Friday, October 7, 2016

Dillards Share How Donations Are Used

Jill and Derick Dillard take Israel Dillard camping to celebrate his 18-month milestone

Jill and Derick Dillard just shared a ministry update via their website. We have posted the highlights below, and you can read the rest at dillardfamily.com.

Most of you are aware that the Dillards have been home since early August. During their time in Arkansas, Jill and Derick have been taking seminary courses, partnering with local mission organizations, and preparing for their return to Central America.

"Through focused time of Bible study in our classes, we hope to be more equipped missionaries, both here in the states as well as when we return to Central America," Derick explains to supporters.

Derick has also been working a number of jobs, including substitute teaching, to support his family. Jill, a Certified Professional Midwife since last fall, has used her midwifery skills to deliver babies while in Arkansas.

In his update, Derick makes it clear that the money that supporters have graciously donated to Dillard Family Ministries is being used to "help both the physically and spiritually destitute" in Central America.

"We are thankful that we’ve been able to put ministry funds to the most direct use in Central America and have been able to cover all of our travel, except one trip, and other indirect expenses with non-ministry funds," writes Derick.

During their time in the States, Jill and Derick Dillard have had opportunities to speak with various groups, including children of AWANA Clubs International and ladies of the Women's Missionary Union, about their work as missionaries in Latin America and Derick's experiences in Nepal. Their goal with those presentations is to "engage the American Church in missions" and to share the importance of "believers' involvement."

"As with anything in my life, my desire is to emulate the character and work of Jesus Christ the best I can," Derick writes at the end of his letter. "I truly believe that we are living in a generation with unique opportunities that God is using to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven quicker than any of us may realize.  And, I love having a front-row seat to just get a glimpse of how God is going to fulfill Revelation 7:9."

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

104 comments:

  1. I can't believe he called the people in that area "spiritually dead." About 80% of Central Americans are practicing Catholics. Maybe the rest want nothing to do with religion, which they are free to do. But for an outsider to clump everyone together under that derogatory term? Not nice at all. I wonder if the "spiritually dead" know they are being called that by the "friendly missionary" who arrives in their neighborhood? I'm sorry, but I'm appalled that Derick and Jill would say that in public about anyone!

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    1. I have to agree. Their reflecting an ignorant superiority to inflate their mission which seems horribly misleading and translucent.
      I do pray they explore all the facts before making such Judgement's on others. I can't blame youth anymore.

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    2. I know. I thought that was an odd comment. Unless they are working directly with gang members etc., I found the people in Central America to be a very religious and devout group. I think there are many more spiritually dead in the US.

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    3. I agree! Just because they're not of the made-up church the Duggars belong to doesn't mean they are spiritually dead. I think they're just mad because they're Catholic and they believe we're going to hell. But there are all kinds of denominations that believe different ways. Does that mean Lutherans are spiritual dead? Or Presbyterians? Baptists? Or just us Catholics?

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    4. The Bible gives him the authority to say it.

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    5. Their entire denomination do not consider Catholics to be Christian. I'm Catholic--had a beautiful friend until she joined the ATI quiver full movement too. Then cut me off because of my Catholisism. That was about 10 years ago. Still stings.

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    6. I feel for the loss of your friend; I know how it feels to have a close friend just suddenly cut you off with no idea of why.

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    7. @7:13. Thank you that's very sweet. But..she made it abundantly clear she wanted nothing to do with me or having our children play together anymore because we are Catholic and she had joined the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. That I was part of a cult who practice witchcraft. It really stung as I love Jesus, His Word, The Holy Spirit, and know my Father God. I also love Mass and am closest to My Saviour when at the Communion Table. But as I said that was about 10 years ago--she even refused my FB request..the ultimate snub by today's standards ---LOL!!

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    8. If you're following the Bible, then someone who has not turned his life over to Christ is spiritually dead or not "alive in Christ," whether he calls himself a Catholic, a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, or anything else. That's just what the Bible says. Either you believe it or you don't. But please respect those who do.

