connecticut to help a community in need.

And now he's in need.

The NYPD confirms someone stole the 1997 Dodge minivan Tuesday evening and is looking for leads.

It's a white, unmarked vehicle used mostly for service.

"Bible studies, take people to appointments. We have a soup outreach, where we feed people in the neighborhood," Miller said.

The pastor's mother-in-law is in a wheelchair and depends on the van for easy transportation.

Miller said he always parks the vehicle near his home, about a quarter of a mile from the church. That's because the church van doubles as his personal vehicle.

Neighbors along Reservoir Oval West say it's a fairly safe location.

"Sometimes it's kids that are a little oblivious to people's needs for a vehicle, and they just take it for a joyride," said Jahaira Hernandez, of the Bronx.

"It could be a blessing," said Ethis Tineo, of the Bronx. "Who knows? Maybe he needed to get a new one because that one was going to die down soon."

"My friends park over here all of the time," said Aaron Powell, of Norwood. "Nothing ever happens, so it's kind of surprising."

Miller said he doesn't know why anyone would want his older-model minivan, jokingly calling it "an antique," but one that's precious to him.