Our thoughts,...

Serving people is a joy as we find purpose in benignity. We experience insight through humanity's good, bad, and ugly branches. Moreover, we have learned not to let evil culprits burn out our kindness towards the innocent. We do not want decent and humble souls to suffer needs at the hands of wicked-hearted individuals. It happens. Over the years, many of us have experienced being taken advantage of, betrayed, manipulated, maliciously spoken to, and slandered, by crooked actors, as others have. Giving prayers, employment, hospitality, and financial means to wayward minds masquerading themselves as "righteousness" is, in part, a hard lesson of growth from ministry. And it comes at a high cost. It is the walk we endeavor, learning to discern. Yet we should not forget that "Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional." - R.C.

Knowing the boundaries of benevolence and keeping a record of all financial income and outgo is wise for practical application—both in generosity and support. I've presented a few podcasts on this subject before. We have always strived to be good stewards of our blessings. My wife and I, from day one, have observed every penny we have ever made, where it went, and what it was intended for as it landed its destination. It is relatively easy to do so because everything is available through digital tracking, bank statements, screenshots, etc. We did this so cunning accusations could not make false witnesses credible against us, for bold-faced liars have indeed mastered their craft of deception. They will aggressively take and proceed to indict, devouring the idle away from pure integrity.

For this reason, it is why there is safety in prudence. Not everyone who seeks your charity is honorable, though some indeed are. Not everyone who portrays themselves as "Christians" is honest, though some indeed are. Be very careful who you support in the mission, and pay close attention to the words they say, therein reveals their deception and hypocrisy. For this reason, my wife and I have always made ourselves transparent and available. Through weaknesses and strengths, our work speaks to our authenticity.

Perhaps you understand the wisdom; maybe you still need to be educated. We all do in various measurements. Nonetheless, though sorrowful and, at times, genuinely devastating to undergo the chaos of fraudulent and divisive liars, we must never remove ourselves from the joy of giving. "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " (Acts 20:35)

Your servant,
SM