In a story of heartbreak and redemption, a Virginia church is rallying around forgiveness and faith after Grace Pauline Kelley, the troubled 28-year-old daughter of country music legend Wynonna Judd, stole and totaled their ministry van. Kelley, who told authorities she had “sold her soul to the devil,” has a long history of legal trouble, including convictions for methamphetamine production and multiple pending charges across several states.

The incident unfolded late October, when Pastor Kent Hart of Ground Zero Church in Charlottesville witnessed the theft of the church’s $3,800 green ministry van and a trailer. From his kitchen window, Hart saw the van pulling out of his driveway.

“I’m talking to my daughter, and I look out the window and see the van leaving my house,” Hart recounted. After confirming that no one from his family had borrowed the van, Hart chased after it, confronting the driver—a woman with a buzz cut and face tattoo—at the edge of the road. The woman sped off, and shortly afterward, the van was discovered totaled.

Kelley’s history of legal troubles includes charges ranging from aggravated assault to methamphetamine manufacturing. Now in custody in Albemarle County, she faces seven new charges, including three felony counts of grand larceny for the theft of the van and trailer.

During her booking, Kelley shocked authorities by claiming she had sold her soul to the devil. Albemarle police officer Corey Legg noted in his report that Kelley asked to be committed to a mental institution and tested positive for heroin during bloodwork. Despite her alarming statements and behavior, Pastor Hart and his congregation are responding with prayer and forgiveness.

“We want the community to know that on a personal level, we have forgiven Grace Kelley,” Hart shared in a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $30,000 to replace the church’s van. “Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44, ‘But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'”

The congregation’s response has been nothing short of remarkable. The Sunday following the theft, they turned off their livestream to hold a private prayer service for Kelley and her family, focusing on her reconciliation and redemption. This commitment to grace and healing is central to their faith.

“If the opportunity arises to be a part of her redemptive process, we would love to be a part of it in whatever way we can,” Hart continued. “We hold no animosity towards Grace, and we hope and pray the best for her and her family.”

Ground Zero Church is now turning to the broader Christian community for support in replacing their ministry van, which was integral to their outreach efforts. Despite the loss, their focus remains steadfast on the hope that Kelley will find redemption and a renewed relationship with God.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and the unwavering belief in second chances, even in the face of profound challenges. Ground Zero Church’s response exemplifies Christ’s call to love and pray for those who wrong us, offering a glimmer of hope amid a troubling story.

For those moved by their story, the church’s GoFundMe campaign continues to accept donations as they work to replace the tools needed for their ministry and extend compassion to a young woman in desperate need of grace.