What exactly do these guys do with the money they make from donations ?

In the USA do they have to file some sort of tax return or because of the division of church and state do they slide out of having to have their finances exposed to public scrutiny.

I went to a recent “healing” event here in the UK and was amazed by the depth of desire to be healed of trivial things (such as a stiff shoulder) and was also amazed at the lack of any real accountability as to what was a healing – other than the person being asked on a scale of 0 to 100% how much better it felt”

They also had an impartation ceremony – what was interesting was that as the music got louder the more people seemed to feel the need to collapse afterwards.

Last question – how come people who need to be healed (such as those born handicapped) never seem to be those who are healed – probably as they are not lucrative money streams.

What I find particularly repulsive is how these characters get away with trading on peoples insecurities and promise them heaven on earth (as long as they donate to the cause – as they will be repaid many times over with god’s generosity)

I hope this email can bring some balance and offer another view point on David Herzog’s ministry.

As you recommended – I attended the meeting in Cadillac, MI. By nature I am a skeptical person and always verify every teaching with scripture.I enjoyed David’s meetings. I confirmed everything David said with scripture and found nothing wrong with his teachings. I witnessed people getting saved and also witnessed several healings. Everything he said gave Glory to God and ultimately point to Jesus Christ. All that matters is that it Gives Glory to God.

I myself recieved a healing. I was in a terrible car accident and almost lost my thumb, my wrist was split open. I had surgery on my hand and had no strength at all. In his meeting, I felt the power of God come on me like heat. Then I was able to do push ups on that hand and before the meeting I could barley pick up my daughter with that hand. Even the scaring began to fade away.

In regard to donating money to his ministry, I saw no difference between his methods of taking up and offering and numerous other churches and ministries I’ve been to in my life time. Every pastor, evangelist, revivalist and ministry has all done it pretty much the same way.

In regard to you not hearing reports from France about his meetings…here is an article below for review.

OUTPOURING IN PARIS CONTINUES. Date: 14 Aug, 1998
Pastor Marc Lebrun reports that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in his Church in Paris, France, is still continuing. 107 people were saved in eight weeks of revival meetings with David Herzog. Around 6,000 people have visited the meetings. Some come from far in France. Every night more than 100 persons go to the altar to repent before God. Many physical healings were recorded like skin desease, backs, shoulders and arms, digestive problems, hearing problems, eyes, and much more. People were set free from boundages like cigarettes, alcohol, television and lust. Lebrun’s Church will continue the daily revival meetings all trough the Summer.
Source: Joel News

I’d encourage you to go there with your camera, a note pad, and a set of scales. That’s exactly what I’d have done. In fact, arrive early and note who is around before the crowds. I don’t think you will be treated poorly, that would not reflect well upon their mission or message. You have nothing to lose. Document everything very well. If there is truly something miraculous going on, I’ll eat my words, and the pen I wrote them with.

The circus tricks being performed at these “revivals” are nothing new. This kind of thing has been going on since the 1950′s, and it always targets the same demographic, poorly educated, lower income, bible belt Americans. Considering that it is nearly always born again, and again, and again Christians that are being “saved” at these revivals, one should begin to wonder exactly what purpose and whom are they serving?

As to whether anyone on earth is able to be used by Christ to perform miracles, the better question is, “Is anyone performing miracles today being used by Christ?” Everyone, including Jesus’ disciples wanted Him to use his supernatural powers to wow the crowds, but that is hardly the example Jesus left us with. He even went out of his way to warn of false prophets showing great signs and wonders.

Miracles are for circuses and magic acts. When it comes to religious leaders using stunts to win the affections of their audience, I am more than a little bit skeptical.

I have had some interesting emails and phone calls though, from folks who were similarly concerned. One, a most interesting call, was from a very skeptical person. The interesting part is that this person got to spend several hours with David. The author of the original email that instigated this, thinks my caller is a sold-out “believer.”

It’s no skin off my nose either way. Whether people believe and support this guy or not is their perogative. I tossed out a big red flag and that’s about all I can do.