HELP STOP THE STEALING OF DONATIONS TO THE POOR

[GMom]

There are churches on almost every corner, and Christian help centers everywhere,
* But have you noticed, ? OR do you know?...That more and more everyday people in need are turned away,
now there are clubs and groups , service centers . Churches are sending those that come to their church doors for help, food, or clothing, away, they are now trusting another organization ( club ) to help everyone they send their way. Somewhat like a foodstamp office, or a clothing bank. ( Supposedly Ran by Christians, ( now those in need must fill out loads of paperwork, give their social security number, and proof of birth for their children and their social security numbers. So the government type Christian organizations can pull government funds in their names, and profit from their gift to those in need.
Does any true Christian, see or notice anything here...???...Do those in need that come to your door & turned away because they are not a member of your church, deserve to be sent to a Christian ran government type building to stand in line biblical. ....No...Are Christians more worried about how pretty their church is, and how fancy and large they are. As more important than those they are to help.
Should all churches go back to helping the public and those that come to their doors in need..?.. yes it means a food pantry again, and a clothes closet again,
But it sure would show, the truth of God, and the care that CHRIST offers , through *THAT* Church that TRULLY follows scripture. *( There will always be the poor. )
(Don't send them away, and say good luck , when you have the ability to help them, ) both these statements, are from the bible.... Christianity is a multi-million dollar buisness...And more and more everyday, it is turning away from God, and away from its purpose, Can anyone see? Let them see.
They are taking the money, clothing and goods, donated from Good loving Christian people, and becoming fat on their riches, ( stealing from the poor ) saying they are giving it to the poor, but they lie and pocket their riches.
Trust your own judgements, take the church back, to the church, this way each church does what it can to honor the Lord, ( and it reduces *Sticky* fingers )

 

[Ariel82]

Don't know what you mean. All the churches I know have food in the kitchen for poor and homeless....ministries run by church members for needy and shut ins.

We donate to other charities too as a church but have many in house.

Homeless person came last week and a church member found him temporary housing and food.

Some people abuse charity.

But we collect clothes and take it to rural poor mountain villages and hand it directly to the people in need.

Problem is. Our church isn't flashy and don't waste money on a tv channel or boast.

 

[His]

I could have written the primary post myself. I totally agree that the church seems to be trying to get out of the charity business,at least in my area.

We could be worshipping in a cave and it would still be true to God. Not helping those in need because our funds are needed for the beautification of our buildings is not. Matt25:45

 

[Miri]

To the OP. Where I live it's the churches who run the charities, food banks,
clothes donations, rehab for homeless, teen challange etc.
By church do you mean the building or the people.

 

[Depleted]

There are churches on almost every corner, and Christian help centers everywhere,
* But have you noticed, ? OR do you know?...That more and more everyday people in need are turned away,
now there are clubs and groups , service centers . Churches are sending those that come to their church doors for help, food, or clothing, away, they are now trusting another organization ( club ) to help everyone they send their way. Somewhat like a foodstamp office, or a clothing bank. ( Supposedly Ran by Christians, ( now those in need must fill out loads of paperwork, give their social security number, and proof of birth for their children and their social security numbers. So the government type Christian organizations can pull government funds in their names, and profit from their gift to those in need.
Does any true Christian, see or notice anything here...???...Do those in need that come to your door & turned away because they are not a member of your church, deserve to be sent to a Christian ran government type building to stand in line biblical. ....No...Are Christians more worried about how pretty their church is, and how fancy and large they are. As more important than those they are to help.
Should all churches go back to helping the public and those that come to their doors in need..?.. yes it means a food pantry again, and a clothes closet again,
But it sure would show, the truth of God, and the care that CHRIST offers , through *THAT* Church that TRULLY follows scripture. *( There will always be the poor. )
(Don't send them away, and say good luck , when you have the ability to help them, ) both these statements, are from the bible.... Christianity is a multi-million dollar buisness...And more and more everyday, it is turning away from God, and away from its purpose, Can anyone see? Let them see.
They are taking the money, clothing and goods, donated from Good loving Christian people, and becoming fat on their riches, ( stealing from the poor ) saying they are giving it to the poor, but they lie and pocket their riches.
Trust your own judgements, take the church back, to the church, this way each church does what it can to honor the Lord, ( and it reduces *Sticky* fingers )

My experience:
1.When I did not need, I was given. Granted,it was a total misunderstanding on both sides. I went to church in nice clean jeans, and a collared shirt, and the women thought I couldn't afford the dresses and skirts. So one of them got money from the church's fund, and took me clothes shopping for job interviews. I wasn't exactly sure why I needed dresses and skirts for job interviews, since the jobs I wanted weren't dress-up jobs, but I felt the need to humble myself for this offer. We got some very nice clothes. And then the next week, I went to church in clean jeans and a collar shirt. The woman who took me shopping was surprised, but I told her that God has seen me on the toilet, so I see no need to impress him with my clothes. Clean is good.

