The Editor, Sir:

Upon reading today's edition online, I felt compelled to respond to a letter from one of your readers concerning the 'selling of the gospel'.

On any given Saturday/Sunday, Jamaicans can freely walk into a number of churches where the truth is taught for free. Even an offering is free will! It came as a shock to me to read in your publication a few days ago the price that will be charged for our people to attend meetings conducted by an overseas minister.

But then, most of us always programme ourselves to believe that 'anything free no good' and that better things come from North America. I have lived abroad for seven years and I am yet to see the greener pastures that were promised. In areas such as crime/punishment and social services there is definitely more to offer here but certainly not in morals, food quality, standard of education or health cost.

For those of us who study our Bible, I recall the story of Simon Magus in Acts 8 who wanted to buy the power of giving the gift of the Holy Ghost with his money he had previously obtained by sorcery. Clearly, Peter and his colleagues refused his money, stating that the gift of God is free. So for those who want to give their money to this minister and his cohorts for something other ministers rightly offer for free - the choice is yours.

Have you seen the number of publications he has on the best-seller lists? Have you seen the inside of his church? Do you know the cost of his suits? Jesus' ministry was one of humility; just read the beatitudes in Matthew 5. He himself warned in Matthew 6:24 of the impossibility of serving God and riches.

Jesus taught that in the judgement there will be ministers asking, "Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name ... and in Thy name done many wonderful things?" His response will be "depart from me ... I never knew you". (Matthew 7)

I am, etc.,

D. BROWN

redigbo@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica