Mega-church pastor wants $65M for private plane...

[Playinghardball]

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) -
Leader of World Changers Church International Creflo Dollar is making an online plea for a new private jet, something he says is necessary to keep his ministry running properly.

"I am so determined to preach this gospel around this world because people are condemned," said Dollar.

The longtime mega-church pastor is taking to online crowd funding to buy a $65 million G650. On Friday, it was hard for WMC Action News 5's Felicia Bolton to find anyone who supported his request.

"I don't think that a $65 million jet is appropriate for a pastor," said John Wright.

In an online video, Dollar says the private plane he had before is now out of service after a series of malfunctions .

"We were on our way to the Pacific Ocean and about an hour into the trip," Dollar said. "The right engine went out."

The minister says the 30-year-old jet clocked in four million miles, mostly from spreading the gospel around the world.

Many people who spoke to WMC believe this minister can do a lot more with the money than use it on an expensive jet.

"I would like $65 million to, I don't know, maybe educate the kids in this country," said Krista Abbott. "Provide them with better education, maybe give some money to the homeless, maybe

More here and see the video at: http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/28464348/mega-church-pastor-wants-65-million-for-private-plane

[hrmjustin]

1. Jesus would have flown coach. n/t.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. ...paddled a boat or walked.

[hrmjustin]

4. Hey buddy! How are you doing?

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. I am doing fine, my friend. The year is flying by

and I am having such fun, and getting to meet lots of really nice people. Hope all is well with you!

[hrmjustin]

6. I am doing just fine.

I am glad the book is a success.

[NRaleighLiberal]

7. Thanks. I can't complain - since it is a first book, hard to know how to compare

but my publicist scheduled nearly 50 events for the year, and my first statement indicates that my advance is half paid back!

The second one is pretty much finished - out in December. So I may be on the ferris wheel for a few years. At least I get to do lots of fairly local things for a few months.

I've become quite a home body!

[Ilsa]

2. But some of his followers are ready to write

Checks on their last dollar. Shame on him.

[TreasonousBastard]

8. And after you buy it, you gotta...

crew it, fuel it, insure it and maintain it.

Every time you take off will cost a bundle.

Every time you land will cost a bundle

If you don't fly it, it will cost you a bundle just to park it.

Christ rode into town on a donkey. Guys like this give him a bad name.

[Dawson Leery]

9. Another Evangelical shyster?!?

I can't believe it, tell me it isn't so!

[jmowreader]

10. If he really NEEDS a plane to spread the Gospel, there are cheaper alternatives

Boeing 767, built in 2000, 42,000 hours on the clock: $18.5 million
http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/BOEING-767-300ER/2000-BOEING-767-300ER/1310703.htm

Here's a sweet 747 with 86,700 hours: $5.2 million
http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/BOEING-747-300/1986-BOEING-747-300/1318165.htm
(And remember: with your own 747 you can carry humanitarian relief supplies to your flock.)

This 737 has 39,000 hours and was maintained by Lufthansa: $15.5 million
http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/BOEING-737-700/1999-BOEING-737-700/1360457.htm

Here's an Airbus A340 with 46,000 hours: $20 million
http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/AIRBUS-A340/1997-AIRBUS-A340/1296807.htm

I'm diggin' on this A319 with 22,000 hours and a $19.5 million price tag

And if you want to spread the gospel CHEAP, this L-1011 is going for $600,000, if you don't mind buying three or four more of them for parts and sticking them out on the back lawn between the Olympic-size swimming pool and the 150-foot Jesus statue:
http://www.aviatorsale.com/aix9409/

Is it just me, or does a preacher who absolutely NEEDS the most expensive business jet on the market to spread the Gospel remind anyone else of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the preacher from India with a fleet of Rolls-Royces?

[Blue Owl]

11. Pastor Dollar? Really?

[demosincebirth]

12. Ahh, the ol' wolf in sheeps clothing.