Money

[Sister Alvear]

A lot has been said about the ministry...some good...some bad...concerning money...jobs and on and on...I do not have the time to express what I would like to say however I have been a missionary for over 44 years and have been on the receiving side from America and giving side to the people here.

I think situations differ...needs varry...however if it were not for the kindness of the American people giving many times we would have went hungry...and I am not lazy. In fact we keep office hours and go to church somewhere almost every night. In the meantime when things were tight I have taught English classes to help and other things.

Many things just boil down to LIVING RIGHT AND COMMON SENSE. Most of us can say we know what is it to be blessed and to suffer...they seem to go hand and hand.

If we are faithful with little He trusts us with much...however some people relax and LEARN HOW to get the job done...and a life without prayer becomes an open door to the devil.

I known people who are awesome preachers but they do not pray...

People tend to become relaxed in what they know best...and often DIE doing what they can do the best! I know missionaries that have got caught up with life and forgot what was really first...

I have no problem paying my tithes or even receiving tithes HOWEVER one thing I always tell our people...GOD SEES WHERE HIS PEOPLE'S MONEY GO...IF I AM UNWISE HE SEES THAT TOO...

I admire my friend Sherri Cupples and she might not want me to say this but I will...They no doubt could live far above the way they live however they chose NOT to take all the tithes...and take a modest salary. They work day and night both in the USA and abroad. Giving...giving and giving....

It does not bother me in the least if a pastor takes all the tithes however HE will give an account to GOD...and believe me God keeps good records and He knows HOW we spend our money....