Only after hubby and I married did he tell me that they wanted me to wear dresses to church. Oops. lol By that time they got over seeing me in a dress. lol

2. A friend of hubby and he were talking about making money on the side, and hubby said, "that's always nice." A few weeks later, the same friend dropped by and told hubby that God told him to give hubby $500 to buy tools so he could work on the side. Hubby told him he wasn't that interested, besides his tools at work were his person tools, so he didn't really need the money, but friend insisted God told him to give him the money, so hubby took it.

Three years later, that friend stopped by and asked God to pay him back the money he loaned him. It wasn't a loan. Friend still thinks hubby owes him $500.

3. I told you this story, longer version, on another thread, so this is quicker version. I became disabled. Hubby became disabled 3 years later, after being unemployed for a year. (He was too tired to look for work, which should have been the first sign he was sick.) After our savings account and retirement account was wiped out, we found out he needed chemo. (Hep C.) He needed to sleep in a bed, always had to be near a toilet, and was so very, very sick, when the foreclosure came in the mail.

-- 700 Club wanted us to fill out the forums and send them to them, and they would let us know in five months whether they'd give us money. (Foreclosure gives us 90 days before kicking us out, not five months.)

-- We couldn't go to church because we're both disabled, but we had gone to the classes required to become members of one church right before I became disabled, and hubby had to find new jobs in a new field, so we never technically joined. BUT one of the ministers knew me from back when we worked on a Mercies Ministries group together a few years earlier. There were only three of us in that group, so he didn't forget me. I called him and asked for help. He had to check with the funding committee to see if they could help. They couldn't it was only for members.

-- Asked Catholic Charities, but they too want long forms and long times to help.

-- Last winter, hubby was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and he really could use some fellowship with people who agree on the same basic doctrines, as well as God. (Two Chaplains in the hospital. One Catholic who "cheered him up" by explaining why his shaw/belt around his neck -- forgot what it's called since I haven't been Catholic in 40 years -- was that color. Ooo ooo, surely not a deep discussion on God with that one. The other one said she was Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, blahblahblahblah -- whatever he needed her to be. He needed her to believe the same doctrine we believe so they could talk about God, instead of him feeling a need to teach her about God, so that didn't work out.)

But that same church that couldn't give us money when we were desparate has a huge ministry for people in the healthcare field and it centers right around the four hospitals in that area, including the one hubby was in, so I called that pastor back. Apparently it IS for healthcare people, not lowly hospital patients, because even though they were within a block of him, they just couldn't get any of the hundreds of member to visit him.

But, woot, woot! They placed me on their subscription to get the monthly newsletter, which is a bit less interesting than reading the back of a toothpaste tube. (Healthcare people do not speak in English much, and when they do, all they do is pat each other on the backs.) I was both civil and angry when I told them I didn't want a subscription since they didn't have the time to see my husband when he needed it.

And, ultimately, I would not trust any Christian organization to help us ever again.

It's left a very sour taste in my mouth.

 

[OneFaith]

There are churches on almost every corner, and Christian help centers everywhere,
* But have you noticed, ? OR do you know?...That more and more everyday people in need are turned away,
now there are clubs and groups , service centers . Churches are sending those that come to their church doors for help, food, or clothing, away, they are now trusting another organization ( club ) to help everyone they send their way. Somewhat like a foodstamp office, or a clothing bank. ( Supposedly Ran by Christians, ( now those in need must fill out loads of paperwork, give their social security number, and proof of birth for their children and their social security numbers. So the government type Christian organizations can pull government funds in their names, and profit from their gift to those in need.
Does any true Christian, see or notice anything here...???...Do those in need that come to your door & turned away because they are not a member of your church, deserve to be sent to a Christian ran government type building to stand in line biblical. ....No...Are Christians more worried about how pretty their church is, and how fancy and large they are. As more important than those they are to help.
Should all churches go back to helping the public and those that come to their doors in need..?.. yes it means a food pantry again, and a clothes closet again,
But it sure would show, the truth of God, and the care that CHRIST offers , through *THAT* Church that TRULLY follows scripture. *( There will always be the poor. )
(Don't send them away, and say good luck , when you have the ability to help them, ) both these statements, are from the bible.... Christianity is a multi-million dollar buisness...And more and more everyday, it is turning away from God, and away from its purpose, Can anyone see? Let them see.
They are taking the money, clothing and goods, donated from Good loving Christian people, and becoming fat on their riches, ( stealing from the poor ) saying they are giving it to the poor, but they lie and pocket their riches.
Trust your own judgements, take the church back, to the church, this way each church does what it can to honor the Lord, ( and it reduces *Sticky* fingers )

So many things...

