Dave Cutter

+1 I have actually been solicited to go-fund 2 weddings and the purchase of a home (by newly weds). I have no problem with church/religion based charity's. Those who wish to give... give.

An old friend of mine took one of the church organized tours. The amount of money he "raised" was tiny (like $300). And only a tiny part of that made it's way to fix the plumbing in a 3rd world church.... somewhere. What difference could it possibly make to me... if his home church in Florida got $12 more than the 3rd world church?

The money all went through a Web Site. He took no cash.... his only benefit was a handful of free nights stays where he didn't pay for a KOA site or crap out in a farmers field. I think what he did was more of a spiritual journey of self-discovery..... than a really long fun recreational ride.

I know a few bucks here and there... all adds up. But as far as this one aspect of cycling and charity... there just isn't enough money there to actually raise to the level of being a scam. Are these things a waste of money? I am pretty sure not one red cent I've ever given to a religion has ever made it's way to God's hands. But then... what would God need with money? The giving is an offering.