Saturday, August 26, 2017

Derick Joins School of Ministry


As most of you know, Jill and Derick Dillard have recently become involved in college ministry at Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas. Well, it was just announced that Derick, along with a group of about 20 other men and women, has joined the Cross Church School of Ministry, "a one-year residential ministry experience that prepares leaders for life, ministry, and Gospel advancement globally."

Photo courtesy dillarfamily.com

89 comments:

  1. I think that's wonderful. Both Derick and Jill seem to have a love for people and ministry. I really appreciate that. Will be praying for him and Jill as they start this new season of life.

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  2. Derick, Happy that you got this opportunity. I know this is where you and Jill's heart is, to be in ministry. My prayers will be with you...Jane

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  3. Awwww!That is great! Derrick and Jill are gifted in ministry!

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  4. Can you make an income doing this? If so great for them.

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  5. Why doesn't he go to a accredited college and study to be a minister? Why all these "almost accredited but not really" programs with any of the Duggars? And I don't understand why Derick was trying to be a missionary long before any of this training. It all doesn't make much sense!

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    1. 12:08, I have the same questions. Who is telling them that it's OK to cut those educational corners? I sure hope that someday this lack of credentials doesn't catch up with them and lead them into a situation where others are put at danger, too. Mechanic, machinery operator, remodeler, midwife, missionary... All potentially hazardous to someone.

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    2. Why does the college need to be accredited? God is the one who ordained us to go out and preach the gospel to all. To some people a big college name matters but what is that really? Besides a huge student loan. It's sad to see how people can hate on this godly family. Those people must be miserable to feel the need to post negative comments. I pray you find true happiness so you can let others enjoy their own.

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    3. Anyone can minister however there is a division between self and the God's word. Education is the key to success and not risking others lives by your own means and opinions. So 11:20pm it matters.
      Would you agree to surgery from a man that can't finish what he starts?
      I've seen people with good intentions destroy Live's because their lack of knowledge took them down the wrong road.

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    4. Anonymous @11:20 Why is any reasonable comment about what this family does or says somehow is assumed to a hateful comment?

      A college needs to a accredited for the simple reason that the student knows that the quality of the education is up to a certain standard and that any diploma that may earn will be recognized. Anything else is a waste of time and money.

      A "huge college name" can mean the difference between being employed and not employed. Plus, "accredited" colleges have scholarships and financial aid programs for students that unaccredited colleges do not have.

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  6. What a great opportunity! Prayers for you to get much out of it!

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  7. Congratulations Derick. Have a blessed Ministry experience. God Bless.
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

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  8. Isn't this what Derick should have done before going to CA? So what this is saying is he wasn't as prepared as a leader? It seems as if the Dillard's did this backwards. But I'm glad he is getting ministry experience!

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    1. I truly don't understand the thought process, 3:38. Seems self-defeating to start anything without proper knowledge and training.

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  9. What about Jill, will she be attending the school too? Or Derick will be the only one attending while Jill stays home!

    Shouldn't he be looking for a job???

    I know, I know none of my business, just wondering!

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    1. Jill is a stay at home mom. Maybe she'll join an MLM

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    2. Stay at home moms do have a job. It's a very important job. And it's a 24/7 kind of job. I have five children and homeschool. I think it's funny that some people think that stay at home moms don't do anything but sit and watch TV. I barely sit down all day.
      It might not be a job that pays, but it's worth every sacrifice.

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    3. If Jill chooses to be a mother and wife why not

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    4. Mothers who work are also mothers and wives. Many do it because their husbands don't earn enough to support the family.

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  10. Excellent! It will be great for him to have the opportunity to be mentored by experienced pastors. Preparation for whatever form of service lies ahead of him.

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  11. This is a very common and respected path for men who have other vocations/degrees to earn a solid bible credential to do lay ministry. I wish he would have committed to this before going to the mission field. At least he is on the right track. I think his brother-in-laws are rubbing off on him in some positive ways. I am sure losing your father had to be difficult and he may just have needed a little more time than typical to "find his way" Happy for him!

