"They're sitting out there, waiting to give you their money. Are you going to take it? Are you man enough to take it?" Alec Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
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Portly evangelist Jamey Ragle has come up with a new way to get Christians to fork over money to him and his "ministry": he posted on Facebook that his doctor has ordered him to slow down and shed some pounds. But to "slow down", it means Jamey needs....YOUR MONEY! Read it for yourself here, straight from Jamey's Facebook page:
"I am writing to ask you to help me be a part of a wonderful ministry opportunity this summer at Freedom Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have to raise my financial support for this to become a reality. Will you help? Our goal is 10,000. This will enable me to serve during the months of June, July, and August. This will also provide me the opportunity to enjoy some great preaching from pastor Rob White and to follow my doctors orders... Literally! My doctor told me Tuesday that my schedule was too hectic and that I must lose some LBS."
Jamey continues his plea:
"Seriously I want to continue to serve my Lord faithfully but I need to get on task with weight loss and exercise. This will allow me 3 months of continuity, accountability, and productivity! During my time here I will be aiding the pastor and staff in all aspects of ministry. I will also be able to be a part of a great church family."Continuity, accountability, and productivity? Jamey, cut the crap and be honest: You want to quit your job as evangelist for 3 months, and you want your Facebook friends to pay for it. Jamey, do what most normal people who can't put the fork down have to do: continue to work, and STOP EATING, AND BEGIN EXERCISING. Join Weight Watchers. Use the MyFitnessPal app to track your calories. Buy a Richard Simmons exercise tape.
I can think of no other profession in the world where a person could abdicate their work, stay home and focus on weight loss because they had hit people up for money in advance. Of course Jamey has to justify this with a hefty dose of "allow me to do the Lord's work" so people will buy it. But truth is Jamey is asking for money to stay home all summer long and basically NOT do what he says God called him to do. It's good to be a "Man of God".
Now Jamey makes the final appeal for money from his friends:
"Would you help make this opportunity become a reality? I need 100 friends to give 100.00 or 200 friends to give 50.00. Any gift would be greatly appreciated. Checks can be made directly to Freedom Church and sent to their address at 3755 Cornell Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45241. If you would prefer to give another way feel free to contact me directly at jameyragle@yahoo.com."I'm glad Jamey included this closer in his plea for money. This is a great example of how many pastors' thought process works. They live in an alternate universe where money is raised by making people think God wants them; needs them; or requires them to give it to the Man of God or the 501(c)3 religious organization that has hired the Man of God. "Men of God" can use gimmicks, half-baked excuses like Ragle's - so long as there is some sort of loose connection to "the Lord" that the money MIGHT be used for, and if your targets like the MOG, and the MOG is charming and/or funny and/or handsome, there will be gullible people to fork over the money to the Man of God making the plea.
I guess Jamey Ragel IS man enough to take the money from the people who are sitting out there - just waiting for him to take it.
Perhaps Jamey went to this Man of God training session that was secretly recorded by the Watchdog back in 2011.
51 comments:
Over the last year my physician told me I must lose weight. I have lost 120 lbs.
I didn't quit what I was doing. I simply stopped eating so much and started to exercise.
What a crock. Send me $10,000 so I can lose weight....
Sadly, Mr. Ragle, Mr. Mega Pastor, and Mr. nerdy Administrative pastor wannabes, and many other "on the payroll" in religious circles know of one, and only one, way to generate revenue. It is not hard work. It is not investments. It is not producing a needed good, or a valued service. It is simply asking other men and women who do produce income, to give that income to you. Period. End of story. And because we love Jesus, we freely give it. And we wonder why the church is dying.
He can just pick up Rick Warren's Daniel Plan diet book ;)
This clown probably thinks he is important enough to actually deserve the (help) from the morons who follow him. There is no cure for stupid and he will most likely get the money.
I am unable to contribute money to Jamey Ragle. A better contribution than money is knowledge. Mainly the following articles of Gary Taubes from a search of NYT. Very profitable articles and advice on how to lose weight AND keep it.
