Deception in the Name of God (courtesy of Peter Popoff)





This letter is in the same condition it was received (it came with yellow highlights).  The Colorado Springs address is one of many old addresses I've used in the past and has long been obsolete.  If you wish, please contact me at the e-mail address provided below.

Peter Popoff is guilty of something known as the "personalized" letter scam (a form of mail fraud).  He makes people believe that he is writing to them personally when in fact it is the work of a computer used by his staff who insert a person's info into the text of a pre-written letter (using the person's name, address and prayer request).

A correspondent to this website reported to me that she and her husband received an identical letter with added words from a Rev. Paul Lewis in June 2007, exactly ten years after I received my Peter Popoff letter.  (I've verified the existence of the Lewis letter and now have it in my possession.)  In November 2007 another correspondant wrote to tell me that he had received the same letter from a Rev. Jim Whittington (who's based in Atlanta).

Now before some of you "Evangelical" types (and other folks) snicker about how people could be deceived by this kind of phony letter be sure to keep in mind that people only seek out "ministers" like Popoff because they couldn't find any healing and deliverance in any of your cold-hearted churches.  And why am I one of the few Christian websites on the Internet warning people about a prominent form of deception almost no other Christian ministers care to educate people about?  I know, a large number of you "spiritual leaders" are too busy repeatedly collecting offerings from your congregations.  Many of you really aren't that much different from Oral Roberts, Robert Tilton, Rex Humbard, Marilyn Hickey, Don Stewart (Phoenix), and several others who are using the same form of Peter Popoff's trickery to exploit hurting people.

Oral Roberts actually learned this deception decades back from one James Eugene Ewing who developed the computerized mailing scam adopted by many televangelists.  Ewing has operated under many different names, most recently using the name Saint Matthew's Churches.

(One of the best and very sobering reality-based / Scripturally sound instructional video productions you will ever see:  "The Signs & Wonders Movement Exposed" DVD.)

If you examine the last paragraph of the letter above you will notice that Popoff connects a person's financial contribution to his ministry with obedience to the Holy Spirit.  In contrast to this teaching, the Lord Jesus Christ told the Pharisees (the religious Popoffs of the time) that He desires mercy and not sacrifice (see Matthew 9:13; 12:7).  Popoff uses spiritual manipulation in order to increase his wealth.  He associates his evil intent with the will and Spirit of God (thus committing blasphemy of the Holy Spirit).  Indeed, if Popoff has no shame or no guilt knowing that he has maligned the name of God and damaged and ruined lives throughout the world the case can be made that he has probably already crossed over into the unpardonable sin (but no one is unredeemable).  If he does not take this last opportunity given unto him to repent his soon and eventual destruction will be swift (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Hey Pete...how do you like them apples?  Sincerely, Brother Karjala


Popoff is right about one thing: God sees.



"There's gonna be some world-shakin'!" (Cool Hand Luke)





People Respond to Peter Popoff's Deception
(includes simple advice on how Popoff's donors can get their money returned)

The Origin of the "Personalized" Fundraising Letter

Which Businesses Have Financed Peter Popoff?

Televangelist Peter Popoff's Home Address
(includes a link showing maps of Peter and Elizabeth Popoff's house & condo)

Another Example of a Peter Popoff Letter


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Send questions and comments to: Brian Karjala