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  12. He's asking for money again on a charity page. Doesn't he know that his wife makes a ton of money on a TV show? And his father-in-law is a millionaire? And there are things called jobs that many young men his age do? Why does he need to ask the public for money? I find this offensive.

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    1. Agreed. I have no problem with them wanting to be missionaries, but ministry is best started at home.He could of stayed in his accounting job and ministered to those around them while they raised the money themselves. Plus they never really divulged where donations were going or how they were being used.Asking for money without indicating in someway that you are working your backside off to raise it yourself by working makes you come across like a moocher. Not a good reputation to have.

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    2. I'd like to see both of your proof that you would ever give your money out of your pocket solely to pay for any missionary you would probably never do.
      No missionary or priest of any faith use their paycheck to provide money to missions, they devote their time, lives and love.
      You are both just jumping on the whining troll and hating media stories..

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  13. I was reading the FAQs for that ministry program and it says:

    "What is the housing like for the Cross Church School of Ministry?

    Cross Church has contracted with various duplex, house, and apartment realtors in the area to provide high quality and safe housing and utilities for our students. You can expect to have a roommate who is also a Cross Church School of Ministry student, although this may not always be the case. There will obviously be no co-ed housing offered of any kind."

    So...where is Jill going to live?

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    1. Do they have a study-only (commuter) option, not just a live-in version?

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    2. The course says you do not have to 'live in' if you don't need to. They will get the $12000 fee reduced to $10000 if they have their own accommodation.

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    3. I am nearly positive they will continue to live in their current residence - the Duggar's property they're in now. They likely received special approval from the church. There's no way Jill, Derick, and their two kids are moving out of that house and into some weird roommate situation, especially since that would automatically break their "no co-ed housing" rule.

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    4. They are not actually required to live on the campus from my understanding.

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  14. I was so sad and disappointed to see that Derick started another fund raiser on "Pure Charity." He is an intelligent, capable young man! Why doesn't he get a job, like the rest of us?? When I was getting my degree, I also worked a job and cared for my children. I asked NO ONE for money.

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    1. I agree with you. Many young people get degrees in youth ministry, scripture, theology.. and pay for it through college loans and hard work. It's one thing to ask for money when you are actually going out into the mission field , and quite another to ask for it for your education/certification I don't really understand it.

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    2. Why don't you both produce your pays to fund charities as much as you are both demanding they do? Doubtful that'd happen.

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  15. Its embarrassing that Derick is asking for funding again for his ministry. He's college educated and has such mr work experience; shouldn't he earn whatever is needed to minister?

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    1. I find it unacceptable, too, but I fault the church program that seems to require that the students raise money like this. The fact that whatever is donated goes straight to the church is disturbing, too. Where is the accountability then?

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    2. Agree @9:15, It is simply that- unacceptable. I have known five people, who now after many years of volunteer service while working bivocational jobs to support their families-are finally experienced and prepared to lead in full-time paid ministry. I have respect for the new and different avenues to complete ministerial training, but to set up a non-profit to support you is just not biblical. Very sad and disappointing. I wonder what the Duggars think?

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    3. Thats not the churches fault. Most people have a regular job. How the students choose to raise it is their business. Derick should say if he has a regular job. Because everytime they ask for money. It comes across badly like he is asking for handouts. Im sure his intentions are good. But he is demonstrating an immaturity.

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    4. No asking for it is his right. It is the response of haters and people who don't know the full details that are showing immaturity.

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  16. Why don't the Dillards take all the money that is still in their donation fund and donate it to the new charity they're asking everyone else to support. I find it quite ridiculous that they're now asking for $6500 from people. When are they going to stop asking for donations and start putting their own money to support themselves!

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  17. Very nice and hopefully will provide more education to be more successful as a missionary.
    Being residents of the campus may also provide a great experience for Jill.
    I do hope the experience is spiritual beneficial to all of them. I have been saddened by everything I've read lately.

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    1. How is Jill going to be a resident, if she's not in the program, and no co-ed housing is allowed? Not to mention two little kids....

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  18. I thought the Dillards had stopped asking for donations but now they're asking for them for their Cross Church education. Unbelievable!

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    1. That would be like deciding to attend seminary and setting up a non-profit to have people fund it! Embarrassing!

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  19. I have always admired the way the Duggars have always practiced what they preached and their sense of helping people no matter what part of the world it may take them, however, over the past few years I have really started to question some motives behind some of these activities. Who pays for all these projects that Derick and Jill start but don't seem to finish (yes I know Jim Bob has several rentals blah blah blah) does Derick have a job or are they still begging people to send them money. I also don't understand how Jill who has never been to college could have any idea on what pressures a young lady who is in college would have let alone know how to "Minister" to them when she was brought up a family who publicly stated that they do not believe in higher education for their daughters. I truly believe in being part of your community and helping those in need but it all seems like Derek and Jill only want a photo opportunity. Perhaps if they were a little less public and a little more actual hands on it may make more sense but I really to question their motives it times.

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  20. Derick is again asking for donations to fund his three missions throughout the year while he is at Cross Church. Derick really should have got himself a job for a year and gathered together the money he needed before coming from one mission and jumping straight into ministry school at his church. He presumably would have researched the cost beforehand and knew what funds he needed. Many students take part time jobs while studying to help with expenses, why not do that. He and Jill must get money from TLC, and his inlaws are millionares, could they not donate the money? It is so wrong of Derick to do this and the backlash has already been swift and huge even people from their church are complaining about the bad publicity he is causing. I think TLC will be removing them from the show pretty soon, how will he support his family then?

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    1. I'm thinking this is why he decided to do this. With his business degree and background in accounting he should understand what he is doing.

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  21. Don't understand, is he going to make a living out of it?

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  22. Does Derick gets pay for this or his family leaves out of TLC pay check only?

    An honest question

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    1. It is a study program, so it is not paid. They earn a very healthy income from being on TV, but they are asking for fans to donate money to pay for their living, travel, and study expenses.

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  23. Sounds like a good idea for him (and they can be close to family!).

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  24. This is a good thing. I'm happy they are involved in a church and are learning from others to grow in their relationship with Christ and serving others.

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  25. What are the donations for?

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    1. Don't really know. They are never very specific.

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    2. Anon @ 1:57. I think the issue that a lot of people have had in the past is lack of transparency as to where exactly the money was going and what it was being used for, questions the Dillards never saw fit to answer. On Dericks Pure charity page it states all money raised will go to Cross church, but what exactly for? If the course is $12000 is this part of this amount or is it extra, what will it be used for, and who will benefit? I think people should hold on to their money until there is some clarity, or better still a lot of people needing help in Texas, donate to help them.

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  26. While I applaud Derick for getting some sort of education on the ministering business I must say I am most disappointed at his grifting ways; asking for donations AGAIN? After Central America, which they got donations for they didn't use and wouldn't return, after their TLC gig, he's honestly asking for money support? No wonder people are 99% negative. It's just too much. He should be more accountable for himself and his family.

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  27. I don't understand why they are asking for money with Derrick education or the income previously earned from TLC.
    Is this normal?
    We always earned what we needed or the Church helped some providing tax deductible receipts for projects.

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  28. I hope the experience help's them grow in service but why are they asking for spare change?

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  29. why would they want to since jill never went to any college she could not help any one of those girls or releate to them all of them will have careers and she will never have that. Derrick did but could not really help them unless he is getting some kind of salary from this church. he needs a job to support his family with health care benefits.

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  30. Why is th header soooo small...
    .if you can't enlarge,you can't tell who is who 🙄

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  31. It's sad that no women are found to hold leadership positions in this organization. According to the website, the ladies can minister only to children and other women. I'm curious to know if Cross Church approves of women running for public office and I wonder if they would ever vote for one. I know some people take the Bible literally about many things, (I don't) especially that women should not speak in church and men should lead them. Trouble is, men are fallible. Often times, they are looking out for their own personal interests, despite claiming to be Men of God. Too many are unwilling to acknowledge that women are every bit as intelligent and capable as they are. What are they afraid of? Perhaps it's a ego thing and they feel threatened in some way. I'd never belong to a church that promotes this type of prejudice.

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    1. I agree with you 100%!

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    2. "This type of prejudice" is scripture, my dear. Might I suggest you read the book of Titus? If your church does not support "this type of prejudice", might I suggest you find a new church and read your scriptures. Praying for you...

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    3. Men are the head of the church

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    4. We have a female minister in the lead at a Baptist church here, and she has done fantastic works both with her congregation and in the community. So I'm not buying it that men HAVE to be the head of the church. I'm seeing what a woman can do if given the chance.

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    5. @3:31 God means what He says and says what He means. You "not buying it" doesn't make it any less true. Men are the head of the church.

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  32. Good for Derick, glad to see him seeking some credentials that will give him credability in his chosen field. I noticed he was seeking donations through a reputable ministry crowd funding site with a set goal. This is so much better than their personal website seeking funds. Best wishes on this new venture.

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  33. Gld they are home but his focus should be getting a job now and supporting his family. After saving a few years then he could do ministry work. Asking for donations is wrong, especially since he has a college education and could get a job.

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    1. I completely agree. Not only that, but they earn a small fortune each year from being reality television cast members.

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    2. I agree with you 100%. My Mom and Dad call people that do this, this is what I want to do now everyone get me there, people. The Lord has warned us not to fleece the sheep, so you young man need to get a job and take cAre of your own responsibilities that God has given you. You live in a house bought by your Father in law, get paid for a reality show you are on, married into a millionaire family and yet will ask people for money for yet another venture you want to go on. So when does our responsibility end and yours begin. Get a job and show your sons who will one day be husbands and fathers how to have a good work ethic which will be important for them and should be for you.

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  34. I know some of you wonder why the Dillards are asking for money, where is Jill going to live , why Derrick didn't do this sooner,etc., but the reason we don't understand or know all the reasons is because we receive the news just like any other news. We don't know the Dillards on a personal level and therefore we don't know all the reasons for what they do. We are not able to sit down and have a heart to heart talk with them personally about their lives. The Dillards are godly people and we need to give them some credit. They will never be able to please everybody because every person sees things differently. Just because we don't agree with what they are doing doesn't mean they are doing anything wrong. As long as THEY KNOW they are following God's direction, they are doing just fine.

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  35. I'm not sure I understand why they're raising funds for this program. I know a lot of people who have focused their undergraduate and graduate educations on nonprofit, missionary, and theological work, and none of them have gone fundraising for it. The website likened the program to a medical residency, but medical residencies pay their residences, not ask them to pay. It sounds like the Church is asking students to help them out around the Church in exchange for useful knowledge and experience, basically an unpaid internship. But on top of that they're asking for $12,000? Also, don't Jill and Derick may enough money from the show? I'm sure there are people who could use the money more. Furthermore, I think it's quite inappropriate that they're asking people to subsidize Derick's education during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, where so many people are in need of help and donations.

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    1. Agree, 10:33. Something is not adding up with that church's programs and the way they finance them.

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  36. It seems to me that taking Biblical studies should have come before going to the foreign mission field. While I realize that Jill will be very busy with their 2 children, I sincerely hope she also has an opportunity to take some courses in this program.

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  37. He absolutely should have found funding from within his own family, not ask others to donate to him yet again. That is beyond acceptable at this point. Even if it was a "requirement" to raise money for this program, he should have had the wisdom to ask for that to be waived in his case. I really have to question how effective a missionary can be at changing lives when they don't even recognize what they're doing wrong in their own life.

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    1. So true and although Derrick is young, he has a financial education so I don't understand why this choice was made.
      Separation from family shouldn't be an option either. I hope they find an off campus home to share. The money should be there if it was properly handled to support their life choices.
      He wrote the funds being asked for are for ministry trip's. If they want to travel then they have the knowledge to budget.

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    2. Anon @ 9:40 I don't think the Dillards are going anywhere. Cross church isn't that far from where they live at the moment in a very large house owned by Jimbob, so I am sure they will remain there.

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  38. I'm sorry, but why is it Derick still does not work??

