Report: Saint Matthew's Churches aka. Prayer By Letters
Category: Religion
Saint Matthew's Churches aka Prayer By Letters rip off scam con artists in the name of God Tulsa Oklahoma
*Consumer Suggestion ..Reconrenegade is right on.
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Saint Matthew's Churches aka. Prayer By Letters
Fax:
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74121-9934
U.S.A.
Submitted: 9/19/2002 8:41:38 PM
Modified: 5/16/2008 9:12:41 AM
Kirsten
omaha, neJust to note, this isn't in any way affiliated with the REAL St. Matthew's church in Tulsa. They're a real church (and from what I hear, a great one at that!)
This is a great example of how they play on people's emotions to get money out of them
It started when I opened the mailbox and saw this letter for Saint Matthew's churches there. Curious, I opened it. It seemed as if it were for a prayer circle type of group. This is ok since I enjoy the whole idea of prayer circles. I read through the material and wow, cheesy stuff I tell you what. It instructed to mail back the envelope while keeping the other 'special' envelope under my pillow. This was to be done with 'special' prayers and bible passages. *shrug* Call me curious I sent in the info. Big mistake, I mean HUGE.
Turns out, they want money in order for your 'prayers to come true'. Oh yeah, scam time boys and girls. I hit the internet running when their next set of propaganda came. There is no church (go figure, and I refuse to capitalize it because they aren't a church), there is no information, there is NOTHING. I would like to know where the money is going to, I'm assuming others would too. Aside from the obvious scam, it smells of a gifting scheme too.
I do have to laugh everytime I get their letters (I cannot get off their mailing list no matter how many times I shred and send them back their stuff), they send cute little 'blessed' items. A piece of 'Joshua's Gold Harvest Cord', a felt number 3, 'Joseph's' coat, and on and on. What worries me is people who are superstitious *for lack of a better word* would fall for this. Money isn't going to come to you by sleeping with it under your pillow, in your window sill or pinned to your clothing.
These scammers need to be exposed and people need to be warned. I wasn't dumb enough to send money, but as I said there are people that WILL fall for this and it isn't right. My only regret is that I was curious and now they won't leave me alone. I've even written (both nice and very nasty) letters asking to be removed about 5 times now. These are horrid people scamming in the name of Christ. You've been warned.
K.E.
Omaha, Nebraska
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Updates & Rebuttals:
- Suggestion send the stuff back Howard [1/13/2003 8:07:26 PM]
- The Results of an Investigation Mary [9/10/2003 7:25:42 AM]
- Saint Matthew's Churches Scams Ellen [9/24/2003 8:44:08 PM]
- I have tried to get rid of them too Doris Marie [10/22/2003 9:49:33 AM]
- The Believers vs Nonbelievers Lisa [12/5/2003 11:01:03 PM]
- This is a Really Old Scam Robert [12/6/2003 7:45:01 AM]
- Stop throwing away your money! Tim [12/8/2003 1:21:18 PM]
- They are now sending prayer rugs (paper) with the face of Jesus. Alice [1/14/2004 4:40:21 AM]
- Who are they? Rebecca [1/16/2004 10:51:44 AM]
- This is a very slick operation. On par with the old scam of the tent missionaries Howard [1/17/2004 9:16:14 AM]
- Send the letters back! Hope [1/22/2004 10:18:30 PM]
- Saint Matthew's Churches Scams well documented by The Trinity Foundation specializes in exposing religious swindles Chris [2/21/2004 2:48:09 PM]
- Never heard from them again Rebecca [2/22/2004 10:31:52 PM]
- The eyes on the jesus rug didn't open when i looked at it Jill [3/10/2004 12:16:46 AM]
- A Church with no one attending at service. S. [3/20/2004 9:18:08 AM]
- Rip-off con artists in the name of CHRIST Glenda [6/16/2004 4:50:13 PM]
- Still no word from them Rebecca [6/17/2004 5:37:16 PM]
- Saint Mathew's Churches Tulsa Oklahoma Tina [7/23/2004 12:54:08 PM]
- You People must all be idiots Remington [7/26/2004 6:45:46 AM]
- GOD will judge them Ann [7/26/2004 4:04:03 PM]
- Do not send the money Marie [8/3/2004 12:06:35 PM]
- If these people are using this to scam others, then God will judge them directly. Lawrence [8/12/2004 6:14:03 AM]
- Address the same as lawyer's address?!?!? Megan [8/12/2004 11:47:12 AM]
- Tithing is wrong in this case Paul [8/14/2004 8:48:15 AM]
- Using the trash can is free Emily [9/4/2004 9:02:09 AM]
- Another one? Lawrence [9/4/2004 11:47:24 AM]
- Read the Trinity Foundation's report! Mike [9/5/2004 9:53:43 AM]
- Thanks Mike! Lawrence [9/6/2004 7:36:42 AM]
- Seed faith Paul [9/6/2004 8:28:20 AM]
- Dont send money to st. matthews; send it to GOD Herbert [9/20/2004 8:31:22 AM]
- thats the point Paul [9/21/2004 5:10:22 AM]