(For readers who do not have patience to wade through NYT articles, the gist is cut your Sugar intake and use whole grains + other suggestions)
Dog,
I'm a longtime reader and fan of your site. So this comes (to quote Ringo Starr) with "peace and love".
Give this guy a break! First off, itinerant ministers are supported by people who value their ministry. They ask for money! It's what they do. Maybe you think it's wrong, but as they say, hate the game....
Second, have mercy on this man. He's obviously morbidly obese and desperately needs to stop traveling and get in shape. Sure, he should be able to do both. But he can't. He's probably a food addict. Whatever the case, this man (I assume) has a family and we want him to live. Essentially, this guy is following his doctor's orders. I say again, give him a break.
Third, I agree with you when your arrows are aimed at the fat cats, but this guy is essentially begging for $3,333 for three month, which would make an annual salary of $39996. The national average wage is around $44k, which means this guy is living below the national average on his income.
I hate the way people get bilked in the name of God, but this guy is staring down a heart attack and is essentially begging for money.
To quote the great Jeffry Lebowski: "take it easy, man"
with peace and love,
Anon
Here's an idea: Jamey promises that if he doesn't drop down to a non-obese weight by summer's end, he has to refund the donations. I think that's more than reasonable. If he's using the need to lose some weight as an inducement for people to donate the money, then if he doesn't lose the weight he should feel obliged to return it.
Anon @ 11:56am
I am trying to keep from cussing here.
I am the guy who has lost 120 lbs from March 2013 to May 2014.
I did it with a job.
What the ^%#% kind of preacher has to take time off to lose weight.
Look, preacher, get on a treadmill, put down the doughnuts and ice cream and get to work.
This taking time off to lose weight is bunk.....
Actually, I have a better idea for Jamey if he really wants to rake it in. He could go the opposite direction with this. I remember on an old SCTV sketch, they were having a telethon to raise money for the station, and John Candy's character (Johnny Larue)vowed that he was going to keep drinking until the pledge goal was met. Jamey could do the same thing. Tell people that until he gets $10,000 in donations, he's going to consume 10,000 calories a day and will eventually be a bedridden whale.
If Jamey's idea is legit and reasonable, let's do it this way: Have him raise the money in his community. Go to businesses and business people that are not part of his ministry audience. That way, it cannot be said he is manipulating gullible, trusting Christians out of their money. If he can get the banker down the street to GIVE him money, then we'll know God is in it. If that doctor he goes to will GIVE him money, so be it. If his lawyer will hand him cash, great. But don't take advantage of people who love Jesus, that may have enjoyed hearing you tell them more about Jesus. Taking advantage of the sheep is not okay. Raise those funds some other way.
Wow, the man wants to do something but he can't because he doesn't have enough money. Shocking. I have an idea, I'll just ask someone else to pay for it. Nice. I wish I could do that.
The Watchdog could lose a few pounds, but all this blogging keeps him from having the time off. Idea: let's send WD $30,000 (why settle for just $10K?)so he can afford to take some time off from blogging this summer and lose some pounds. You can send it to Steve Luxembourg's home address. I'm sure it will get to the designated place.
Unbelievable diffusion of responsibility! I can't think of an easier, more flexible job than that of a pastor. These guys show up for "work" whenever they feel like it with no accountability, then probably have a little prayer session with their mindless staff of sycophants, then they download their Sunday morning message off of the internet, then they counsel some poor wife not to leave her jerk husband who's abusing her because God hates divorce more than he hates evil husbands, then they waddle to their office and check their vacation plans... oops, I mean european ministry plans, then they surf some porn and flirt with the secretary before hitting Claim Jumper for Happy Hour.
Gotta love organized religion.
If he can't do it with his "regular" job, then he won't be able to sustain the weight-loss. It is lifestyle change. It will come off slower but it is doable and sustainable.