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  39. How can someone with a useful college degree, a wife, children, and a TV program to boot (thanks to some very wealthy in-laws), think that the correct path through life includes asking other people for money? I don't understand that kind of logic.

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  40. WAS a die-hard fan and supporter, but slowly disengaging from the family one by one, so sad really, it was entertaining while it lasted, now I'm just sorry its over for me, but all good things must come to an end, it's just too bad it had to happen the way it did.I wish them all the best, really I do, I just cant support them anymore, enough is enough.

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  41. It may a waste of time but I would like to try and reason with some of those complaining about Jill and Derick taking donations for their mission work. There is nothing wrong with them or unusual about asking for donations for a good cause even when you make a good living in their personal life. Most people in charity and mission work are not expected to give up all their money from other sources and live a poverty. They should be allowed to spend money from the TV income on their family and raise funds for missions. This is done all the time with celebrities. Many have started their own charity/foundation and their charities request donations while the celebrity keeps there millions of dollars and lavish lifestyle. Just ask Leonardo DiCaprio who's foundation reportedly received $24 million in 2014. Even if the reported amount is a little off the general point still stands. Tabloids and loads of people aren't complaining that he shouldn't raise money until he gives all of his millions away. It's the same thing so unless you plan to troll Leonardo's websites and all the other celebrities doing the same thing you are being hypocritical.

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    1. Those celebrity charity funds don't go directly to the celebrity's pockets or for their personal benefit. Derick is asking for this money for his own uses. Big difference, and nobody's being hypocritical pointing that out.

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    2. You are absolutely being hypocritical! For you to accuse them of using donations for personal use with no evidence is appalling. There is no reason to assume using they are using donations for personal use unless you are biased against them to begin with. If you had any sense of fairness you would see that. The only real difference missions and charities celebrities start is missions are for helping people and spreading the gospel. There is nothing wrong with asking money for that. If only poor people could dedicate there life to mission work or have to give all of there money towards it, there would be far fewer who would do this. Short term missions are expensive enough but long term mission work like they want to do would cause even a rich person to go broke in nothing flat. You should be ashamed of yourselves for spreading lies about people like this.

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    3. I also want to add that many of the celebrity charities spend more on administrative costs than they give away. According to Forbes Justin Timberlake's charity spent over 100,000 in administrative fee's and only gave $32,000 away. Plus, they spent $10,000 on travel. Really?! Justin couldn't pay for his own travel? For all of you to only care about a Christian asking for help with long term missions show's your hypocrisy.

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  42. If its his choice to study, then its his job to raise the funds. Every believer is a missionary. It doesnt take a church or an organisation to become one. Just your bible and regular prayer and study. If he takes a year off to get a job and raise the funds himself, God will not condemn him for it. In the time ive gotten to know Derick and Jill ( although limited) they have demonstrated a willingness to learn but they are also very immature still. They seem sweet enough and more mature than some people i know. But to seemingky ask for monetary handouts constantly with no sign of a job is incredibly rude. It is also deceptive when you wont reveal exactly how the money is being used.
    If it was me, i wouldnt donate to a charity, id organise food packages to the people of texas and gather a team to hand deliver them. Charities will often take a large portion of donated money before using it for its intended purpose. Ive seen it firsthand where i live. Its disgusting. If you want to minister, go visit the local nursing home amd bless he lonely residents with a chat. Or take the old lady down the street shopping for food or bedding or clothing. Or even just check up on that recluse neighbour. That just needs a friend. Hopefully this is where Jill and Derick will focus their ministry. Before heading overseas.

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    1. You bring up some good points, Megan. Any money raised by Derick goes directly to the church. It's for "his" use, of course, but he's not the one handling the money. There's no telling how the funds are administered beyond that. With his experience in accounting, he should be concerned!

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  43. It's very upsetting they are asking for money.

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  44. Congrats to you Derick and your family can't wait to see where God is leading you now

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  45. This sounds like the perfect opportunity for you. You have many real world experience that you could use to teach and help. I am glad that you are back in a safer environment with your family.

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  46. I don't understand how all these comments are moderated in advance but there is always hateful comments and stories like some of these that are still posted daily.. I think a new moderator is needed

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