November 20, 2009
Boise, Idaho
People turning to faith during tough economic times
By Kiersten Throndsen
BOISE - Sky rocketing unemployment, tumbling stock market, a recession, at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet some local churches say more people are taking a leap of faith.
Crowded pews, it's a pleasant sight for Father Henry Carmona. But he knows what's on many minds at St John's Cathedral. "I see people worrying about the economic situation," he said. Father Carmona says in the last few months St. John's attendance has grown so much they had to add another daily mass. "It seems to me that people are using these opportunities to come and pray and to find strength that they need during difficult times," said Carmona. But he says tough economic times haven't hurt donations, at least for them. In fact, he says so far this year donations are up nearly 3 percent from last year. "We're really having to pull our belts in," said Tri Robinson, pastor at the Vineyard. But down the street at the Vineyard Pastor Robinson says they're having to operate with nearly half of what they're used to getting. "It's difficult in the fact that we are seeing our people laid off or they're losing their employment and so of course that's affecting us," Robinson said. He says while donations may be down, the number of people looking for help is up. "The recession for us is in some ways a blessing in disguise," Robinson added. He says they're in the business of guiding people towards faith and to him, just like Father Carmona, looking for something to believe in is more important than ever. "We're called to be an agency of hope and faith and of service and all three of those things are really needed right now." The Vineyard says they recently started offering classes teaching people how to live on leaner budgets. St. John's says it's looking to start a support group for families who find themselves unemployed. |
Upload directly from your mobile device. Learn howYouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV. Stay Connected |
Viewer PollConnect with KBCI-TVMost Popular
|
Copyright © 2009
KBCI-TV, 140 N. 16th Street,
Boise,
ID
83702
Copyright © 2008 Fisher Communications, Inc.
Powered by Broadcast Interactive Media.