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    9. @3:33. I, too, am sorry for the loss of your friend over a doctrine. You are both Christian and sadly she let her ignorance divide instead of finding the common ground in your faith. I'm Catholic too. I think what a lot of us feel on here is hurt and betrayal. I actually think there are a lot of us Catholics who liked the Duggars. I know I did. We are for family as we still tend to have "larger" families as well. We love Jesus and strive to teach our children to live moral lives according to the Bible. We believe in strong marriages--as do most Christians, and non-Christians. However, we have heard time and time again such outright hatred, ignorance, accusations ( spiritually dead?) from the Duggars, Dillard's and Seewalds. I dare them to go to Mass during Holy Week where we truly remember the love of Christ out poured for our Savation. Every song and every Scripture reading bringing us to worship our Risen Lord! Spiritually Dead?? I think not!! Perhaps the Dillard's would be more effective if they chose to understand the Catholic faith instead of continuing to throw such horrible insults.

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    10. @3:59, How can you ask anyone to respect people who call other people names or slap unfair labels on them like that? Especially in the name of religion. Sorry, but that's just wrong on so many levels.

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  2. How man babies has Jill helped to deliver since she has been back in Arkansas? How many substitute teaching days has Derick worked?

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  3. May God bless them as they go about the Lord's work. The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. I realize people complain about their work in Central America and they should stay here in the States. Problem is it is much easier to share the gospel here than it is over there. Can you imagine if they were ministering in the Middle East? They would be in far more danger. If God has called them to this ministry, then He will protect them.

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    1. Many, many missionaries have been called to the ministry and have died doing it. I don't think one can presume one will be protected. It can be a very risky way of life.

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    2. Then why are they back in Arkansas?

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    3. Hi Regina, you say "If God has called them to this ministry, then He will protect them" Can I respectfully ask that if, following the statement logically, they were so unfortunate as to come to harm in the mission field, that would mean that God had not called them to this mission after all?

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    4. Jim Elliot (Spurgeon's middle name) died on the mission field doing exactly what God called him to do. Even so, following God is the safest place to be. Remember, this life is a blink of an eye compared to what awaits in eternithy.

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  4. My apologies but I don't see where they used the funds? Just said they were continuing their classes and paid for all but one trip. They make a lot of money from TLC...so seems unlikely they would have needed to use any donations. Or, they could have taken once less trip?

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  5. Most of the people they are referring to as "spritually dead" are in fact not. They are catholic. Thought their faith is different, it shouldn't be disrespected.

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    1. I don't think that is disrespectful. It is the truth. If a person hasn't acknowledged Christ as their Savior, then they are spiritually dead. When someone has acknowledged Christ as their Lord and Savior and have turned from their sins, then they are "alive in Christ," as Paul states. A lot of times, we followers of Christ really should start using terms that everyone can understand. Example: The term "Christian" isn't fully understood by most of the world. To some, it means just a U.S. citizen; to some, anyone who believes that there is a God;...

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    2. Anon @ 4:21 This is your opinion. The Bible has been a source of dispute and conflict for eons. To suggest that there is one group of people who have the market cornered on the "Truth" is the epitome of audaciousness and self-righteousness.

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    3. So basically, you're saying that if you don't believe in OUR religion and OUR God, then *poof* you're dead? Because OUR religion says so? If you believe in some other supreme being, even if you have full faith in that being, you're still dead? That makes little sense. And it's a pretty bad thing to tell someone, BTW. Not to mention arrogant. Would you like other religions to tell you that about their gods? Then what good is religion, if it just divides us and makes us look down on one another??

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    4. Great points, 4:21, and clearly and respectfully stated. I am heartened reading comments like yours. Thank you for posting that.

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    5. Except that you don't know if they haven't accepted Christ. Just because they are Catholic? Yeah, that's a major assumption and an insulting one. And I don't know anyone who thinks being Christian means a US citizen - what a bizarre thing to even consider.

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    6. Anonomous 3:59, I believe no one said "Catholics are spiritually dead." No matter what religious/non-religious background one has, it is only trusting in Christ as Savior that will get one to heaven. From what I read in the comments, no one is intent on insulting anyone. I think it's just, according to the comments, that people don't have a clear understanding of what spiritually dead means.

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  6. That's not really a good accounting. They don't tell us the difference between ministry and non-ministry funds. They don't say exactly how the ministry funds were used. What did they buy? They don't explain what those trips were all about. They don't offer any totals. It's more like a "believe us when we say this" statement and that's all. No details, no proof.