- Your right Paul. But... Sometimes God wants us to do things that dont make sense to test our faith. Herbert [9/22/2004 6:49:02 AM]
- What does God need with money? Pat [9/23/2004 12:43:33 PM]
- I almost agree with the idiot response, Let them pay for my mailing trash to them Wayne [10/13/2004 12:26:22 PM]
- REPORT THESE GUYS TO IRS Helene [10/19/2004 7:28:00 AM]
- Giving Marie [10/20/2004 7:10:41 AM]
- Test yes Paul [10/20/2004 7:24:21 AM]
- These people don't.....but God does need money Rebecca [10/20/2004 8:21:41 AM]
- Forged a check on my mother's check account Helen [10/20/2004 3:25:21 PM]
- Peter Popoff is a Fake!! Christian [10/28/2004 7:00:09 PM]
- Pure of heart yes. Being pure of heart is good but knowingly helping a crook commit a crime means one is misguided. Paul [10/30/2004 11:22:25 AM]
- sending it back Paul [10/30/2004 5:32:45 PM]
- Not Scam At All SEAN [12/6/2004 12:32:27 PM]
- I'll Prey for you! Bryan [12/7/2004 9:17:58 PM]
- people will believe anything even when proven when its proven to be fake Psul [12/8/2004 5:44:11 AM]
- selling holy water that isnt even close to holy Paul [12/8/2004 9:07:29 AM]
- The USA is a breeding ground for so called TV Preachers/Evangelists Bryan [12/8/2004 7:19:03 PM]
- bryan Paul [12/9/2004 6:35:57 AM]
- Give The People What They WANT! ..no different than a child believing in Santa Amy [1/7/2005 10:21:04 PM]
- Are you a complete moron or what!?!?? Bryan [1/8/2005 11:16:12 AM]
- Give to your local church before you send your money to someone you don't know! Bonnie [1/8/2005 10:55:31 PM]
- Mail Back A Box Of Sand At Their Expense David [1/16/2005 12:10:24 AM]
- St. Matthew's Bogus prayer letters Carol [1/16/2005 4:00:56 PM]
- Send them the Rip Off Report Jerry [2/19/2005 3:13:14 PM]
- Heres an idea we throw all of our money straight up into the air William [3/15/2005 11:57:52 AM]
- Sned it back, plus some.. Libby [3/29/2005 9:02:49 PM]
- prayer rugs, the seed principle, seed harvest plan Jessica [3/30/2005 9:27:00 AM]
- Saint Matthew's churches aka Prayer by letters. Keith [5/4/2005 3:06:15 PM]
- BE IT UNTO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH Lynda [5/8/2005 8:12:25 AM]
- Is God Supplementing His Income By Moonlighting As A Realtor ? Russ [5/9/2005 6:11:18 PM]
- Give 10% of your firstfruits. Carmen [5/19/2005 11:10:10 AM]
- Give 10% of your firstfruits. Carmen [5/19/2005 11:19:10 AM]
- God is Good! Jill [5/21/2005 8:07:38 AM]
- Unwanted 'Religious' mail Jim [5/22/2005 1:52:55 PM]
- NOT stupid, just desperate! Pamela [5/23/2005 5:45:17 PM]
- Another Victim Marsha [7/25/2005 9:42:23 AM]
- God did not say... S [8/4/2005 9:06:55 AM]
- In time the Lord will deal with Mr. Ewing Nick [8/11/2005 1:57:38 PM]
- Idiots who believe in god deserve what they get! Curt [8/12/2005 7:12:47 AM]
- Um..... think some people are confused Nate [10/13/2005 8:25:57 PM]
- Test the Spirits Cynthia [1/27/2006 9:01:33 PM]
- Wrong, Curt Courtney [1/28/2006 9:36:50 AM]
- For The Last Time You Suckers, It's Only A Scam. Russ [1/28/2006 2:34:12 PM]
- It's a scam Lorraine - Geek Consumer Advocate :-) [1/28/2006 10:28:47 PM]
- What did you expect... Al [1/29/2006 2:21:58 PM]
- Not sure what to think Dennis [3/26/2006 3:08:39 PM]
- To tithe or not to tithe...Saint Mathew's Prayer Blanket Mark [4/17/2006 8:20:37 PM]
- Heads up... the name J.C. Joyce that was mentioned in another post on this subject Eric [8/28/2006 2:53:29 PM]
- St mathews Paul [9/19/2006 12:09:52 PM]
- Just thoughts Anatoliy [1/6/2007 8:02:49 PM]
- Hey Folks a new name 'Handkerchiefs' Juergen [3/5/2007 6:41:25 PM]
- This is what I did Ethel [3/16/2007 1:53:17 PM]
- I have found a Solution to this Problem. lets get these folks where they belong, behind bars. Rix [8/27/2007 7:10:53 PM]
- Lisa Said... Glenn [1/2/2008 5:21:48 PM]
- Send it back! Travastador [1/18/2008 2:01:39 PM]
- Just how are these people being blessed... Billy [1/19/2008 7:34:39 PM]
- God blessed me with $3,330 Anyounmous [1/26/2008 10:41:58 PM]
- God has blessed me with $3300 Anyounmous [1/26/2008 11:08:41 PM]
- God is about to bless you further...from the most unlikely of sources... Truth Detector [1/27/2008 8:45:39 AM]
- inre: St. Matthew's Churches 'alleged' junk mail... Minneboy [2/14/2008 9:29:11 AM]
- st mathews is a fake setup Paul [4/5/2008 2:36:28 PM]
- It is truly more Blessed to Give than to receive! Joe [4/5/2008 11:25:26 PM]
- Blessed because of St. Matthews with $15,000 and many other things Faithful [5/11/2008 8:36:41 PM]
- not likely Paul [5/15/2008 11:05:29 AM]
- Do Not Respond, but take the opportunity to be reminded of Prayer Reconrenegade [5/15/2008 2:15:27 PM]
- Reconrenegade is right on. Paul [5/16/2008 7:05:37 AM]
Suggestion send the stuff back
My daughter has been getting this same letter. I send it all back in their return envelope without filling anything out. I also include some of my other paper trash with it, including used kleenex.
