On November 6th, 2007, Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) office sent letters to six “televangelists” (i.e. Christian ministers who have extensive television exposure) in an effort to obtain information about potential “abuses” of donor-originated funds within these non-profit organizations.
I wished he had sent one to Leroy Thompson and Joyce Leiphon. Though Joyce doesn't have a jet, or a Rolls Royce, (she has declared she will have these one day) she sure would have to explain the amount of cash she receives from her sheeple. But like with all cults, the cult leader has no accountability. When this investigation was going on, of course it was considered an "attack of the enemy" by Joyce Leiphon. We had a private meeting where she told me that all cash money gifts were to be given to her "outside the church".
With a wink and a nod she told me she got that info from Leroy Thompson in a phone call and we were to continue giving her cash outside the church, like in the parking lot or in an envelope in her dinner basket (yes, she had members make her dinners). She made this announcement to the core group, but I had come in late that night and missed it, therefore the private meeting. I felt like a secret agent, are you kidding me? Meet the pastor at a "drop" and give her your money?
I was fairly new to the LOTWC cult but understood the nod and wink. I went home and told my wife I thought we were to pay things unto Caesar (like taxes), and I did not think this was legal and violated the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law. I didn't think it was proper and kept it to myself.
Joyce Leiphon, did, after several days rescind her annoucement and that she would continue to take cash from us at the pulpit while preaching the gospel of wealth. I guess she had a moment of clarity and we continued to give her cash at each meeting 3x a week.
We continued to give, but changed to checks as we would be able to document our giving and for the deduction given on our tax returns. But the cash gifts don't count and could not deduct that as a charitable donation. Of course we were told not to be motivated by a tax deduction but how God's blessings would rain down from heaven like manna. So, there was lot's of cash passing on to Joyce Leiphon directly. What does Joyce do with the cash? She is a 5013C non profit organization. I do know she gives to her man of gawd Leroy Thompson. She brags about it as often as possible. I know we didn't help anyone in our church or community. I did get a tax deduction for the money we gave in check form.....but the cash? OH the cash, nothing, no deduction, nada. Just a nod and a wink that one day too, people will be giving you their hard earned money!
Pastor Jason Baumgardner
14 years ago