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  7. Jill is lucky she can use her CPM in Arkansas. Only 28 states allow someone with that title to practice. She can only assist in home births or in private birthing centers. She cannot assist in hospitals.

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    1. I personally wouldn't let a CPM assist me, I prefer a trained midwife with nursing training. I'm amazed America allows such things as a CPM. In Australia you not only have to be a nurse first but a registered division one nurse and then do your couple year midwifery training!

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    2. My daughter was delivered by a Certified Midwife, in a hospital. The midwife was in charge with no doctor present. All the hospitals in my area use midwives. They are qualified to deliver in hospitals

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    3. Check the facts for Arkansas, Kathy. A CPM is not allowed to deliver in a hospital. There are higher levels of midwives than what Jill is.

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    4. Chatty Cathy, I believe a midwife delivered your daughter but I would bet that she was a nurse midwife. A nurse midwife delivered my grand daughter in a hospital. Someone with Jill's credentials would not be allowed to deliver in a hospital.

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    5. Jill IS NOT a midwife. Midwives are RN's that have continued their education. They are highly educated and skilled professionals.

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  8. Why are they interested in having more kids if this is the end times and Revelation is going to be fulfilled? They want their kids to see people die?

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    1. well, so far they haven't had another.....

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    2. What do you mean "They want their kids to see people die?" We have children for other reasons. And yes we all see people die but if we and they live and follow Jesus we will see each other again in heaven.

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    3. The Bible doesn't tell us to stop living our lives when we think end times are approaching.

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    4. I kind of agree with you. If I were young, I would not want to raise children in this day and age. Who knows how much darker this world is going to get before the Lord comes.

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    5. The world always seems to get darker for each generation in the past.

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  9. Um that still isn't a direct answer.

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  10. Is this a reaction to the many people who have accused the Dillards of misusing funds? Why post about this?

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  11. "In his update, Derick makes it clear that the money that supporters have graciously donated to Dillard Family Ministries is being used to "help both the physically and spiritually destitute" in Central America.""

    I dispute the idea that financing the room and board of Derick, Jill and Israel (and likely the classes they keep signing up for) directly helps the physically and spiritually destitute in Central America.

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  12. I'm still not clear on how those generous donations to their mission were applied? Derrick and Jill, could you please be more specific?

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    1. Derrick is an accountant. He should be able to offer more insight than provided. Especially if they are relying on more donations.
      If the organization was tax deductible he would be required.

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  13. It makes me sad they felt they had to share this information.

    I was a missionary for 4 years with YWAM. It is exhausting both physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. It is so much more draining than a "normal job". And It is so uncomfortable being dependent financially on the support of others. No one grows up thinking, "I want to have to ask my friends and family to pay for me to live!". But when you know God is calling you to full time missionary work, it usually goes with the territory.

    It is awful feeling like you have to explain/defend how you spend your money. Trips home are absolutely vital to sustaining your ministry and are a valid use of ministry support. If you think that's lidicrous, try living in a foreign country away from everything and everyone familiar, while you're pouring yourself out to serve people. And try to do that for years without a trip home.

    Anyway, I love Jill and Derick, they're doing an awesome job, I just feel bad for them because I know how hard it is to live the way they do.

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    1. Thank you for your comment! I agree w/ you.

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    2. They are getting funded by tlc. Why do they need donations. They get handsomely rewarded for filming episodes! Now they are insulting people who seem spiritually dead? These people need to take some cultural classes and see the real history of religion. Then they wouldnt be so prejudice that all these people don't know God. They do know him but it is interpreted a different way. They would know if Jill and Derick went to school for awhile and read up on history.

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    3. If you're going to register with the IRS as a charitable organization, you HAVE to explain and possibly even defend how you spend your money.

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    4. Thank-you, well said!! Can't think of too many people willing to put their lives on hold and serve in the same way. I don't think anyone has the right to judge them until they do the same thing. Not as easy and cozy as some try make it sound in their comments.

