Recently I got , in the mail, a "book" from a charity organization called the St. Matthew's Churches. Appearently, they have some sort of organized prayer circle going and this is their way of "spreading the word" about them and their beliefs. Also, in accordance with their beliefs (and the beliefs of many teachings, religious or otherwise), they believe that you should give to get. Their method is called the Prosperity Seed Harvest Plan. From what I can gather, you send away for this free booklet of "payment coupons", which you send back with donations every month for their ministries like you would a bill.

Appearently,the amount you chose to send is not important, and you can ask them to pray for you for all sorts of things, from financial gain to help with loved ones and addictions. They are careful to point out that they don't sell their prayers and that they will pray for you as often as you ask them to and you need never send money. Their theory is that by giving money you attract it, and other good fortune, to you. This stand is widely prevelant and seems to be legitimate on its own terms (ie, money is a form of energy and that moving it around means that it is flowing through - and to - you, whereas hording it creates a "blockage" of energy and stops the flow). They also ask (I gather), but don't require, that if money comes your way that you tithe 10% to them (again, for their ministries) as a sign of appreciation for God's blessings to you.

I have no beef with their position - I just want to know if anyone knows where this money goes? If it just goes to print more books to get more money to print more books, it seems a bit pointless. Does anyone out there have any better idea of what all these "ministries" might be or have any experience with this group, pro or con. And please, no flaming on how this type of activity is used by evil, psuedo-religeous con men to fleece folks out of their hard earned savings. I know all about that, I don't get that kind of "send money or go to hell" vibe from these folks, and in any case, I am a big girl (with very little savings!). I just need a little more (productive) information to make an intelligent (I promise!) decision. After all, I'm going to end up giving to one charity or another. I would just like to know who I am dealing with.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), January 18, 2001

Answers

Eh what? Like if I pay someone they will say my prayers for me?

-- John (john@cnd.co.nz), January 18, 2001.

Soni, are they a charity? As in, do they do work for the poor or something? I've never heard of them before. Or is the only thing they do is pray for you? If so, I'm with John, you would have as much or more of a voice with God. Guess I figure God listens to all just as well as some organization doing our praying for us. Probably more so if they're in it for money.

-- Annie (mistletoe@earthlink.net), January 18, 2001.

I've done allot of surfing on the net for charity orgs. for our site, but I don't know about these. Isn't the info on what they do in the booklet? If it says Charity, they should have a mission statement.

I haven't heard the "money theory" before either. Honestly, "by giving money, you attract it" sounds a little odd for a ministry to me. My thought is you give to charity to help others, without expecting anything in return. That's what charity means. But I don't know this group, it sounds by the name maybe Methodist? I dunno.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), January 18, 2001.

Oh yes, the prosperity gospel. I heard a teaching once on this. The jest of it was- if you look at Jesus, he never asked for anyone's money. He said follow me, not give to me. Keep you money and find someone near that might really need help and give it anonymously.imho

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 18, 2001.

I have never heard of this outfit either, but echo the sentiments expressed above. I would pass on this group. If you are looking for charitable groups to make a donation to, you might be interested in Heifer Project International, and/or Habitat For Humanity. Both are faith-based charities. I like them both because, unlike welfare, etc, they are not hand-out programs. They both work to help people who are willing to first help themselves, and then later help others. Both are active in the US as well as overseas. They both have websites- I don't know the addresses, but you can find them by entering the name of the org in your search engine.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), January 19, 2001.

Soni, Most charities operate that way and rely on the stupidity and naivete of the suckers out there. If you personally don't know those involved - don't give. A good example of this is the TV preachers. There are enough worthy cause in your own backyard to support.

-- JLS in NW AZ (stalkingbull007@AOL.com), January 19, 2001.

Use caution with any "charity." Always check them out. You can call your State Attorney General's office to see if the charity has had any complaints lodged against it. I tend to be suspicious of all charities, after I was able to identify and report to the police a scam phone charity that was preying on folks in our area. All legit charities must present you with financial information and details as to how the money is allocated. Even so, remember that con artists are good at what they do, so do your research thoroughly.

-- amy (acook@in4web.com), January 19, 2001.

Heifer Project International is a wonderful program...even to this non-believer. Their work continues in the US and all over the world. When an elderly chicken friend died I gave a donation for a flock of chickens in his name. His widow loved it.

-- Anne (HT@HM.com), January 19, 2001.

Yes, Annie- they do some wonderful work. Have seen it myself in Haiti. Another one that I have had personal dealings with is International Aid in Spring Lake, Michigan. They have a bare bones administrative staff and are a clearing house for worth organizations giving aid where needed. We get most of our drugs for the mission clinics there.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 19, 2001.

Odds are its a scam. Take the money you would give them to your local church instead. I bet they will take it to and you'll have folks you know praying for you.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), January 19, 2001.

I was trying to find out something about this charity on the internet when i came across your inquiry. i think if they were legit and wanted people to know what they were about you would be able to find information about them on the internet. i believe if you need something ask Your Father. every hair on your head is numbered! that's how well he knows us. also, the pamplet looks completely hilarious to me.(jmho) Kate

-- Kate (swainkate@hotmail.com), June 19, 2001.