Hopefully they will get the hint and not send anything more. But I refuse to pay for having this junk mail hauled away in my trash each week.
The Results of an Investigation
K.E. in Omaha stated that these people need to be exposed. I have an account with KnowX.com and so investigated the corporate records and owners and officers for Saint Matthew's Churches after I received a testimonial letter and Business Reply Mail postcard from this outfit.
Saint Matthew's Churches is described as an 'Oklahoma Non-profit Corporation, corporate ID number--DN00306409'. It was incorporated on May 24, 1977 and its status is 'Active--Good Standing' (!!!)
The Regional Agent Address is listed as:
J.C. Joyce
515 S Main Mall #300
Tulsa, OK 74103
I do not know how accurate this information is. I'm sharing it for informational purposes only.
Saint Matthew's Churches Scams
I,too,have received their 'special' attention. But as far as I can tell, they are not breaking any laws. Yes, they ARE a pest, but You had to request in writing, more stuff from them, so just beware of requesting things from someplace you have not checked out first.
The bait is all the 'Free' stuff: crosses, coins, etc. And they do seem to uphold their end of sending you the free stuff, but again, you had to request it. And 'accepting donations or tithing' is lawfully acceptable. As long as they fill out the state forms and comply with the filings on their tax forms, unfortunately, there is nothing illegal about it. And this IS the way most churches make their money, by passing the plate.
Only thing is, this church does it by mail. And as I have inspected all their mail that was sent to me, it all passes the US Postal rules.
So while it may appear to be fraudulent, and it is certainly annoying, at this point, I see nothing illegal. Its about like all the different denominations that come knocking at your door to find out if you've been saved. You can choose not to open the door and with this group, just choose not to reply to their free stuff by mail.
Submitted: 10/22/2003 9:49:33 AM
Modified: 10/23/2003 12:29:47 AM
Doris Marie
Golconda, IllinoisU.S.A.
I have tried to get rid of them too
I started receiving these letters in the mail two years ago. I threw them away. Then I started reading the things, and wrote a letter asking to please answer, tell me who their leader was, and contradicting their use of Scripture. I asked where thei money went, what was it used for, and nothing. Finally I returned all mail, indicating to remove me from their mailing list. Finally, I started writing FRAUD across the returned envelope, manytimes empty, and still nothing. I want them to just leave us alone!
The Believers vs Nonbelievers
I investigated into the matter concerning Saint Matthew's Churches in regard to Letters by Prayers. I was scared to discover the accusation of scam artists brought to the Saint Matthew's Churches letter by prayers. Saint Matthew's Churches turned my life around and I am a firm believer in God. The donations are what pays for distributing the brochures, coupon booklets for the tithings and postage and spreading the word of God to various people. The nonbelievers don't have to read information distributed or give tithings to that church denominations. People ought keep comments about christian beliefs vs non christian beliefs to their selves.
This is a Really Old Scam
Sadly, there have always been those who wanted to trade in supernatural things 'for a small donation.' People in great need will send the money because they are desperate. My experience in non-profit organization marketing bears this out. Legitimate charities take this into consideration and are careful to avoid 'robbing widow's houses' while making their appeals.
If you read Acts Chapter 8, Verses 4 through 25 in the Bible you will meet Simon, a First Century person who bears an uncanny resemblence to those modern miracle huxsters we are discussing. He claims to have 'The Great Power' and obviously makes his living by the excercise thereof. He sees the ministry of the Apostles is powerful and bearing fruit, so he wants to buy a piece of the action.
Peter's answer to this man: 'May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of G-d with money!' should give us the perspective of early Christian teaching on the matter. It has been my experience that true religion teaches its followers to give freely in the matter of spiritual blessing and prayer for one another.
A good investigator ALWAYS goes to the source documents first and it would be a good idea to compare and contrast ANY such solicitations you might receive with actual historical Christian doctrine.
Stop throwing away your money!
Lisa, your naivety has already cost you at least $150. Stop lining the pockets of these scam artists.
Two days before you filed the above rebuttal you filed a report detailing how you had come to the conclusion that you were being scammed, going as far as to say 'These people should be condemed in the name of Jesus, Amen.'
I am thinking that in the interim you had some kind of communication from the people running this scam, or saw another website that contradicted what you read here. Either way, you were brought back in to their pseudo-fold. Judging by your rebuttal, you somehow came to the conclusion that the people calling this 'church' out are just anti-Christian. This is not the case! These people are true believers who were victimized! You also stated that people should keep their non-Christian beliefs to themselves. If you would go back and take a look at the people who are complaining about this scam, you will find that they are all Christians who allowed their Christian beliefs to be used as a tool against them. Nobody is complaining about this operation on the grounds that Christianity itself is bad, on the contrary, the argument is that these people are taking advanatage of a religion for their own profit.
You need to stop this practice of believing the last thing you hear. So far it has cost you at least 150 dollars - isn't that enough?
They are now sending prayer rugs (paper) with the face of Jesus.
This church has another P.O. Box. It is P.O. Box 22148, Tulsa, OK 74121. They are now sending prayer rugs (paper) with the face of Jesus. You look into his closed eyes and they actually do open. Then you place the prayer cloth on your knees and say your prayers. Of course, you are asked to send them an offering. I wondered about all this and decided to look them up on this site.