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    5. To poster: Oct.6 @ 6:46pm: I think missionary work is wonderful and, yes, sacrifices are made for the cause. As far as you thinking it is awful that people want Derick & Jill to disclose how donated funds were used, I disagree with you and here's why - They are affiliated with a TV show that deals with a large Christian family of which they are a part of. They used their fame to solicit donations and I have qualms about them doing that, but it bothers me that they may be taking advantage of vulnerable viewers. NOT saying they are, but it bothers me. They are NOT "televangelists", nor is that what their program is about - soliciting donations to pursue ministry in another country. They went to Central America and actually WORKED for SOS Ministries and collected a weekly paycheck! The asking for money from "fans" just makes them appear greedy and I just don't believe they are. As far as using donations for trips, you say pretty much how important and needed those trips are, and I agree, however,let's be honest here, they made 3 trips home in what, 6-7 months? Come on, that's a bit much! I know they came home on one trip to film a 15 second spot in New York for childhood sex abuse. They also went to a Bates wedding, Jessas baby shower, not sure about cousin Amy's wedding, but you see what I'm getting at. When you solicit donations, yes, you must be completely transparent with the use of those funds! That's how it works! Also to add, yes its important to come home and see family, but come on, I don't think that in the 8-9 months they were gone did they ever go more than a month without family visiting! Just off the top of my head I recall 2 visits from Dericks mom, Joy and the Bates girl went, all the older Duggar kids went to film, Jimbob and Michelle went 2-3 times....this was not a "normal" 8 months of the type of life a missionary lives!

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    6. If you are soliciting money from people, then those people have every right to know exactly how their money is being spent. A trip home every once in awhile is fine, but when you make 3 trips home in 6 months, that raises a red flag. Derick is an accountant. He should know how to prepare a financial statement for his donors. Looks like avoidance behavior to me.

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    7. The Duggars and Dillards have made millions of dollars on their TV show/s and appearances. This is fact. If they are choosing to be missionaries, they should NOT be asking anyone for donations. No one.

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    8. How do you know God is "calling" you or anyone else to be a missionary? It is a phrase so overused that it has no meaning. It is one thing to selflessly give of your time and energy to provide better living conditions in third world countries, but quite another to take it upon yourself to try and convert others to your version of Biblical truths. There are countless charlatans in the world selling their brands of religion, all under the guise of being "called by God."

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    9. Thank you for your service but I kindly disagree. They came home multiple times and were paid by TLC so it is hardly comparable to the difficult situation you encountered. Did your family receive TLC paid visits to come see you several times, bringing treats, air conditioning and also paying for you to go stay at a hotel? It's not the same at all.

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    10. THANK YOU!!! ^^ people are too quick to judge when they know nothing about the situation.

      -Caitlin

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  14. I have a question for jill i know u know alot about babies my baby is teething she wont hardly want to do anything bathing her is hard because she screams she wants to be held is there anything i can do to comfort her

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    1. Diaper rash flare-ups and teething often go hand in hand. Step up your use of diaper balm and make sure you are gently but thoroughly cleaning at diaper changes. Advice not from Jill but from a seasoned veteran in the diaper and teething depts.

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    2. Probably best to ask your doctor, Jennie. I'll pray.

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  15. I like Jill and Derek but it does appear that they left to get away
    from another Josh scandal. Now that it has blown over, they have come back
    to the U.S. The timing just seems bad. It is great that they are willing
    to be missionaries for Christ.

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  16. Now will people donate as they said they used this to their own greed? Tlc gives them money to fund for everything! This is a shame to all missionaries that don't have no support.

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  17. Is there a place where the donations and expenditures are itemized? Thank you!

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    1. Yes, it's called "the books" but there's no guarantee they will ever be released. If they are released, it could be a special set used to report to the tax man. I've known businesses to keep two sets of books at the same time, the real one and the one you let other people and the IRS see. Also, it's easy to claim you used something for charitable purposes but in reality, it was for personal purposes. Receipts? What receipts?

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  18. God bless the Dillards and their ministry! They are truly doing work for the glory of our Lord and Savior. May God bless them greatly and keep them all safe and healthy. Just a side question: Can we get an update on Derrick's mom and her health. The new show has none of the many things that made 19 kids so very popular - like side story lines about Derrick's family. TLC needs to rethink their awful decision to cancel 19 kids and try to re-tool Counting On to be much more like 19 kids!!

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  19. That's not "sharing how donations are used". It's way too general. Why won't they explain exactly?