Anon @1:34
I commend you on your weight loss. I've done the same (albeit not as much weight) while working a full time job. We did it! He can't. Maybe you travel less than he does. Maybe you have completely different physical issues at play. I'm happy for you, and there is no sarcasm in that statement. But when the church has people (like it or not) who have an itinerant ministry (i.e. they travel constantly) and face a health issue, the church often steps up (see give $$) for them to meet the crisis. In this case, the guy is fat and his doctor gave him advice. He's taking it while working at a church that apparently cannot pay him (being charitable in my read) so he's asking for modest support from people who apparently already are prone to support him and undoubtedly many have done so.
There are musical artists who appeal to their fans for financial support for various projects, or, even for help meeting financial needs when a crisis arises. Their goal is to keep making music and not have to get a full time job, and some people who appreciate their contribution to the medium are happy to support them so they can continue. I see the same spirit of generosity here.
I simply don't think it's charitable to assume this man is being lazy.
Peace and love,
Anon
Anon 3:31
By saying "these guys" of pastors you err. I would humbly ask that you consider the danger of hastily generalizing an entire group of people for the sake of the proverbial "bad apples".
And no, I'm not a pastor. Just someone who has had several faithful small church pastors who work very hard, don't complain, and never exploit their position for money.
I very much enjoy and appreciate this blog, but as readers, we cannot paint all pastors with a dangerously broad brush.
Peace and love,
Anon
So what your saying is the "job" God called him to is killing him with NO other solution than to quit and relax for a while...according to his doctor???
Im offended by how arrogant and demeaning and ignorant of truth he really is. And freaking wussy!
Old coach's used to say "work through it" or "walk it off". Now we gotta be cuddled?
Think about it. We are all called by God to the vocation we are in...if we are following him. If he is really in Gods calling HE will provide him a solution While In Ministry. Name one single other vocation that could try this stunt. "Hey boss Im getting donations to support me while I take a break".
Would the apostle Paul ask for money so that he could rest and lose weight?
Somehow, it just sounds really preposterous.
Acts 18:2b-4
…and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
(Disclaimer – satire)
From the Apostle Paul
FREEDOM SUMMER - 55 A.D.
Dear Friends,
I am writing to ask you to help me be a part of a wonderful ministry opportunity this summer at Corinth. I have to raise my financial support for this to become a reality. Will you help? Our goal is 10,000 Denarius. This will enable me to serve during the months of June, July, and August (Roman calendar). This will also provide me the opportunity to enjoy some great preaching from brother Apollos and to follow my doctor Luke’s orders... Literally! He told me Tuesday that my schedule was too hectic and that I must lose some LBS. Imagine that... LOL.
Seriously I want to continue to serve my Lord faithfully but I need to get on task with weight loss and exercise. This will allow me 3 months of continuity, accountability, and productivity! During my time here I will be aiding Silas, Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla in all aspects of ministry. I will also be able to be a part of a great church family….as long as they stop quarrelling! But I’ll address that in my next letter.
Would you help make this opportunity become a reality? I need 100 friends to give 100.00 Denarius or 200 friends to give 50.00 Denarius. Even two copper coins would be greatly appreciated. Currency can delivered directly to young Mark and he will bring them to me at address 24/7 Gospel Road, Corinth, Greece, Roman Empire zip XXVIII. If you would prefer to give another way feel free to contact me directly at AP@Maranatha.com
THANKS EVER SO MUCH
The rest of us have to lose weight on our own nickel and while we continue with our daily responsibilities.
And drive cars that are not given to us.
And live in houses that are not parsonages.
And take vacations that we pay for ourselves.
And pay our own tuition for our kids' schools.
These are all choices, and the expectation that someone else provide them because we are in "ministry" gets really long in the tooth.
After reading your blog this a.m. I was reminded of a young missionary that my husband and I helped go to Haiti last summer for a mission of mercy. He was asked to raise his support because he did not receive a salary from the Methodist church. I wonder if anyone knows where missionaries and evenagelists receive their funding if not by asking parishioners, friends, and family to support them. Now I'm not sure I would have worded the plea the way the old "big boy" did but I see nothing in the communication about taking the summer off. I did see where he wanted to serve as if he were a part of the church's staff. Where does he mention taking time off to just to have fun with the other minister? Furthermore if the church or synagogue is unable to pay a volunteer to serve where would he or she receive funding? Not really sure what I think about it all but I am a good reader!