One- those programs WERE started by Christians who had ties to government- nothing wrong with that. It is not wrong for the government to have compassion on its poor people.

Two- the church must see to it that its members are taken care of- whether by them or someone else. For example, a mom must see to it that her child receives education. This does not mean that she personally has to homeschool her child, unless there is no other way. It is perfectly fine to allow the government (public schools) to teach her child ABCs and 123s. BUT if the government can't or won't THEN she must. It is the same with the church- we must make sure our members are clothed and fed- to the best of our ability.

Three- most churches are small, and do not have the financial ability to support everyone that the government supports. If the government didn't help, then those who have no interest to learn about Christ would flock to the churches who have no means to provide for such multitudes.

Four- it is not wrong for the church to support its members only FIRST. The Bible says "Especially those who belong to the household of faith." If there are no more funds after helping our own members, then it's beyond our ability. The Bible says "Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, AND His righteousness, THEN all these things will be added onto you." It does not say for the church to go find poor people- it says for poor people to find the church, then God will provide for them.

Five- God does His job. We don't have to worry about a minister's intentions about what he receives from the collection plate, unless we have evidence to prove dishonest gain. It is God's will to provide for the minister, the poor, the widows, and the orphans. If anyone steals from God you can rest assure that He will take the matter into His own hands- He doesn't need your judgement, He can handle it. We are to judge between right and wrong in ourselves and others, but we are not to judge someone's soul.

Six- No matter what their position, yes there will be those who try to take advantage of others or of programs. The Bible says to be as gentle as doves but as wise as serpents. Yes feed the needy, but also yes do the paperwork that helps filter out those who are being dishonest.

Seven- God uses nonchristians to bring about His Will. He used Pharaoh in the case of Moses. Why does it bother you if He uses the government to do His Will of caring for the poor, widows, and orphans?

 

[KohenMatt]

Not every church or ministry can meet every need. There are churches and ministries specifically called to certain areas of service and needs, whereas specific churches cannot meet those needs well. Sometimes it is the best interest of the person in need or the church itself to direct those in need to the churches or ministries that can help them best.

Should the poor be fed and clothed? Absolutely. Can my church do a very good job of it? Honestly, no. But if folks come to our door needing help, I know where to direct them so that they can be helped best. I know where my church is called to serve and where we are able to help. Other churches and ministries have passed folks along to us because they know they can't meet certain needs like we can.

Again, not every church or ministry can meet every need.

 

[Depleted]

So many things...

One- those programs WERE started by Christians who had ties to government- nothing wrong with that. It is not wrong for the government to have compassion on its poor people.

Two- the church must see to it that its members are taken care of- whether by them or someone else. For example, a mom must see to it that her child receives education. This does not mean that she personally has to homeschool her child, unless there is no other way. It is perfectly fine to allow the government (public schools) to teach her child ABCs and 123s. BUT if the government can't or won't THEN she must. It is the same with the church- we must make sure our members are clothed and fed- to the best of our ability.

Three- most churches are small, and do not have the financial ability to support everyone that the government supports. If the government didn't help, then those who have no interest to learn about Christ would flock to the churches who have no means to provide for such multitudes.

Four- it is not wrong for the church to support its members only FIRST. The Bible says "Especially those who belong to the household of faith." If there are no more funds after helping our own members, then it's beyond our ability. The Bible says "Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, AND His righteousness, THEN all these things will be added onto you." It does not say for the church to go find poor people- it says for poor people to find the church, then God will provide for them.

Five- God does His job. We don't have to worry about a minister's intentions about what he receives from the collection plate, unless we have evidence to prove dishonest gain. It is God's will to provide for the minister, the poor, the widows, and the orphans. If anyone steals from God you can rest assure that He will take the matter into His own hands- He doesn't need your judgement, He can handle it. We are to judge between right and wrong in ourselves and others, but we are not to judge someone's soul.

Six- No matter what their position, yes there will be those who try to take advantage of others or of programs. The Bible says to be as gentle as doves but as wise as serpents. Yes feed the needy, but also yes do the paperwork that helps filter out those who are being dishonest.

