SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Vandals took paint from a church's day-care center and heavily damaged the interior of the King of Kings Lutheran Church.

The vandalism was discovered when a worker arrived at around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Bibles, pews and altars were doused with brightly colored paint left in the church's day-care center by workers who were renovating the area.

"It's devastating that anyone would come in here and do this to the Lord's home," said Mark Brabaw, director of Welcoming Ministries for the church.

The vandalism was confined to the worship area of the 10-year-old building, located near Schoenherr Road, north of 21 Mile Road. Pews were overturned and the altar was almost completely destroyed.

King of Kings' officials said that they are determined to have the area cleaned by the next scheduled service, which is 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Crews are working around-the-clock to restore the church.

Shelby Township police said that they took evidence from the church in an effort to catch those responsible for the extensive damage.

Lt. Roland Woelkers of the Shelby Township police told The Macomb Daily newspaper that they believe that the vandals "might be somebody who has a history (a dispute) with the church."

Woelker also said that the church previously reported that some musical instruments were stolen, but he could not say if the incidents were related.

Shelby Township police are asking anyone who may have information about the vandalism to call them at (586) 731-2121.