This is just wrong!

Our church supports 149 missionaries around the world. We send them each a monthly stipend as do many other churches. That way they are not dependent on one source for their monthly income. There are so-called T.V., ministries which could support them easily but they don't. One of these takes in $100 million per year. They brag about some of the things "god has given them." (The little "g" for God is intentional. They don't worship the God of the Bible I read). The New York Times ran an article about some of these con-artists recently. Here's a sample:

Private airplanes and boats. A motorcycle sent by an anonymous supporter. Vacations in Hawaii and cruises in Alaska. Designer handbags. A ring of emeralds and diamonds. “God knows where the money is, and he knows how to get the money to you,” preached Mrs. Copeland, dressed in a crisp pants ensemble like those worn by C.E.O.’s.

I know a couple who have started an orphanage in Nigeria. They could use some of that cash. They are trying to build homes for the 10 children they have already taken in. I wonder if the Copeland's would consider sending them some money. I doubt it. The article goes on about some followers of Copeland:

The Bielliers were at the convention a few years ago when a supporter made a pitch for people to join an “Elite CX Team” to raise money to buy the ministry a Citation X airplane. (Mr. Copeland is an airplane aficionado who got his start in ministry as a pilot for Oral Roberts.) At that moment, Mrs. Biellier said she heard the voice of the Holy Spirit telling her, “You were born to support this man.”

Now I have no doubt this lady heard voices but I don't think it was the Holy Spirit talking to her. The article in the Times is here.