Seven- God uses nonchristians to bring about His Will. He used Pharaoh in the case of Moses. Why does it bother you if He uses the government to do His Will of caring for the poor, widows, and orphans?

Read the OT Law. It is not about the church assisting the government. It is about family taking care of their own. And "their own" isn't just "members of the church." It is members of the family -- all Christians. The problem with the church is the members have become complacent thinking the government does it, so we don't have to do anything but pay our taxes.

As for God using Pharoah? Really? It's fine when the government enslaves the people?

 

[oldethennew]

just one of so, so many;

we have a widow in the neighborhood, she goes to a 'church' just down the road from her,
as many, many, of her 'relatives' have and DO for several generations...
I will estimate here, but I'm pretty sure that she has been the 'church-cleaner' for over 30+yrs...

she's 'older' now and lives in a very old house that was maybe built in thirties or forties and it is
probably around a 400 to 500sq foot house - she is an amazing, ,Spirit and a true Giver
of time and Love...my point here is, that she has to 'pay' $60.00 to have her lawn mowed,
she is definitely NOT ABLE, (here is just ONE place where her 'church' should have stepped-in'),
here's another kicker, it is a 'relative who is 'charging her'...she still is picked-up at different times
during the week to attend/nurse others...

Praise God though, 'SHIPS' came to HELP her and they really did a wonderful JOB of fixing some
things that REALLY NEEDED FIXING...it looks to us like they went out of their way to do a
good job...

 

[GMom]

His,. ...May God bless you for your bravery, standing up and speaking out against the wrong, will draw out those untrue Christians that attack, but you sound strong in your knowledge, so That means your without fear, and will stand up for God's law....You also are among the few...And I thank you Gmom

 

[GMom]

Areil82,. I don't know what just happened to my reply to you, I tried to post it and went offline,. I was telling you that your church, is one of the very few left in today's world, it sounds like your church even goes far beyond, and may be TRULLY blessing God, as he watches you. I know of a few churches that still help those in need, but the majority are now joining what I call church clubs like (eccm), suppose to be ran by Christians they list pictures of what they do....
but you would be supprised at the amount of donations that go to the people that run these organizations, they after a while drive fancy new cars, and in time you will notice that they have bigger better homes, their children have new cars, great clothes, and lots of gold Jewlery, and around the office you will hear them talk about their fancy vacations,
But when you stand in the long lines.
You will start to hear stories about the help those in true need didn't get because only after these organizations collect all of their personal information and copy all their social security, and bills, hey are given some expired food, and told they don't have any funds right now, ( and they will never call them to help ) * your church does it right.....Thank you......Gmom

 

[GMom]

Miri, it is the buildings, ran by church people, in my area, churches donate, to an organization and this organization, has alot of volentiers, some are wonderful but you will notice there are those that are always there, the ones in charge, now the Christian organization, pulls government grants in the name of the person in need, to pay light bills mostly,
most of the additional funds are kept by the organization, and they are given some donated food or some clothes, but the millions RECIEVED in cash, and for sales of donations go uncounted, because they fall in the church catagory, and free from most investigations, churches must stop supporting a single building located in one or two areas of town, and go back to the church on the corner, a fellow church can always help out another. In the area, if their need is greater, ...Besides if someone goes to your church in need, wouldn't it be right that that church help them, isn't that what God exspects, or did he want us to go corrporte, and make people stand in lines for hours, in shame and hardship like the government.....

 

[JIMBO43]

There are churches on almost every corner, and Christian help centers everywhere,
* But have you noticed, ? OR do you know?...That more and more everyday people in need are turned away,
now there are clubs and groups , service centers . Churches are sending those that come to their church doors for help, food, or clothing, away, they are now trusting another organization ( club ) to help everyone they send their way. Somewhat like a foodstamp office, or a clothing bank. ( Supposedly Ran by Christians, ( now those in need must fill out loads of paperwork, give their social security number, and proof of birth for their children and their social security numbers. So the government type Christian organizations can pull government funds in their names, and profit from their gift to those in need.
Does any true Christian, see or notice anything here...???...Do those in need that come to your door & turned away because they are not a member of your church, deserve to be sent to a Christian ran government type building to stand in line biblical. ....No...Are Christians more worried about how pretty their church is, and how fancy and large they are. As more important than those they are to help.
Should all churches go back to helping the public and those that come to their doors in need..?.. yes it means a food pantry again, and a clothes closet again,
But it sure would show, the truth of God, and the care that CHRIST offers , through *THAT* Church that TRULLY follows scripture. *( There will always be the poor. )
(Don't send them away, and say good luck , when you have the ability to help them, ) both these statements, are from the bible.... Christianity is a multi-million dollar buisness...And more and more everyday, it is turning away from God, and away from its purpose, Can anyone see? Let them see.
They are taking the money, clothing and goods, donated from Good loving Christian people, and becoming fat on their riches, ( stealing from the poor ) saying they are giving it to the poor, but they lie and pocket their riches.
Trust your own judgements, take the church back, to the church, this way each church does what it can to honor the Lord, ( and it reduces *Sticky* fingers )

