As she explained why our family didn't have the worldly goods that others around us did my mother used to tell me that "money doesn't grow on trees." I suspect many of you have heard this phrase in your younger days as well.
But I have found that when it comes to giving to the physical needs of a ministry or a church, many people actually do seem to feel that money does grow on trees. Little thought seems to be given to spending upwards of $20-30 for two tickets in exchange for two hours in an air-conditioned theatre, munching on overpriced popcorn. But the thought of giving the same amount for a church or ministry—that freaks some people out!
Many people buy a computer and pay for monthly service providers and somehow presume, it would seem, that those of us in Christian ministry who broadcast and teach via the Internet receive monies that rain down on us from a a big cosmic Internet tree in the sky. But just as money doesn't grow on earthly trees—it doesn't grow on Internet trees.
You may not realize it, but PTM regularly receives bills from folks like publishing companies, printers, duplicating services for tapes and cds, Internet providers who ensure that we provide fast, uninterrupted service, the phone company who really does ask for money in return for toll-free numbers we make available to those we serve, the firms we employ to mail resources to hundreds of thousands every year and the owner of the building we rent for office and warehouse space. We pay writers and editors who help us publish and broadcast God's grace. And, let's not forget the post office, which not only expects us to pay for postage but has the nasty habit of raising rates regularly (as you know!).
We can't pay those bills apart from your generosity. Apart from your generosity, we can't provide the ministry we do. If you believe in the no nonsense, line-in-the-sand stand that PTM takes against abusive, authoritarian religion, and if you have not yet donated to our ongoing work, please do so now. We have bills that need to be paid! Stand with us! Let us know of your support!
If what we do has helped you or someone you love, if we have provided services for you, please search your heart and respond to this work with generosity. If you support the bottom line, core priority of what we proclaim—faith alone, grace alone and Christ alone—then please help us to continue this teaching ministry and all of the related resources we provide to so many who cannot provide financial help.
We could tell you that the end is coming in a few short months or years, and you need to give us more money or God won't be happy with you. We could tell you that you are required to pay God (i.e. us) 10% of your income. We could tell you that God will bless you if you send us money, and curse you if you don't. We could tell you that we are the only true church, and because we are, PTM is the only rightful destination for your Christian giving. As you know, such appeals work—but we believe they are unbiblical, manipulative and perhaps even heretical.
The Bible reminds us not to "muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain" (I Timothy 5:18). If you receive regular help from PTM, help us keep our primary focus on serving spiritual needs around this world. If you have not yet donated to PTM, please respond generously. If you have donated, but perhaps only what a movie and popcorn—or a visit to your favorite fast food outlet might cost—how about missing one movie or driving right by one or two fast food emporiums—and giving an extra gift to PTM where we proclaim the true Bread that comes down from heaven?
You can call us and make a credit card donation at 1-800-309-4466. You can donate via credit card here online at https://www.ptm.org/donate, or you may mail a check to Plain Truth Ministries, Pasadena, CA 91129. Please don't wait—respond today! You have our heartfelt thanks!
—Greg Albrecht