Serious question, not sarcasm:
If the people give him the money, did God provide it, or did Jamie raise it through people and they provided it?
Because as Jamie has said while speaking on his circuit: “I’ll tell you what you can always be confident in, my God will supply your needs,” he said.
It seems to me if God provides it, there is no reason to beg from people you know. But then again, some will say God did provide it, but he used people. Similar question: If I have 12 hours of surgery at the hands of a highly skilled and trained surgeon, was it God that healed me or was it the surgeon?
Anon May 6, 2014 at 8:34 AM - The reason he says he is asking for funds is because he is "taking off" from the normal traveling he would do over the summer to earn income. I guess he gains weight when he travels and preaches and can lose the weight by not traveling this summer. But he needs funds in order not to have to travel.
By the way, if he was raising money to go on a missions trip, that is normal and acceptable. I don't think it would have made this blog.
WOW WD... Love your posts, but I am inclined to agree with the individual a couple of posts up. I read your post and his letter... He didn't ask for money to take the summer off... Really! No where does it say either that he will be there exclusively. He may still keep going to other churches as well.
Like I said, I enjoy reading your posts, but you're getting a time out from me on this one! LOL
Tom,
You and I have had a couple of disagreements in the past on some of the stories you've reported on...but this one about Jamey Ragle is one that I have to side on with you. Right now, I'm in process of losing a hoped-for total of 100 pounds (15, so far) but it is ME who allowed myself to get so out of shape and, really, unfit for doing ANY work for the Lord. Shame on me...and shame on Jamey Ragle. How can he possibly go to sleep at night knowing that he wants anyone in cyberspace or the fellowship of churches he knows to help subsidize his weight loss instead of using his own savings to pay for the time off he thinks he needs? What? He's become exhausted and overweight doing God's work? Is this God's fault now? So God's people should bear the brunt of the cost of getting him back in shape? This just goes right through me...and it makes me think I need to get into the phony, whiny, give-me-your-last-dollar-so-I-can-DO-the-work-of-God type of evangelist. My wife and I haven't had jobs now for over three years but you don't see me going to YouTube or Facebook and putting up some sob story begging for money so we won't lose our house to foreclosure. Weight loss is no different. But you know what? The truth is, Ragle will probably get the money he wants because there are enough people out there who are saps when it comes to hearing a sob story. What Ragle should have been doing all along is getting on his knees, IF HE CAN, and confessing and repenting of his sin of gluttony, then immediately start eating correctly and DOING his own weight loss plan at HIS expense, just the way you or I would.
On the chance that he does get enough funds from people and he takes off time to lose weight, BUT, say he doesn't lose any or very little weight. What then? Will he blame his contributors for not sending enough money? Will it be "their fault?" Maybe they should send more money because "the cure is just around the corner!" This whole thing stinks and I pray that NO ONE will contribute to the mess he created.
Billy Jordan,
It is well worth it.
When you go like I did from a size 52 jacket to a 40 and size 48 pants to a 36, it is pretty amazing.
My blood sugar is now in the middle 70s, my wife says I no longer snore at night. My blood pressure went from 170/100 to 120/70. I no longer take b/p Meds.
Remember, you must be serious. It is a lifestyle change. My trouble now is, I am having trouble stopping the weight loss. My osteopathic physician has increased my calories, but so far, I am still dropping pounds. I weight about what I did my Freshman year in HS.
Good luck on your weight loss. I will be praying for you.
It appears this man of Gods evangelism life lead him to gain the weight. Simple, he needs to quit doing what caused him to gain the weight and go back to a different job.
Its all about attitude.
Years ago a missionary (volunteer) as one post pointed out would share the vision God gave them. "I AM going to do this work over there. I AM working to save my own cash to get there and could use your help...But if no help comes when I have the funds saved Im still going and God will help me survive."
Now With missions IT IS ALL "IF you all" will help pay all the expenses (now and future living expenses) "THEN ill go and obey God". That just seems weird to me!!!
Same here...