Who are they?
Alice, try finding more about them on 'their' website: www.saintmatthewschurches.com
Most any information you may be curious about concerning St. Matthews Churches can be found on their website...including, contact information, their beliefs, services, and other Biblical training from their organization.
Note: I received the same 'prayer rug' in the mail. They did 'not' ask me for money....their was (and is in other valid organizational letters as well) and place to send donations, but it was not mandantory to send one for them to pray for you. I might add that even 'www.ripoffreport.com' askes for voluntary donations...but that does not make them a fraud. I think further investigation of this company would be advised before making any serious conclusions. I am not personally affiliated with them, but in my own investigation as to their validity....I find no fraud.
This is a very slick operation. On par with the old scam of the tent missionaries
For Everyone:
Just because someone has a website does not make them legimate or for that matter honest. Now a days if something is on the internet, it must be true, along with, if you can not find it on the internet then it does not exist, or is false. This type of logic is very dangerous to follow.
I looked at their website very careful. I noticed that they do not list any addresses of their branch churches. But they state they are in a lot of states. Why not list the addresses?
Yes, they have a wonderful photo album stating that this is one of their churches. Anyone with a camera can take photos of inside a church and declare that this is 'their' church.
This is a very slick operation. On par with the old scam of the tent missionaries that promised all sorts of so called miracles.
It does not have anything to do with christianity or being a christian. A wolf in sheep's clothing me thinks.
Send the letters back!
I was almost a victim of this very scheme- until I decided to look it up on the internet. For those of you who are opposed & think this is not a scheme try doing some research. Go to the yahoo.com search engine & type in Saint Matthews Churches. You may be suprised to find that a very small amount of your donations, or tithes, go towards anything but Mr.James Ewing's pockets. If he was such an ordained minister, as he claims, then he would know that the bible says that we are not supposed to revel in riches & live in such luxury. If we happen to be blessed with alot of money then we should share it with those less fortunate. I guess his idea of this would be paying the 'less fortunate' to work in ONE of his mansions. Try to find one organization, person, or actual church that has benefited from this so called 'church'. When an organization can't give one physical address or changes their name every time trouble is near- one should be a more than a little suspicious.
Saint Matthew's Churches Scams well documented by The Trinity Foundation specializes in exposing religious swindles
This scam, and the opulent lifestyles of the 'Rev' James Eugene Ewing and his associates who founded Saint Matthew's Churches, has been well documented by The Trinity Foundation, headed by Ole Anthony, who specializes in exposing religious swindles. Saint Matthew's uses a sophisticated computer program for its mailings to target depressed areas where people might be just desperate enough to respond to their garbage. I live in the Ohio Valley, the steel industry is collapsing, thousands of people are losing their jobs and my mailbox is now the recipient of almost weekly mailings by this sickening organization. If we all make a concerted effort to keep stuffing their postage-paid envelopes with, for instance, all the rip-off reports from this site, it will cost them money. Makes me feel better. Get the word out about them!
Never heard from them again
I've read on here where several people were being just bombarded with mail from St. Mathews. I guess maybe they don't like me that well cause:
I got the prayer rug.....had some things I had been praying about...thought..why not?? Prayed...followed instructions...sent them $30...never heard from them again.
After reading all of the postings on here..I guess I'm not complaining...LOL
Submitted: 3/10/2004 12:16:46 AM
Modified: 3/10/2004 6:52:46 PM
Jill
Santa Monica, CaliforniaU.S.A.
The eyes on the jesus rug didn't open when i looked at it
I just received a letter from this church today. I live in a very upscale and trendy neighborhood. The eyes on the jesus rug didn't open when i looked at it, however, I did see eyes painted lightly on the lids. it's an optical illusion. I think this is a great thing, if it's a scam or not, it's fun to think 'gee, do I have faith?' Where is my faith and my understanding in miracles? I have experienced miracles concerned with money and prayer. I had just moved into this place. All money went into the rent and moving. It left me with NO money to pay my bills or next months' rent. my regular paycheck would be after the holidays. I freaked out. But then I realized that freaking out would not bring me any money. So, I prayed. Just a little prayer and I let it go. The next day, out of the blue, someone calls me to do some extra work and this pays for my car. Then, I get a call for some private work and then I get a check in the mail from my grandfather (he just decided to mail it out of the blue). Everything was taken care of. When you align with 'right' thought, you are rewarded. If you don't have faith, you will not see the miracle here, if you do have faith, you will see the miracle. It's that simple. I'm not saying this church has good intentions or not, I don't know. THe page you send back does not stipulate to send money, it looks like your decision. You can send everything back with no money. It's really your intention behind sending the money, if it's filled with desperation, this is what you will recieve. if you send the money, do it in good faith, just believe. besides, i don't want a prayer rug that millions of other people have touched! But still, there are studies on the power of prayer. Look it up on the internet. I work in the healing arts and know how powerful a thought is. What you think creates your reality. it's that simple. Maybe these people pray for you, maybe they don't. How about praying for ourselves? I think this message speaks to something very powerful within ourselves: faith to believe in the unseen. so instead of bashing them (which in turn bashes yourself) just begin to believe. it's that simple!
A Church with no one attending at service.
Readers,
The IRS allowed the Ripoff church to exist without people attending during service from a rented church. Here is the editorial for more information, read this; http://www.trinityfi.org/press/tulsaworld01.html
Rip-off con artists in the name of CHRIST
When i first got their letter in the mail , i was at my lowest point at the time.I was very depressed and everything was going wrong at the time. when i opened the letter and read it , all i could do is cry.i totally fell for their scam. so I started sending them money and they kept sending me more stuff. And every time i got a letter i cried, because i desperately felt like things were going to get better. BUT........... they didnt. And at the time I was off line on my computer. So I had my Mother get on the internet and I asked her to pull up the St. Matthews church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I wanted to see what their church looked like . I could see in my mind just how beautiful it would be.I was totally shocked from what my Mother told me. That it was all a BIG RIP_OFF!!!!!!!!! So I sent them a very nasty letter and told them to never send me another letter again, and I was very disappointed they were using the name of CHRIST for their con-artist bull- s**t!!!!! and they are still sending me this crap!!! Someone needs to do something about these bad people and put them in jail just like they did the 'Bakers'!!!! they are no better than they are and they need to be brought to justice!!! thank you and I hope something is done.
Still no word from them
Well folks I can only sympathize with you who have been hounded by this church group. I, too, was having a particularly bad time when I received a prayer blanket from St. Matthews.....I had nothing to lose...so I had a long talk with the Lord(something I should have already done)....and since I felt so much better about my situation, I sent this church a rather large check. That was close to a year ago now....still have never heard back from them. I know they got my check because they cashed it...but they have never sent me any correspondense in return. Sounds to me like they need a new PR man, cause it looks like the ones that they are hounding have never sent them a dime. Oh well, anyway, scam or not....the prayer was much needed and even though their help for me was in an indirect way....I still was drawn out of a very deep depression and I am never-the-less thankful...to God and also to them for reminding me of the power of prayer.
Saint Mathew's Churches Tulsa Oklahoma
I am curious if anyone had requested prayer though another website before St Mathew's began sending letters to them. I just found it odd that within 2 weeks of requesting a financial hardship prayer through a website I thought was affiliated with the Catholic Church I began receiving letters from them.
I too have sent them money and am disheartened by what I am reading. Not alot of money, just $30.00 but still. I don't know what provoked me to start doing research on them. Perhaps God has answered my own prayer for guidance about what I should give to them when all of this good fortune they promised started rolling in.
Submitted: 7/26/2004 6:45:46 AM
Modified: 7/26/2004 9:19:03 PMRemington
Sacramento, CaliforniaU.S.A.
You People must all be idiots
You people must all be idiots. This is such an obvious scam it's ridiculous. Why can't you pray to your god directly without going through all this rigamarol.
You should all just keep sending your money to 'Saint Mathew's Churches.' Or send it too me instead, and I'll pray for you (all the way to the bank). I'll provide my mailing address upon request.
Submitted: 7/26/2004 4:04:03 PM
Modified: 7/26/2004 11:18:40 PMAnn
Boston, MassachusettsBosnia and Herzegovina
GOD will judge them
All you have to do is write them a letter saying that if they are truly ripping people off GOD will deal with them but thank them for opening your eyes towards the Lord
Do not send the money
I too hae been recieving these letters. I have not sent any money to them except a dollar to two. It is intresting to see how some people are really upset with this. I personally just use the service has a reminder for prayer that is needed. I also know that God will supply my needs no matter how much I give to anyone. Even if this group is not really legitamate, I still feel good thinking someone may be praying for me. If they stop sending them -- then OKAY too.
Well may God Bless you and maybe just one letter may reach someone who needed to hear something at that time. So in short, just gander at the letters or throw them away. Either way no matter what know that God will supply what you need when you need it no matter if you follow 'specific directions' to get a blessing or not.
Submitted: 8/12/2004 6:14:03 AM
Modified: 8/12/2004 10:59:38 PMLawrence
Phoenixville, PennsylvaniaU.S.A.
If these people are using this to scam others, then God will judge them directly.
Hello All,
I too have been receiving these letters. All I can say is that everything in their literature is biblically sound and in alignment with the word of God. If these people are using this to scam others, then God will judge them directly. Whether you tithe to this 'ministry' or your home church, according to Malachi - God will bless your household. Just pray for them. Whether they are real or not - just pray for them. Thanks to all for your information on the church.
Blessings!
Address the same as lawyer's address?!?!?
I found this funny - on their website, the church lists the name of their lawyer and the fact that this firm has been their lawyer for years, etc. It is the same address 515 Main #300 listed above as the 'sgent' of the church. Sounds like the scam is run out of those offices.....
Tithing is wrong in this case
Lawrecne ..
I agree tithing is good...but only when it is tithed to the right group.
Unlike you I prefer to tithe to legitmate organizations or charietys.
TITHING to a fake setup is not only wrong but immoral.
Just praying for them is not sufficent.
Yes, I agree GOD will judge them, but so will the courts.
And if my family is ever ripped off by them, I will be throwing rocks at them. (Potentially illegally too).
Remember, just because their literature is sound and good doesnt mean anything in this particular case and goes to show that even evil can look saintly.
One should not just accept and pray for it when one can do something about the evil.
Using the trash can is free
I awoke before day break one morning and turned on the television, a man was preaching and said if you want prayer call the number at the bottom of the screen and I did. Afterwards I began to receive mail from Prophet Peter Popoff. His letters promised all types of blessing if you sowed a seed of certain amounts of money. The letters also asked you to participate in certain rituals to receive blessing. I never sent money to him because I only called in for prayer nothing more. It sounded like a scam to me. I dont know if the two are affiliated, but after receiving mail from Prophet Popoff, I also started receiving letters from Saint Matthew's Churches suggesting the same thing, money and rituals for prayers and prayer results. I think it cost them more money to try and con me than it does for me to simply trash the letters they send. I hope eventually they will not send anymore letters to me as long as I don't send money or respond to them. If they continue to, well they are paying the postage and using my trash can is free. I tithe at my home church and the next time I'm feeling blue and want someone to pray for me or along with me I'll ask one of my own church members. I've learned my lesson.
