PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- NOVEMBER 9, 2009

Thanks for Your Response!

Our PTM e-Update readers received a special emailing of this article, “Where is That Money Tree?” on Thursday, October 22. We are so thankful for the generous response of so many of you. Some of you responded, even though you regularly provide donations to this ongoing work. Thank each and every one of you!

Others who had given an offering a year or two ago, decided to take this opportunity to help with the ongoing work of PTM. Thank each and every one of you!

And there were others who generously gave a donation for the very first time! Thank each and every one of you!

Acknowledging the assistance of others with my new book, Spiritual Soup for the Hungry Soul, I borrow a phrase from Philip Yancey in saying “it takes a village to raise a book.”

I can tell you it takes far more than a village to support, pray for, get behind and fund a ministry. It takes an army of committed friends and Partners. That’s what so many of you are – Christians soldiers for faith alone, grace alone and Christ alone. THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!

In case you missed “Where is That Money Tree” the first time, we’re reprinting it here, as a part of our lead article as the time of Thanksgiving approaches here in the United States. We pray that many of you who have yet to take the opportunity to become fully involved in the work of PTM will do so -- and with that in mind, please take a minute or two to read the following.

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.

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.

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. We need your help NOW -- as this year concludes. 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, 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

P.S. We invite you to read some of the comments we have already received.

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