It really ticks me off when people take advantage of those who don’t know any better.

The other day we got this thing in the mail that says it’s from Saint Matthew’s Churches. This is probably the third time that we’ve gotten this mailing.

The outside of the envelope proclaims, “Two homes are about to be blessed… then it must go to another dear friend.” And, “Yours First!” The postage is non profit organization paid and it was mailed from zip code 52641.

The back reads, “Dear Jesus, we pray that you will bless someone in this home spiritually, physically & financially. And please dear Lord, bless the one who’s hands open this letter. Make good changes in this one’s life and give them the desires of their heart. We pray over and bless this letter in your holy name. Amen.”

Sounds nice… then you get inside…

Let me first say that if you’ve read here very long at all, or even just checked out a few of my pages around here, then you know I am a Christian. However, as you also know, I am not perfect. I am still a work in progress, I often do and say things I shouldn’t. But, I do know when something is a scam and not true Christianity…

So there are three pieces of paper inside the envelope. The first one tells you what to do, the second is a page of “getters” and “testimonials” and the third is a paper rug.

You are told to take this paper rug, about the size of two 8×11.5 sheets of paper, that has a rug printed on it with a picture of Jesus with his eyes closed, and “Look into Jesus’ Eyes you will see they are closed. But as you continue to look you will see His eyes opening and looking back into your eyes. Then go and be alone and kneel on this Rug of Faith or touch it to both knees. Then please check your needs on our letter to you. Please return this Prayer Rug. Do not keep it.”

The back reads, “‘This Prayer Rug is Soaked with the Power of Prayer for you. Use it immediately, then please return it with your Prayer Needs Checked on our letter to you.’ It must be mailed to a second home that needs a blessing after you use it. Prayer works. Expect God’s blessing.”

I am then addressed as “Dear… Someone Connected with This Address,” and the letter proceeds to tell me that this 54 year old church (like that’s such a long time) has sent me this “prayer rug” so that if I do what it says, send it back with a money contribution then I will have all the desires of my heart granted!

Sounds like a chain letter to me. A chain letter that preys on those who claim to be religious, but aren’t really.

So, apparently if I take this little rug (made of paper, I remind you) and kneel on it, or if I’m lazy I can touch it to my knees without kneeling, then I can ask God for $1,000,000,000,000 and He’ll give it to me… all because of this little paper rug.

Riiiiiiiight.

Sorry, people, but paper doesn’t have any power in it, I don’t care what you say.

Oh but, of course, I cannot forget to send in my money contribution to these people, or God won’t answer my requests. Not only is this St. Matthew’s church asking for my money, but they are so cheap that all of the paper in this mailing is the thinnest stuff I’ve ever seen in my life, and you’re not supposed to keep this “rug” thing but send it back so they can give it to someone else.

Oh, I almost forgot about the part where you’re supposed to check off your prayer needs. Here are your options, complete with exact emphasis and punctuation:
___ I received this Church Prayer Rug you loaned me, and I used it as instructed in this letter of faith. Now, I am returning it to you for another to use.
___ Yes, I do need the Lord’s blessings upon my family and me!
Pray for my family and me for…
___ My Soul
___ A Closer Walk With Jesus
___ My Health
___ A Family Member’s Health
___ Confusion In My Home
___ My Children
___ To Stop A Bad Habit
___ A Better Job
___ A Home To Call My Own
___ A New Car
___ A Money Blessing
___ I Want to be Saved.
___ Pray for God to bless me with this amount of money: $______
___ Please, especially pray for this person: ________
___ Also pray for (please print): _________
___ Enclosed is my seed gift to God’s work of $____.
SAINT MATTHEW’S CHURCH MUST HAVE THIS PRAYER RUG BACK. PLEASE DO NOT MISPLACE IT. IT MUST GO TO ANOTHER HOME AFTER YOU USE IT.

Um… okay.

Okay, “my soul” – sure, that’s a good thing to request prayer for, or “a closer walk with Jesus” or “my children,” etc. But the things that really stand out at me are some of the last options.

“Pray for God to bless me with this amount of money…”
Right. God is not a piggy bank!! That is one of the most selfish things I have ever seen. A true home that follows Him will not need to request a specific amount of money, all their needs will be cared for.

Oh of course, there’s the “I want to be saved” box as well. Sure, that’s good… but why is it almost last on the list? Shouldn’t something like that be first? This alone shows me that this “church” only cares about the money. Scam!!

And we mustn’t forget the “testimonials” thing. It says things like…
“…my husband listed 7 things that he wanted God to do for him… God blessed us with $10,700. He went out and bought us a car… enclosed is a donation…”
“…after I received your prayer package I was healed of severe pains…”
and more like that.

All because of a piece of paper. Right.

Remember how I mentioned that the mailing came from zip code 52641? Well, you’re supposed to send it back to 74121… hmmm…

I just really have a problem with those who seek to prey off of the fears and insecurities of others, especially when using religion. It’s not “organized religion” that’s the problem, it’s the wolves in sheep’s clothing…

No, a piece of paper or a ritual – neither of them have any power, and those who would lead you to believe otherwise, are lying.

I am considering mailing this back… without the precious prayer rug that must be sent to other families, of course. Let them pay for the postage. Scammers.

After getting this packet the other day, I did search these guys out on the internet and all I found was reports from the likes of the better business bureau and bloggers who all added to my beliefs that this is a scam. The only websites for Saint Matthew’s churches that I found are real churches that are named St. Matthew and not affilliated with these people. Of course, I could tell you more about this actual organization, but I think I’m going to leave off now…