Complaint Review: Saint Matthew's Churches

I received the prayer rug and letter today, ironically upon coming home from Eucharistic Adoration; for those non-Catholics who may not know its a holy hour spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament-a time to pray silently in front of the Lord. I thought at first my gosh, is this the Lord's way of speaking back to me? The "quick riches" and wordly possessions listed in the testimonials caused me concern as this is NOT what praising/worshiping is about.

I then researched Saint Matthew's and this letter to find numerous listings of the "scam". My heart sank, not from the hope of quick riches, but the fact that someone would actually use the Lord's name and people's faith to gratify their ownself.

Before going any further (and before looking into the eyes on the rug) I asked Jesus in prayer that if this is truly His work, then to let me see His eyes open as the letter states. I didn't! I also felt a sense of calming in turning to the Lord on my own (not through sending in my personal info and a check to a Church states away from my own parish) and asking for guidence.

I also am not one to add to Blogs or internet listings, but one sense compelled me from my prayer, that if I had experienced this then others who share my Faith and others who believe in God may be faced with the same delimea. Therefore, I offer to anyone in my position to do the same. Ask the Lord for guidence as we should in everything we do. Your answer will come to you. Pray, not with anything under your bed or with letters in the mail, but pray with your heart and do His work as it says in the Bible. Have no fear, your thoughts (and even your requests) will be heard.

May God have mercy on those that misuse His gifts and may those that have been taken advantage of find it in their hearts to forgive. We crucified Him once already, isn't that enough?

Frank
Elmhurst, Illinois
U.S.A.