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| Contribution for the Poor |
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Nearly
every week when the “Contribution for the Poor” (CFTP) was collected,
someone would give a short talk beforehand. And typically, the
purpose of the collection was stated, giving a number of similar
impressions---namely, that these funds were going for the cause of local
benevolence, or a
mixture of local benevolence and HOPE worldwide. Most of us
were under the impression that these would be restricted (earmarked) funds
that would sit in a separate account to be used for nothing other than the
poor. Yet it seems that the funds were simply added to the
general coffers of each congregation, as if these
“poor contributions” were simply another opportunity to raise
money for the regular weekly contribution. Further, Bob Gempel, CEO
of HOPE worldwide,
LTD. has made a very revealing public statement
detailing how HOPE considered these funds to be “unrestricted” for its
own use. This constitutes an illegal conversion of funds and false
advertising as to the purpose of the collection. And
this is all particularly troubling in light of the many stories
of needy members being denied benevolence from their local churches.
There was clearly a need for local benevolence, so the people gave as
directed. But most ICOC congregations paid out shamefully low
amounts in local benevolence, often leaving their own members in dire
straights. As it grows, this page will detail these crimes in depth. ICOCinvestigation.com will be posting proof that the funds were thrown into the general coffers, but we need a multitude of statements from former members regarding the misrepresentations that were made in the church about the CFTP. To submit a statement, or a tip, please email us or Click Here.
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