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  20. I pray for your family often but i do have a question. How do you keep your temper? I am also pretty easy going but i have my limits. With all the negative comments, how do you keep from just loosing it and screaming SHUT UP ALL READY :). I pray for your strength every day as i am sure you must (thank you Jesus) Hopefully now that yins have husbands they help bear some of the weight . Keep doing what your doing God is shining through

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    1. No one will answer this question.. Not sure why Lilly and Ellie bother posting it.

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  21. I understand the explanation of how the "ministry funds" which were donated per their charity. Where would they obtain "non ministry funds" as an unemployed family for the past almost 18 months?

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    1. To anonymous Oct.8, 2016 @ 2;08 am - They WERE NOT an unemployed family for the past 18 months if you're referring to Jill and Derrick! They were paid weekly since while in Central America they were employed by SOS MINISTRIES and TLC!!

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    2. Perhaps Derick had saved a lot from his job at Wal-Mart?

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    3. They were employed by SOS Ministries and they were also employed by TLC. Together this is a substantial amount of money. They were not unemployed.

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    4. How can you save a lot from an accounting job that you've had for like two months?

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  22. From the description of their lives in Central America, camping would be the last thing I would want to do when back in the USA with working indoor plumbing, hot water and air conditioning. This family amazes me with their contradictions in actions and words.

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  23. I understand not wanting to name specific people or programs but they could say that $x went to food for feeding the needy and this many needy people were fed, $x went to purchasing Spanish Bibles and this many Bibles were distributed, $x went construction costs, so many people were prayed with and we saw these type of answers, so many people received Jesus as their Savior....otherwise it looks like they were on a service vacation rather than acting as missionaries.

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    1. Here in Canada all chartable organizations (churches too) file an income tax return once a year. That record becomes public knowledge once the CRA publishes the information. You don't see individual giving records but you do see the money that flows into an organization and how that money is apllied across different expense categories. I am not sure if it is the same in the USA, but if it is then all this information will be public once they file their income taxes for their charitable organization at the end of their fiscal year. It doesn't make sense for them to provide weekly, monthly, quarterly, updates because there is a lot of work involved in filing an income tax return. And a lot of people would be squawking about how they're spending the money when in all reality taking a look at a tax return once per year will give people a better idea of how the money is being spent :)

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  24. Why would you call Catholics "spiritually dead"?. As a practicing Catholic, I am offended. Our religions are different for sure, but no need to go around name-calling because someone is different. I don't always agree with other religions, but I am tolerant that others may believe differently then I do.


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    1. Catholicism is a completely different belief system from Biblical Christianity. That is why they refer it as they do. Catholicism believes Jesus is offered up for sin every time there is a Mass. That is an unBiblical teaching. The Bible teaches Jesus was offered up once on the cross thereby covering sins for all times through one sacrifice.

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    2. Yes but calling someone "dead" because they don't believe the same things you do is pretty extreme.

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  25. Again with the Catholic bashing. We..I'm a Christian Catholic..are not in any way spiritually dead. And I still don't see where they used the money by the way.

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  26. Anonymous @ 2:08 10/8: I'll tell you where they get "non missionary funds"..the TV show and their paychecks for appearing, interviews, photos, etc. That's where they get their money...they are living off of their TV show, that's why this family won't get off TV.

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  27. Jennie Reyes: Give your child a frozen teething ring to help with the discomfort of teething. They sell them in Walmart baby department.

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  28. Sorry Lilly and Ellie but youe title is very deceiving. You didn't mention once, neither did Jill or Derrick how the funds are actually used. The most direct use doesn't say anything and does the travelling costs include their holidays trips. Would like them to answer the hard questions especially with how much some fans are donating. God bless

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  29. I would submit that if you have never lived abroad, it skews your view and understanding on this topic simply because you have not experienced it- much like a woman who thinks they know what birth is like and one who had actually experienced it. The two can be very different!

    And if you are not comfortable with how they list their finances, don't give to them...my guess is almost all the comments that say hateful and negative things over monies don't financially give.

    And before you post negative things, please think about how it looks to non believers to see so much hate and distain toward our brothers and sisters- even if that's not your intention. I would not want to run into the fold if I saw such things. Perhaps pray a little more and comment a little less.