He could have gave his "I Am going to get out of this rut...I Am going to do actual physical work at another ministry (not hang with and listen to preaching)...I Am going to lose weight while there...I Am going trusting God...It will cost me financially but Im doing it...would anyone like to help be a part of it?"
That simply is NOT AT ALL the attitude. Instead he has grown used to expecting from his sheep (in advance even).
Sorry but no baaaaaa here!
WD is reposting this anon post, minus the 70 hard returns at the end:
Who is to say that this request for $10,000. is all that will come in. Ragle has come to the church where I'm a member of several times and it is not unusual for these people to receive a love offering of that amount for one days work.
Recently we had a speaker to receive a love offering of better than $9600. for one days work.
$10,000, may sound like a modest amount to ask for three months.
This is a science with these people. They know about what to expect that a request like this is likely to bring in. Don't expect that you will actually learn the true amount that this request will bring in.
Very good comments here!
Anon 8:02, I agree, I think what stinks most about Jamey's plan is the attitude, or what I would say is his "thought process".
He actually does the calculation: Gee, if I can get "100 friends to give me $100, or 200 friends to give me $50".
Who thinks in terms like that for raising money to take the summer off of your chosen profession? Who actually has the audacity to publicly state it??
I don't see Jamey Ragle's ministry registered at the ECFA, so I don't see much transparency from Jamey financially. I wouldn't recommend anyone give any money, to any "ministry" where there is not some basic level of transparency in terms of how much money was raised last year, and how it was spent. Jamey wants you to send the money to some church - which most of his "friends" are probably not familiar with - for a cause that is somewhat sketchy (what WILL Jamey do? What "ministry" will he do?) It sure sounds like he wants to take the summer off, and wants his friends to pay for it, thinking it will help this "man of God" continue in the future to do God's will.
If we do send money to "Freedom Church" to help Jamey, what should we mark it as, "Jamey Ragle Weight Loss Fund"? And how do we know what they will do with it?
That is why I started the article off with the Alec Baldwin character quote from Glenngarry Glen Ross. That is how these guys think. The money is out there, they are ready to give it, you just have to ask.
You have to be brazen enough to actually take it. You have to be man enough.
Apparently Jamey Ragle is man enough to just take people's money.
The ECFA is a big joke. Members pay to be listed so the ECFA is reluctant to actually tell the truth and nothing but the truth hence they would lose members and most important the revenue from these members.
Agreed - what other job can you find where you can ask people for money to help fund your weight loss and take time off work? Amazingly, people will give.
Not too long ago I saw a fundraiser for a pastor who is going on his sabbatical. I do not have a problem with pastors taking sabbaticals, however, if you know in advance that your church is not going to fund it, then you better be saving up for that. Or, finding a second job for a while that will help fund that. I don't think it's right to ask people to fund a sabbatical when there are other ways to earn/save money for it.
Here is what I feel is missing in this whole equation. Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a fault, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
All I have read seems to be so mean spirited and non redemptive in its core essence. This is my first experience on this blog so I really don't know if it's audience is Christ followers or what. I would however believe a Christ follower would approach this story in an entirely different manner. Does anyone here care that God has greatly used this man for over many years and many have come to faith in Chtist? I suppose I just see it differently. When someone has clearly fallen into a bad lifestyle or a poor set of choices, our mandate as Christians is to restore gently, because we might be next. It's also very easy as I well know to be so cold and bold when we are hidden behind the shroud of anonymity. I'm gonna try and call the guy to see if I can pray for him. Furthermore as someone else stated, he's not raising money to lose weight. Why was that ever the title of the blog? It's clearly misrepresented! Weight loss which is something he and many of the rest us could benefit from but it would be an added benefit of some regular intervention from a consistent community of believers. Let the word of God speak... You who are SPIRITUAL restore gently! God Bless!
The control for this sort of thing is in the same and only place it has ever been, in the pew. It stops when it stops working.
Jamey must be kind of a 2nd tier type.
Seems like he is low balling this at $10,000 for three months?
1. He either doesn't need the dollars and just wants to pick up some extra "walking around money" for his three month religious spa experience. Or.....
2. He isn't a real offering plate buster anyway and figures he is maxed out at a ten grand gimme.
So, the plan is to lose weight listening to sermons?
I'm gonna try and call the guy to see if I can pray for him.
__________________________________
Please don't. I didn't ask for prayers, I asked for money. Cold hard cash. Thanks.
I am a Pastor and I have a couple of ideas for Jamey...this is what I do each morning. I sacrifice an hour of sleep and get up and work out after I read my Bible. I have lost weight and I am in better shape. I have another idea according to Scripture. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 - "For when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
I think perhaps the only thing sadder and more ridiculous than this preacher begging money so he can take a three month vacation from his job to diet, are the people in the comments defending him over it. Oh please.
I know one thing if I were Mr Jamie Ragel, I would be contacting my attorney. Not once in the letter did he ask for money to take time off or to lose weight. The body of the letter mentioned that he would serve and assist the pastor and the staff in the performance of ministry duties. Although weight loss and losing weight are mentioned in the letter it is not the directive of the letter. I believe it is a total misrepresentation of the correspondence.
May 9, 3:29
Then why ask for others to support this personal choice financially?
Lines have gotten too blurry with people asking for support in the name of ministry.
It disrespects the good heart and nature of people to do things like this.
At Anon of 3:29 PM
You said,
"I know one thing if I were Mr Jamie Ragel, I would be contacting my attorney. Not once in the letter did he ask for money to take time off or to lose weight."
Yes, he did ask for money - for $10,000 for three months off.
He phrased it as "ministry opportunity" and asked for [$]10,000.
He also used the phrase "raise my financial support...."
I don't mean to sound rude, but I honestly wonder if you have a reading comprehension problem or are being deliberately obtuse.
Here are his words again:
"I am writing to ask you to help me be a part of a wonderful ministry opportunity this summer at Freedom Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
I have to raise my financial support for this to become a reality.
Will you help? Our goal is 10,000. This will enable me to serve during the months of June, July, and August.
This will also provide me the opportunity to enjoy some great preaching from pastor Rob White and to follow my doctors orders... Literally! My doctor told me Tuesday that my schedule was too hectic and that I must lose some LBS."
"The national average wage is around $44k, which means this guy is living below the national average on his income."
So am I! I have two college degrees in technical fields, and I've never earned anything close to "the national average" in a year. Cry me a river! There's one exercise that will help Ragle's predicament more than anything he can do. They're called "push aways." Put down the doughnut and push away from the table. And then start moving. After you've seen your doctor, of course. Oh, and do it on your own dime!
The entitlement "Christian" has entered the gates from the pastor on the pulpit to the Biblically ignorant pew sitter having his ears tickled as he hasn't picked up his Bible in years to read, study, and meditate upon our LORD'S precepts for himself.
God's Word is true, "we are blind, poor, and naked" and now followers of Jesus are made to feel guilty for not throwing money at preachers salaries and larger church buildings complete with latte machines.
Lord, have mercy on what church has now become, a harlot prostituting itself on the wings of pride and money. Forgive us Father.
This is my first look at your blog. Wow. I'll be back I'm sure. I am a pastor and I am fed up with this silly nonsense. 10 grand to lose some weight?! How utterly ridiculous! Hey brother Jamie; go on a diet, get some exercise like the rest of us! Sheesh. A few years ago, I needed to lose some weight, so I went on a high protein diet and started exercising. I didn't ask my church or anyone else for help, and I achieved my goal with God's help and pure grit. I am disgusted with these millionaire preachers and their rock star lifestyles. I serve a congregation of about 100 people, and I work a part-time job to help put my 2 kids through college and keep my head above water. I'm glad to see someone shining the light on the foolishness I see in churches today. God help us. -Dan, a pastor in Virginia
This breaks my heart. God knows our hearts, and his.
