thought of the day.86

Con-artists, I’m sorry, “Pastors” Mike and Hazel Simons, of the Promiseland Television Network invited the public to a local church for a night of miracles. Of course, this I had to see. It was truly shameful. Rather than encouraging these ailing people to seek proper medical help, Mike filled them with false hopes and played ludicrous tricks on these credulous, desperate people such as making an elderly woman's malformed leg miraculously grow a couple of inches as she lay on the floor.

Not content in playing mind games and jeopardizing lives, Mike aims to drain bank accounts too. He says, “Your financial gift of $30 a month” will make a “miracle happen.” Of course, the bigger the gift, the greater your miracle, “Many are standing with us with a gift of $1,000.” And getting your miracle is easy. “You can call our operators 24 hours a day at 1-800-717-0765 and give by debit card, credit card, or check by phone. You can also give online on our secured site at www.mikesimons.com.”

But as despicable as the Simons’ actions are, all religious leaders are guilty of preying on the hopes and fears of their followers when they pass the offering basket in the name of “God.”