Submitted: 9/4/2004 11:47:24 AM
Modified: 9/5/2004 1:24:42 AMLawrence
Phoenixville, PennsylvaniaU.S.A.
Another one?
This is in response to Emily's letter. I also called in for prayer to Peter Poppof's ministry and started receiving those pieces of mail. They finally stopped after writing them many times to take me off their mailing list. What someone gives to the church or a special ministry should be up to the person and God, right?
I didnt respond to their mailings because they always asked for a specific amount of money $19 here and $10 there. I guess the only reason why I responded to St. Matthew's is because they never asked for a certain amount. I've asked God to give me wisdom on these ministries. I recently lost (and I never lose anything) their 'Seed Booklet'. I accepted this as a sign for myself not to send them any more money. Have anyone heard of Rev. Ike and his ministries. Very simular to Peter Poppoff.
I believe Rev. Ike and his ministry are located in New York. They do a very simular ministry but always ask for certain amount of money. Any thoughts on this guy would be great! Have a great Labor Day and God bless! I think the best thing is to give and bless your own church and local charities.
L. Turner, Jr.
Read the Trinity Foundation's report!
This really is the best reference on the matter. All these 'preachers' pay James Ewing for the rights to use his moneymaking scheme. The 'Prayer By Letters' operation is Ewing's 'factory direct' marketing of the scheme. Think of the TV preachers as salesmen. Much of the money they collect will go back to Ewing's for-profit companies that write the exact words used to extract the most money and license the materials to the televangelists.
Very little, if any, of the money sent to 'Prayer By Letters' or any of the 'health and wealth' televangelists goes to any charitable cause, i.e. 'God's work'. If you want to believe the 'seed faith' doctrine, common sense would be to get involved with local charities and be sure your money is being used in a way that God might consider honorable. Don't just ship it off to some faraway scammer and expect anything to happen.
Submitted: 9/6/2004 7:36:42 AM
Modified: 9/7/2004 12:07:50 AMLawrence
Phoenixville, PennsylvaniaU.S.A.
Thanks Mike!
Mike - thanks for that information. I find this quite interesting. I will have to find out more information online on this guy. If you have specific information, feel free to share.
Thanks again!
Seed faith
Thats what seed faith really is...to me that is.
SEED FAITH is you the individual actually doing something...not you/I throwing money at somebody.
I havent given cash to chariety for nearly 10 years.
Why, because I give thru work at about $1500 per year, and give of time & effort and the equivalent of $10,000 a year.
People who just hand a check over, are not truely doing any sort of good works.
Just handing money is not what it takes.
I daresay, even if I gave zero in cash, my time & efforts in giving (computer work free, landscaping, contruction), is a lot more usefull and directly helpful than cash at times.
Especially since a large majority of charities out there are fake.
Never ever give cash or product to a chariety unless you yourself prove it to be legit beyond any doubt.
When I did do cash, It was only UNITED WAY, wherease now there are other good choices but always verify.
Dont send money to st. matthews; send it to GOD
Dont send your money to saint matthews churches. Send it to God.
Lets assume the worst. Your all right. It is a scam designed to make one man rich. Lets even assume his intentions are malicious. So what!? God can still work miracles today. God can take something wrong and make it right. When you give money to any organization ( as a tithe or offering to God) pray for God to use that money for his will and leave the rest to Him.
Imagine this senario: Someone is depressed and lonely and sick and broke. They receive a letter from st matthews. They read the letter and immediately feel better because they feel someone out there actualy cares. ( this feeling happens regardless if that is actually true). The person now, inspired by the letter, prays to the living God for help... AND GOD ANSWERS. God answers thier prayer (inspired by a scam) and they are healed. O ye of little faith... just believe in Gods mighty power to use all things for good!
I am not associated with St Matthews in any way.
thats the point
Thats the point..
Sending it to St Mathews, is not sending it to god, but helping evil.
In this case, its unlikely that prayer will move the money to good works other than lining the crooks pocket.
Very few scams have a godly result.
Hopefuly prayer will, but while god answers all, its not always actionable, or doesnt appear to be actionable.
I too believe in prayer, but common sense still should apply, which is why I still contribute only to fully legit setups.
And even my church contributions are limited to helping major efforts.
God does expect us to use our minds to help where we can to do good works too.
It sounds like you have blind faith that all is aok when $$$ given to crooks.
Your right Paul. But... Sometimes God wants us to do things that dont make sense to test our faith.
your absolutely right Paul... God does want us to use our heads, thats exactly why I was researching them too. But God also wants us to listen to the Holy Spirits leading. Sometimes God wants us to do things that dont make sense to test our faith. Im not advocating sending money to these guys. There are way too many other ways I can serve God. All Im saying is that we should listen to what God is leading us to do. If we follow the leading of the Holy spirit, God will work miracles in our lives.
What does God need with money?
I have never understood the concept of giving money to God. What does God need money for?
If you feel the need to offer a tithing to God, then do it by volunteering your time and services to help someone in need.
Right now, the Red Cross is in desperate need of volunteers all up and down the eastern seaboard because of the recent rash of hurricanes and inclimate weather.