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    1. It makes no difference if one gives or not. If a group or organization receives tax-exempt donations, it stands to reason that the taxpayers are within their rights to ask how the money is spent.

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    2. Technically they didn't live abroad. In theory you could drive to central America from the states. I wouldn't advise it but it is possible.

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  30. All the Dillard's have to do is make the mandatory report that ALL Non profit organizations have to do in regards to how funds are being used. Then people will quit bothering them about this! If they didn't have anything to hide, then they should have released a detailed report. This very vague update doesn't suffice....

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  31. Who says these people are spiritually destitute??

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    1. El Salvador has approximately the third highest murder rate per capita in the entire world. Their country is full of crime, that is most likely why he said most of them are spiritually dead. They are not practicing any Christian faith if they are murdering people for their gangs. Saying you are Christian is not always the same thing as being a practicing Christian in daily life. Of course there are some real Christians in El Salvador too.

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  32. So ridiculous that people think they have a right to know about the Dillards finances! Wow! And, some comments have gone so far as to ask for an itemized list!?! This is what's wrong with so many in our country. So concerned about someone else's business and not their own. They have went above and beyond by giving you an idea as to what they do with the finances and still people want to know more and criticize them for not giving enough info. These same people have probably never never lived so sacrificial in their lives. The Dillards have left family, friends, American conveniences etc...all for Christ's sake and to share the gospel and they will be rewarded. (Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.) Thankful for this young family, it's rare in our country to find young people who are concerned with anyone besides themselves. God bless you.

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    1. Very well said and a big Amen!

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    2. You have every right in this country to know exactly where the finances of a charitable organization have gone. Imagine a system where you couldn't.

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    3. If funds are tax-exempt, then people have every right to know how the money is being spent.

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    4. The questioning isn't about the Dillards' private finances; it's about the use of money donated to their charitable organization. By law, charities must use donated funds properly.

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    5. The answer to all this is for those who are not comfortable with how the money is used to not donate. Those who feel led should donate. Some people just like to complain.

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  33. I just love Israel's face in this pic!

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  34. I don't think Jill has "left her family for Christ", as she sees them every few weeks in Central America and now they're here for an extended stay..

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    1. I think she has had a very hard time cutting the cord with her family.

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  35. Perhaps we fans should not give the complainers or the judgementals a second thought, as this is their schpeel.This is what they, "the trolsters" do with their time. Instead, let's thank them for supporting this here site and for watching the show as they are helping with the ratings and such.They must be curiously and totally invested in our lovely family to care to visit this blog, and tuning in to "Counting On" Soooo, a big thanks! Live,love,laugh😅Prayers sent to all😇P.S. Dillards you are phenomenal, thank you for your missions, you are truly blessed🕇

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    1. I used to get upset in my mind when I would see such negative comments and I'd wonder why these people with negativity come to this site. But now I see that it is a curiousness in them and maybe God is calling each one of them here. We were all once "in the dark" and now are in the light by the grace of God and by the blood shed of Jesus Christ and not by anything we ourselves have done. Rather than call them "trolsters" I would say they are called by God to come here.

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    2. By dismissing those who raise reasonable and justifiable questions as "trolls and complainers", you are being as judgmental as you accuse them of being. Those who blindly worship or follow any person, group, or organization without thoughtful critique are not doing themselves any favors. When we stop asking questions, we are vulnerable to indoctrination by intimidation.

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    3. We explained before that simply turning on your TV set to a certain channel does not help ratings. You have to be one of the families chosen by the ratings system to keep a viewing log or to have your viewing monitored. And then that data is extrapolated for an estimate of what any show's ratings are. That's all there is to it. So please stop trying to shame the "trolsters" (that's a word?) you think hate this family and have nothing better to do with their time. Try understanding that there are people out there who do care about what's on TV and do care what is going on with these kids, only they have had their eyes opened by all that's happened and how TLC is now scripting the shows in a most ridiculous manner. I'm surprised Ellie keeps posting this same message from the same person week after week. Can you add something else that would be interesting to the conversation we're having here?

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  36. I don't see why Jill and Derick had to come back and visit so often. We are a military family, and you can bet when we are stationed overseas for two or three years, we are lucky if we can get home once for a visit.

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