For a church that claims it is practicing pure first-century Christianity, it sure does not know how to treat its members well. Knowing full well that members are struggling Gerald Weston felt the need to point out to those members their responsibility to tithe regardless of financial struggle. Even though the church is bankrupting some people it is still important to send them that money. What are a few weeks without heat or some food? Beans and biscuits will do for a while. The elite in Charlotte never has to worry financially and are completely out of touch with members' issues. Sadly, this has always been the case even in every single Church of God out there.
I know we are all pretty aware of how food and gas costs (and increasing rents and property taxes) are starting to be more than just a “nuisance” for some of our local members. There are now more than a few people in my area who are starting to really struggle to pay basic bills. Every area has poorer brethren, and the Church is, of course, assisting with a few people, but it’s starting to go beyond that. Even for some of our local members who have decent paying jobs, they are starting to have to cut back in ways that they didn’t used to have to. I know this is nothing compared to what is in the future, as overall we’re still pretty blessed here in the USA, because again, it’s getting a little “different” than months or years past.
This winter may be very difficult for many as heating costs are expected to increase significantly. Wherever we are, let us look out for our neighbors and friends. God is clear about our responsibilities to Him (Malachi 3:8-10), but also about caring for the truly needy, as many scriptures admonish us. So let us pray for one another and care for one another by our actions (James 2:15-16).
Thank you, once again, dear brethren and co-workers, for what you have done these past two years. Let us pray that God will multiply our efforts abundantly.
Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
Gerald E. Weston