Brooklyn Center pastor's $6,000 ordination ring stolen - New York News | NYC Breaking News

A Brooklyn Center pastor is asking for help, and offering a reward, after someone stole his ordination ring.

Pastor Harding Smith was given the ring after he completed his training. It's worth $6,000, but it's priceless to him.

Pastor Smith says someone broke into his apartment Saturday night while he was sleeping. The thief knew exactly where the ring was, leaving almost everything except the sentimental ring.

"To have someone come into my home, I feel so violated," Smith said. "It's not about the money. Even if this ring is two dollars I would be screaming and hollering. It means a lot."

The ring means so much because of where Pastor Harding Smith came from. We first met him over the summer when he was calling for the end of violence, but that's just a small part of the legacy he's building.

For seven years Smith was homeless, even spending time in jail before turning his life around two years ago. That's when he became a pastor and created the Spiritual Church of God, where 95 percent of his congregation is homeless.

"It has been such a great transformation that God has transformed me to be able to cater to those people that are not so fortunate," he said.

Smith says the only other thing that was stolen was a jar full of money, holding $277 in cash to pay his rent. He's offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who can help get the ring back.

"This ring is a blessed ring. You can only be cursed," he said. "There is nothing you can do with this ring. Even money you may get by selling this ring is going to be cursed."

And to the thief -- he forgives you.

"I love them," Smith said. "God has already forgiven them.