Narrow minded thinking will not get you to heaven.

Think of it this way when you pay tax,,,,your money goes to theese organisations.

who are there to help the funrable the chuch is doing its duty by sending people to such places.

Why because the power that be said it is best if you donate 10 percent.

Its actually higher its more like 50 percent of your wage goes to the goverments special needs foundations, and the church knows it thats why they dont ask for ten percent.

Instead the church says even if you donate a penny its ok

 

[JIMBO43]

His,. ...May God bless you for your bravery, standing up and speaking out against the wrong, will draw out those untrue Christians that attack, but you sound strong in your knowledge, so That means your without fear, and will stand up for God's law....You also are among the few...And I thank you Gmom

actually this statement is more in line with!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HMMMM i WONDER HOW MUCH HATRED I CAN STARE UP HERE

 

[GMom]

Depleted,. You are exactly, why people turn from the church, it is situations like yours, that show the true side of today's Christianity, and when you tell them, they become hateful and attack,. THIS IS NOT, WHAT GODS WORD TELLS US TO DO, SCRIPTURE CLEARLY STATES, THAT WE HELP EACH OTHER, AND GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED, you were wronged, you and your husband , I tell you, in the name of the God of creation, he sees all, and he is TRULLY angry, I am glad to see you speak out, most people hold their peace,, to much, ( like me) I should have spoke out years ago, maybe God allowed me to suffer like this for so many years until he broke my silence, but now I know there are Good, loving, true, Christians.
I now must speak out... and along with some that know the truth will stand with me, but there will be many false CHRISTIANS,. That will attack, and try to make excuses for the reason they do this wrong,. ( but there is no excuse for them ) they still may get away with what they are doing, but their death bed isn't to far away,
Standing in front of an angry God, you would think would put fear in them, but for now, they live well, and have much, and do not care.....,. FOR NOW.

 

[GMom]

Jimbo, you make no since to me, what are you talking about,. No, it is wrong for the church to send people away, you don't become a club and act like a state or goverment run organization, God does not ask you to bring your social security cards, all your bills, birth certificates of all your children, and fill out tons of forms, No, this is not how the Church is to act, ( this only shows me people do not read Gods holy word ,THE BIBLE, ) as for the tenth of our wages, you should help your church , or a local church, ( that you know helps those in need) don't give it to government organizations or even religious organizations that operate as the government ones do.... Just don't....

 

[GMom]

Jimbo,. If this starts any anger, it is good anger, scripture says not to have unjust anger,. There is a difference, this anger is a just anger, against the wrongs many Christians are getting into,. We have to catch our wrongs to make them right. If no one ever speaks out, the wrong will continue,. We are to stand up against wrong, and help those In need, turning our backs because we may start an issue, or make someone angry, oh well, I remember our Lord turning over tables, and telling many people they were wrong, he pissed off alot of people, even those that were suppose to be religious, so much so that they killed him,. Our problem is either we stand or we follow the masses, I am choosing to stand Jimbo, and I hope you will to,. Let's change this wrong...

 

[GMom]

In some cases you are right, but the churches are becoming to involved, and must back away, we will suffer yes. But if we hold to ideas such as this, we will become government to, soon we will take a mark, and to continue to help push people to places such as this, we will be supporting their demise,. Think about it, or read revelations, the whole chapter

 

[GMom]

There you go,. ( for those that will see, let them see ) and for those that will hear. Let them hear,. ** I have to get offline now, I will try to get back on much later tonight so if those reading this reply, know I will be back..

 

[GMom]

Kohenmatt,. You are right,. In some that you say....? Then each church will have a list of other churches in the area, that may be able to help, and send them there, ( churches need to work TOGETHER, ) yet stay separate from a group or church grouping in a building, because that is what is causing all the crime, churches must open the doors again, I know some people will have to go to government help centers,. But the churches, God's church has no place there,