Sending money to Saint Matthew's only serves to line the pockets of those in charge.
I almost agree with the idiot response, Let them pay for my mailing trash to them
Some people never cease to amaze me! How can anyone believe in this garbage. God is not in the business of sending out tiny little pieces of paper to kneel on and pray. This is ridiculous to say the least. When I think how gullible people are (especially those who are supposed to be believers) I almost have to laugh except that it makes me so sad that people believe this stuff. Read your bible if you are supposed to be a christian. Maybe then God will grant you repentence leading to the knowledge of truth. This is a ripoff and I continue to do what others do. Let them pay for my mailing trash to them like they do to me.
REPORT THESE GUYS TO IRS
Want some real fun?
When I get a junk mail bombardment from so-called Scam organization that claims to be a religion, I send their information back to them OK-- I delete my return address off of it and I make several xerox copies which I return to them with the name of the fraud investigator department head and the address of the appropiate federal,state or local law enforcement agency-- be sure you don't include the person's rank or anything indicating that the address is a law enforcement agency. The State Attorney General's office and the local District Attorney's office are favorites!
I also bundle up a lot of their letters ---especially the ones requesting cash and send them to the Criminal Enforcement Division of IRS. Because if they don't have a legit tax exemption status from IRS as a religious organization, they DO have to PAY TAXES. Tax fraud investigators are very curious and this is such an easy investigation...
It might be a good idea to check with IRS and see if these 'churchmen' are a tax-exempt religious organization before you send in the scam mail--especiallyh the scsam mail requesting cash...
After all, if they are NOT a legit religious organization and they are raking in the cash, Uncle Sam wants his share too. It's only fair.
The mail should stop after they get hit for back taxes.
Giving
I have read several commments on the issue of giving. I do agree with most of them. Yes, giving of time, talent and money or just even time and talent is good. God does not 'need' our money, time or talent. He does not 'need' our praise either. God wants us to be stewards of our time, talent, & money.
Therefore, it is my benefit to keep me humble unto the Lord to praise HIM and to give to HIM. Man is so full of pride and so quick to judge others. God wants us to be in accordance with HIM. I can not do this being prideful. God also calls us to a higher standard - to LOVE our brother. Thus, giving in service, time, and money to others. It is not for GOD it is for us.
I pray that all are able to see that truth. If you are called to give to someone or some group or charity then follow your heart. However, remember we do not give to get, so if your giveing to get a blessing your motive is all wrong. That is why I do not give to this so called 'ministry.' I give to those I feel compelled to give to. Remeber this... Jesus said, 'those who receive there reward on earth that reward ends there, but greater is your reward that you will recieve in Heaven if you let the Father give you your reward.'
Test yes
Test yes..
One of those tests is to use the common sense that god gave you.
That includes knowingly helping crooks.
You are a evil person if you knowingly help a criminal pertpetuate a crime.
Saying that its gods will is a copout, not a issue of faith.
In this case because its so obviously (per information available), a person who says to send money anyway must be part of the criminal effort which makes you equally as evil as them and more likley supporting the antichrist.
Makes me wonder, do you support sending money to Terrorist organizations too?
I will pray for you, since you obviously are so misguided that you think givining money to evil organizaitons is part of gods will.
One doesnt even need to know gods will to know that financially supporting a criminal is wrong.
These people don't.....but God does need money
Sadly there are rip off artists everywhere & each of them will answer to God for their actions. People don't fall for these scams because they are gullible... they fall for them because they are desperate. Sometimes common sense doesn't always come into play when a person is in desperate need. My congratulations for those who always have a clear mind and think all situations out logically... but not everyone is able to do that at all times. Why does God need money when he owns the cattle on a thousand hills? He owns it all!!
The point of money is that God's work is being done here, on earth...by his followers. Money is used to spread the Gospel, feed the poorer Christians, & help those in time of crises. Sadly this money is not always used for the right purposes... and God (who owns everything) will take care of that in its own time as well. But remember this: Whether others think your actions are silly, stupid, gullible or whatever by-word those without understanding choose to put on it... 'all' actions from a pure heart are received by God.
It's not 'what' you do....it's the intent of the heart.....& isn't that so fitting since it is the intent of the heart that God judges anyway. Our hearts are judged as well as 'every...word...we...say'
Submitted: 10/20/2004 3:25:21 PM
Modified: 10/21/2004 12:15:39 AMHelen
Bossier City, LouisianaU.S.A.
Forged a check on my mother's check account
My mother has been occasionally sending money to these people. Several months ago she sent them a check for $5, but she accidently sent them a blank check in the envelope. The $5 dollar check was written on June 22, on September 12, they wrote themselves a check for $100.00. They printed my mother's name as the signature.
So, please beware!!!
Submitted: 10/28/2004 7:00:09 PM
Modified: 10/28/2004 9:32:31 PMChristian
Middle Village, New YorkU.S.A.
Peter Popoff is a Fake!!
I have been recently been saved but before that I have seen Peter Popoff on Tv before that. I called up and left my name. He sent me his healing water. He prophecied that I would get money and things he was saying and what he said what would happen came to pass. He asked to sow a seed of $17.00 and I did. But everytime he would send a letter it would be $30, $15, after the 1st time giving money I had stopped. People started telling me he is a phoney. Somebody else told me he was arrested before. I seen the online video on how he does his so called ' knowing from god' with his earpeice thingy. To date and today I keep getting letters from him. Today I got a letter and the envelope has priority mail all on it. He has another envelope on it saying 'DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE IN JESUS' NAME'. I must have you sign your name on the envelope and send it back unopened so I can pray on it. I will do it at my prayer altar. I learned my lesson.
