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Updated: 7:43 PM Jul 5, 2009
Church Needs $40,000
A local church is in need of $40,000 to keep their doors open, pastor said.
Posted: 7:12 PM Jul 5, 2009Reporter: Ryan Smith Email Address: ryan.smith@wibw.com |
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7 Comments 
A local church needs $40,000 to keep their doors open.
Members may only have 3 more weeks to come pray and sing at the place they've come to call home.
Pastor Joel Martinez bought a house across the street a couple years ago and used the church's building as collateral.
He's been laid off from a full time job since then and now works part time at Burlington Coat Factory, dedicating 75% of his income to the congregation.
"It's been really tough, not going to lie, pretty stressful," Martinez said. "Not only do I have my family but also the church family."
With foreclosure looming, they've turned off the air conditioner, removed most musical instruments and left the building pretty bare.
If you would like to donate, call Ebenezer Evangelical Church at
(785) 408-9663.
Latest Comments
How easy to judge others even when we don't have all the facts. The fact is that Pastor Martinez has been pastoring in Topeka Kansas for over ten years. He went there to start a church and help the spanish community come to Christ. The Church building they were renting was given to Pastor Martinez by the local congregation that had observed his love for God and the people and saw his hard labor. Pastor along with his wife carmen and three children have labored together giving 75% of his families income to help the church keep it's doors open. I believe the minister according to the Word of God is worthy of his labor. Pastor Martinez has not only labored and given three forth of his income working outside the church but has pored out his life in service to the people. I believe we have all made decisions that have come back to haunt us. My Christian breathen I plead with you, let us come together in prayer for one another and especially for this Pastor and congregation.
DUMB
To Mary: You said, "Most churches have a parsonage.." NOT TRUE. The great majority of churches no longer own parsonages. They give the pastor a housing allowance. I have been treasurer for 3 different chruches and have done the research. I agree with Anonymous. When you make a bargain with the "world" you get burned. He put the chruch in jeopardy by his incorrect action. Shame on him.
