St. Matthew's Churches Aka Prayer By Letters Aka St. Matthew's Publishing Rip-off! Beware! Fake charity! Tulsa Oklahoma

I received a mailing from this supposed church, with a "prayer rug" included, and the message to send my prayer requests to them, with a "seed faith" donation. Although I have given money to legitimate Christian charities, I was skeptical of this group, so I did research on-line.

Even though their own website seemed benign, even legitimate, enough alarming messages and warnings were posted to reaffirm my initial response. I didn't send money, but I am writing to add my voice to others--please don't get suckered in and send money to this group, no matter how bad things are for you.

Instead, go to www.give.org/reports/care2_dyn.asp?584 for a Charity Report from the CBBB Wise Giving Alliance. Or check out the following eye-opening articles: George Lopez, "Religion in America: 'St. Matthew's Churches' Mail Ministry is Highly Lucrative," April 2003, found at www.loper.org or from the Tulsa World, by Ziva Bransttter, "Special Report: Reaping From Faith," 4/27/03, reprinted by The Trinity Foundation, www.trinityfi.org/press/tulsaworld01.html

Or just type in the name of this so-called church at google.com, and see what comes up. From what I can tell, this is NOT a legitimate church, despite its non-profit status.

As for me, I'm not sending cash; instead I'm sending back copies of the above articles in their postage-paid envelopes.

Barbara
Warrensburg, Missouri
U.S.A.