Pure of heart yes. Being pure of heart is good but knowingly helping a crook commit a crime means one is misguided.
This doesnt require clear thinking.
This is common sense, send money knowingly to a crook means that one is also a crook.
Faith that it might just help someone is not relevant here because it is so obvious that it wont.
In this case its very obvious that one should give to a very well known chariety or outfit that has been proven over&over to be legit and helpful to others.
But it still follows that knowingly helping a crook commit a crime means you are part of the crime makes it wrongheaded and still wrong.
Having had family members caught in similar situations, I understand the idea.
In this case, Alzeihmers is an excuse.
Faith cannot be the excuse here as only stupidity whether one is of faith or not.
sending it back
Good idea...when doable.
remmeber the ways to do so:
If its not first class and you just say 'return to sender of original mail...the Post office will just trash it...and nobbody gets it.
If its first class or new mail (nonfirstclass) then it works.
I often will open the email (if not first class) and send the junk mail back to the sender with only a zipcode to tell them what zipcode is junking back...
A few years ago when I religiously sent back a huge amount, I found that I caused junk-mail people at least $15,000 in postage.
Thats assuming the postoffice actually sent the mail...which is presumed.
Not Scam At All
People, if you beleive this is a scam you are certainly stupid. I used to work for St. Matthew's and we did as we state in these letters. The money is sent in as a donation, it is not expected. We prayed whether money was sent in or not. No laws have ever been broken, the problem is people who do send in money, send it in expecting something back, that's where they screw up. You don't expect you pray if it's in god's plan then you will receive. So the idiots blame our company when it is up to god whether they are fit to receive or not. So until these sinner's get their heart right then they will always feel as though they are owed.
Submitted: 12/7/2004 9:17:58 PM
Modified: 12/8/2004 1:02:13 AM
Bryan
Nottingham, England, EuropeUnited Kingdom
I'll Prey for you!
What a way to make a living..........
Everybody send me $5 and I'll prey for you.
Honest I will!!!!!!!!!
people will believe anything even when proven when its proven to be fake
This guy probably is part of the scam..
Thats the only real reason to support this.
This idea that somehow god will be working thru the scam is not likely.
Problem here is people will believe anything even when proven when its proven to be fake or of false intent.
While the letter itself is a good thing, the source is pure evil, and associating with it makes those in support just as evil.
My family is most definately christian and everybody in it, throws away all junk mail including this one. We only read this kind of stuff from our own churches and rarely even look at anything that is so obvious.
Having had a few friends involved with this who were always blessed, except for this one involvement, saying that its their fault is not correct.
Supporting these crooks makes those who knowingly involve themselves in suport of it are as bad as they are.
selling holy water that isnt even close to holy
As it is, there are many of those 'send me $ I'll pray for you too.
I wonder how much $$$ one can make with a 'prayer letter' or 'blessed' cloth or
holy water from the kithen tapwater.
Even a few supposedly legit preachers are doing that too....selling holy water that isnt even close to holy. Blessed by the preacher at the tap.
But then even some of our most famous socalled healer preachers have performed fake healings including two of Oklahoma's most famous.
I personally witnessed those two specific ones as I was backstage doing technical on one, and was friends with another supposedly healed one.
Those two are still very popular and very much still around.
But then I no longer bother with TV preachers and go to local churches only, with exception of Billy Graham.
Personally, I even consider one of them more a preacher for the antichrist than christ despite the appearances and words.
He will definately be supporting the anti when the time comes. Especially considering the hate he preaches on his shows.
Submitted: 12/8/2004 7:19:03 PM
Modified: 12/9/2004 12:03:00 AMBryan
Nottingham, England, EuropeUnited Kingdom
The USA is a breeding ground for so called TV Preachers/Evangelists
Do me a favour!
Paul of Tulsa.....please look up 'sarcasm' in the dictionary!
I was having a dig because I can't believe how daft/gullible you people can be. A prayer costs nothing so why pay for it, religion costs nothing so why pay for it, belief's cost nothing so why pay for them, if you just want to get rid of your money, I'll have it!
The USA is a breeding ground for so called TV Preachers/Evangelists that say 'send me all your money and you'll be saved!'
Get real people
bryan
Sarcastic thought that it was, I totally agree.
People here especially in this area are so gullible that even legit religious causes get a bad rap.
My usuall advice to many who ask me around here is verify and check everything about the chariety or organization.
And I usually tell them, never ever send $$ of any form in the mail.
If you cant hand deliver it, that should be a major sign though in itself not a sympton.
Hey a friend of mine once did a ad in a magazine that said 'send me $1, I will make you rich'.
He made enough $$$ from that ad to buy a car.
Though he only did that one time, he felt so guilty that he never did anything similar till h went into real 'retail' sales.
I understood your joke, and reality is there are some even here in this site that would do as you ask.
Give The People What They WANT! ..no different than a child believing in Santa
I, too, have received numerous correspondence from Saint Matthew's Church. In monetary consumer terms, it IS a rip-off, but SO WHAT?! The people who've sent in their money have bought a very precious gift--one that so many would love to have--and that is HOPE.
This is no different than a child believing in Santa, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. People send in their money for one reason, and one reason only--HOPE. Medical professionals have known for decades that a patient's mental outlook, which includes hope for a better future, is criti