Religous convictions are personal and discussed by option only, in the Free World. This is not a Report to warn people for or against Christianity. The primary objective as always at the consumer complaints is to warn the consumer about a likely regrettable investment.
This Report is also different in the nature of inconslusive sources, because ones faith is not and might never be a mathematical equation. Just because this suspected fraud occurs does not mean all Religious organizations, which collect donations through post office boxes, practice the same alleged deception. Someone may see this post office box as a viable option to the preservation and strengthening of ones Christian faith. There is no crime in this perspecive or venture.
What has to be said here and now is the WARNING to all who consider donating a monetary contribution; who unfortunately might be led into a heartbreaking and profound disappointment.
Dictating an intrusive statement, ordering people NOT to donate prohibits impartiality, with the nature of the source and situation. This is an encouragement, a request, a suggestion, as well as a warning. For each person, one at a time, to make the choice. This has to be made independently, considering the option to donate. The empowerment of this information, directs those who prefer a well informed decision.
The Founder/Leader of the letterwriters is Rev. James Ewing. He began a similar mission in 1951. The missions went through varying transitions before reaching the post office box point. For those interested in the historical background access: http://www.rickross.com/reference/fundamentalists/fund113
Zive Bransetter published an article in "Tulsa World"? On April 27 titled, "Reaping the faith&lucrative 'seed faith' mail ministry has Tulsa ties". This is a nine page article but still a thorough and quick read. If someone has problems accessing this article, get back to us for other options.
Rev. James Eugene Ewing is a dreadfully wealthy man residing in California. The Saint Matthew's Post Office Box is where profits accumulate for a supposed hired praying staff. This makes me think of the hired mourners in Medieval Times. These nameless, faceless individuals claim to pray for you and accept a donations for contiual prayers. Last time I checked, I can pray cost free for myself, and have no need to ask faceless strangers to pray. There is no spiritual or marketable need for this service; which potentially undermines the beleif system of Christianiy. This is not to enter a Sunday morning tutorial, just to recognize a common faith.
J.C. Joyce is an Attorney who works for Rev. Ewing. He has been for several years. He justifies the whole process of profit through prayer, with a clear conscience. Understand this organization made "more than $100 million 1997, including $26 million in 1999", this comes from the last times Saint Matthews tax records were public. Mr. Joyce collects well with no sacrifice to profit. Most who track the source of the post office box end up with his (Joyce's) name. Mr. Joyce said "seed faith is a biblical principle preached by thousands".
The organization is not part of other St. Matthew's churches in the Tulsa area, which are inundated with phone calls from people asking to be removed from mailing lists.
Others trained by him to look out for are: Robinson Ministries, Billy James Harris and T.L. Osborn.
I recommend all who are disenfranchised by this post office box access that article posted and quoted throughout this report.
Please consider this information seriously. The Disclaimer which appears on the recent flyers is inadequate and manipulative, as well as inconsiderate to the elderly. Maybe we shouldn't waste too much time and eye strain on it. The Disclaimer does not relinquish them from being held accountable.
If someone needs more information, please get back to us.
Hope this helps.
Consumer Advocate
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