Most everyone on here has no clue what you are talking about it. How many of you have ever been a full time evangelist? It is one of the toughest callings in Christianity. There is no offering plate being passed each week like in a church that pays the staff. You are fully trusting that God will provide you with Kingdom minded churches that will allow you to come in and share the Gospel. The Bible is clear that some are gifted and called evangelists, but churches rarely have them in any more. Jamey has to provide for his family and a special needs child included in that. Your article is a blatent lie. He did not say he was taking the summer off. He said he would be working for the church. The thing is the church probably just cannot afford to pay him, so this man is having to raise his own salary. Has anyone on this thread ever had to do that. He is asking for $10,000 for 3 months. That is $3300 a month. That is less than $40,000 per year BEFORE taxes. I am not seeing the issue hear at all. I run an international missions ministry and it is very tough. When you are fully dependent upon donations and people that believe in your calling in order for your to fulfill that calling AND provide for your family, it tests your faith. But rather than being supportive, what you all do is against the Word of God. Jesus said in John 17:23 that the WORLD would KNOW that GOD sent JESUS through OUR UNITY and LOVE FOR one another. It is posts like this that prevent that unity from taking place. It is posts like this that are the reason I have lost people say to me "Why would I become a Christian? They are the only army that shoots their own soldiers in the back"? That is so very sad, and in my humble and accurate opinion the sin in all of this. The fact that Jamey is trying to raise funds to support himself so that he can do what God has called him to do is not only not a sin, but is a measure of his faith in God to provide. I pray you will think about what you are posting before you post stuff like this and consider the impact that it has on the Kingdom of God and how looks to a lost person to see the way posts like this of attacking our own brothers in Christ.
In addition, it would be prudent to first of all even have a clue what you are talking about before posting this kind of negativity. In this case, you are all clueless.
Most everyone on here has no clue what you are talking about it. How many of you have ever been a full time evangelist? It is one of the toughest callings in Christianity. There is no offering plate being passed each week like in a church that pays the staff. You are fully trusting that God will provide you with Kingdom minded churches that will allow you to come in and share the Gospel. The Bible is clear that some are gifted and called evangelists, but churches rarely have them in any more. Jamey has to provide for his family and a special needs child included in that. Your article is a blatent lie. He did not say he was taking the summer off. He said he would be working for the church. The thing is the church probabaly just cannot afford to pay him, so this man is having to raise his own salary. Has anyone on this thread ever had to do that. He is asking for $10,000 for 3 months. That is $3300 a month. That is less than $40,000 per year BEFORE taxes. I am not seeing the issue hear at all. I run an international missions ministry and it is very tough. When you are fully dependent upon donations and people that believe in your calling in order for your to fulfill that calling AND provide for your family, it tests your faith. But rather than being supportive, what you all do is against the Word of God. Jesus said in John 17:23 that the WORLD would KNOW that GOD sent JESUS through OUR UNITY and LOVE FOR one another. It is posts like this that prevent that unity from taking place. It is posts like this that are the reason I have lost people say to me "Why would I become a Christian? They are the only army that shoots their own soldiers in the back"? That is so very sad, and in my humble and accurate opinion the sin in all of this. The fact that Jamey is trying to raise funds to support himself so that he can do what God has called him to do is not only not a sin, but is a measure of his faith in God to provide. I pray you will think about what you are posting before you post stuff like this and consider the impact that it has on the Kingdom of God and how looks to a lost person to see the way posts like this of attacking our own brothers in Christ.
I have pity for Jamey for being reduced to this. He once was a man that earned huge income as an evangelist. He has had some personal problems but I think his heart for God is still true. To think otherwise would not be charitable or forgiving. God used many men like Jamey in the Bible to carry his word.
Well.... after reading these posts it is my opinion that the tone upheld in theses messages would produce an enormous amount of weight loss in and of itself, for the one who originally requested the funds.
Therefore: Mission accomplished and CASE CLOSED!!!
Well...after reading these adverse replies to Jamey's plea for funds, it would appear to me that the response, alone, would induce significant weightloss.Godspeed and CASE CLOSED
Well.... after reading these posts it is my opinion that the tone upheld in theses messages would produce an enormous amount of weight loss in and of itself, for the one who originally requested the funds.
Therefore: Mission accomplished and CASE CLOSED!!!
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