Well...guess I should go buy a stove...

[coadie]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I never said a credit card defeats the devil...that is foolish to even think I MEANT ANYTHING LIKE THAT...Have been on the mission field 43 years and have never run up a credit card...

Nothing wrong with modern currency. The massive flood in Pakistan I believe, The Mennonites partnered with the Gates foundation and distributed like millions of dollars worth of debit cards. (MEDA) It was the first non cash transaction or banking experience for thousands.

$235, to 1.6 million "non-banked" families displaced by flooding
It was an easy way to move money to Pakistan.

On the other had, my large family had some significant funds from settlement of an estate in Bolivia. It was a major hassle to move actual money.

[rgcraig]

OPII

Walk a Mile in her shoes, then we might listen to you.

[Sister Alvear]

Some churches have ATM's ( is that what they are called?) in the entrance...

I know people can run up big debts on credit cards...we once had a person here that about runined theirself because of credit cards...but that was not the real problem...it was much deeper...

I wish our churches had more classes on management. It is so easy to use a card however payment day rolls around... As long as we pay our bills we owe nothing...the danger is to bite off more than you can chew...

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

For some time I know certain persons have taken things out of context things I say here...Sad some people don't seem to have anything to do except read "between the lines" what they think or what they hope I said...Sorry they cannot see the deep love I have for missions...

While I disagree with OP11, I often struggle to bite my tongue over some of the things you post.

I believe, firmly, that you love God and have a heart for His harvest.

However, you sometimes post as if you are owed things, that Americans are lazy non-givers, and as if you are the "only prophet in Israel."

The truth is, MOST foreign missionaries are fully funded, and never have to work a real job, but American pastors struggle with one hand in the harvest, and one hand trying to eek out a living for their families.

I appreciate your effort, but you've got it very, very good.

Now, I am sure you will cry to high Heaven that I am attacking you, but nothing is further from the truth.

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by Charnock

While I disagree with OP11, I often struggle to bite my tongue over some of the things you post.

I believe, firmly, that you love God and have a heart for His harvest.

However, you sometimes post as if you are owed things, that Americans are lazy non-givers, and as if you are the "only prophet in Israel."

The truth is, MOST foreign missionaries are fully funded, and never have to work a real job, but American pastors struggle with one hand in the harvest, and one hand trying to eek out a living for their families.

I appreciate your effort, but you've got it very, very good.

Now, I am sure you will cry to high Heaven that I am attacking you, but nothing is further from the truth.

You have no right to post something like this unless you've actually been there. I have been and I can say that this is one of the most honest, Godly groups of churches that I have ever been around. I wouldn't be heading back there today if I didn't believe in what they're doing. We are miles apart in some of our beliefs, but the love of Christ is so strong in the Alvears that it pulls me to them.
If you think they've got it "very very good", try living for a while in that compound, surrounded by poverty and evil deeds every day. You have no clue.

[Sister Alvear]

Charnock...if you could see the village where I live you would understand more. I do not mean to sound ungrateful or attacking Americans...all I have in material things I owe the Americans...gotta go...please forgive me...

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by Sherri

You have no right to post something like this unless you've actually been there. I have been and I can say that this is one of the most honest, Godly groups of churches that I have ever been around. I wouldn't be heading back there today if I didn't believe in what they're doing. We are miles apart in some of our beliefs, but the love of Christ is so strong in the Alvears that it pulls me to them.
If you think they've got it "very very good", try living for a while in that compound, surrounded by poverty and evil deeds every day. You have no clue.

Yes, I do. The difference is I didn't just "live around" poverty, I was the one poverty-stricken. My family suffered for the work of God right here in America. We gave everything, including our health. I have no doubt there are thousands of other American pastors who do the same.

Maybe you and Eddie live in the lap of luxury, but very many American pastors do not.

Again, this is not an attack on the Alvear's ministry. It is a call for reality and compassion. This board has been extremely, overwhelmingly, kind to Sister Alvear, but she is not above anyone here. We are all in this together.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Charnock

While I disagree with OP11, I often struggle to bite my tongue over some of the things you post.

I believe, firmly, that you love God and have a heart for His harvest.

However, you sometimes post as if you are owed things, that Americans are lazy non-givers, and as if you are the "only prophet in Israel."

The truth is, MOST foreign missionaries are fully funded, and never have to work a real job, but American pastors struggle with one hand in the harvest, and one hand trying to eek out a living for their families.

I appreciate your effort, but you've got it very, very good.

Now, I am sure you will cry to high Heaven that I am attacking you, but nothing is further from the truth.

I never got that impression from her

Also, If I recall correctly, Sis Alvear does not get any organizational support. They are independent

[Praxeas]

BTW how did Pastors get involved here? I'd rather live as a poor pastor in America than a poor missionary in Brazil

[rgcraig]

You have not because you ask not.

Maybe Sis. Alvear's boldness to ask for what she needs just gets under some of you guy's skin.