When Cash for Clunkers Is a Bad Deal

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Details: Written by Marcus Yoars

QUOTE: "[Cash for Clunkers] has had a very negative impact on our ministry. The day the program kicked off it was like our phone lines had been pulled. My research shows that other similar programs are being affected, and the worst is probably yet to come now that another $2 billion is expected to come into the program. … It doesn’t look good. … We have never seen the market swing like we are experiencing it now." —Warren Young, who leads the cars ministry of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., on the affect of the federal government's Cash for Clunkers program that was created to resuscitate the American auto industry. For more than 20 years, the megachurch's auto outreach has turned old cars into reliable transportation for single moms and others in need. Other similar ministries are feeling the brunt as well. "The government’s Cash for Clunkers program has pronounced a death sentence on cars that used to be donated to our used car lot," said Ron Marlette, executive director of Mission Solano, a California ministry to the homeless. “This not only takes away the sales profits that help support our feeding and housing of the homeless, it eliminates a whole class of cars that would have been purchased by those who can not afford more.” [churchexecutive.com, 8/13/09]

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Comments

-2 #7 Jamie 2009-08-20 15:51

While I sympathize with the congregations affected, it would do all well to remember that we serve the LIVING GOD. God will continue to meet the needs of His people during times of recession. Perhaps the churches and ministries impacted by this recent move from the Obama administration should call up the car dealerships who have bought all of these clunkers (most of which they won't be able to resell) and ask these bussiness people to donate them to their churches/ministries. I bet many would comply, after all it's either give it to God or the trash heep. In addition, it's time for Christians to recognize that God is NOT A REPUBLICAN. President Obama is instituting many policies and initiatives that are consistent with the heart of Christ like giving healthcare to the needy, lowering taxes on the least of these, and generating programs for the left behind. People need to remember that this recession in which we find ourselves is not the work of Obama, but of BUSH! AMEN!

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0 #6 Wake up Esther 2009-08-18 07:12

"Only If my people would humble," I know there's a purpose but we as christian should humble, we need to wake up!! some of us are in a comfort zone. I told my pastor one time that I feel like we woman should gather from all different churches doesn't matter if your hispanic white which ever, but pray togther once a month and fight for what the devil is doing. we need to pray for the president, governers pastors there's alot to pray for............ God gave us power to defeat the enemy and he's with us, but it costs to humble for alot of us.... :-| God Bless You All !!!

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-1 #5 Arising Glory 2009-08-18 07:01

When will Christians realize that THEY need to be the major influence in the world instead of whining that "someone" ought to do it differently? They just can't "understand" why the heathen don't treat us right! Whose world is this really? People love to blame leaders instead doing something themselves to make a better world. Maybe THIS should be a lesson in outreach - we need to equip people, not make charity cases out of people. THEN if God wants to do it differently, it can be seen as that. I know times are hard, for me, too, but I am so sick of wimpy Christians.

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-3 #4 Hilda 2009-08-18 06:50

Gloria, I hjave to agree with you. Every move the Obama administration makes the church goes berserk with worry and stress. Does anybody remember any of God's Word any more? It tells us to be anxious for NOTHING. No matter what happens in the world today--bad--or good--God will not abandon His plan which I believe is still rolling right along on schedule. If we could start seeing pass our fear and hatred of Barack Obama and use some of that energy to pray more for him as the bible instructs us to do, he just might get a revelation and have a Damascus road experience with the Living God and turn from any ungodly plans of a worldly nature and begin to govern this nation God's way. I personally think Christians really don't want this to happen and its so sad when it would be such a miracle and glory to God. But, oh well, our personal prejudices just can't allow room for God to be God anymore. God help us to be more like Jesus. Pleeeeeeeeeeze!

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0 #3 r j 2009-08-18 06:49

Large scale economic and as well as social engineering run by government does not work, it never has and it never will. Economic and natural ecosystems have a natural balance and over time will work themselves out. Socialist utopias are built on mass graves. The only way a socialist society could work is if our lord was running it but until then I want my Republic back.
ps I agree with Lyle

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+1 #2 Lyle 2009-08-18 05:36

Sure, it was good for the short-term. But how are we going to pay for it in the long run? Whose pocket is going to be picked to pay that money back? We have acquired more than double the debt in the first 6 months of this administration as we did in all 8 years of the previous. Desn't anyone realize that money doesn't grow on trees? We're spending money that doesn't exist and the price tag in the end will be enormous. If you think the economy stinks now, just wait until the fruits of the spending spree are harvested.

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-4 #1 Gloria 2009-08-18 05:07

Well the bible says that Hell is never full and the eyes of Men is never satified. what differant does it make, God will make provision for homeless an those in need, but it is true the poor is going to be with us always. I think cash for clunker is a great ideal for those other wise would have to be without a car, or it takes alot for them to go to work because of the gas it would use, Know that it all works out for the good. see the good and not the bad and be thankful that it is helping some of the people that need this. God is the Provider Not Men, So put your trust in God and don't worry about what the world is doing, this too won't last always.

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