The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ATLANTA —
It’s their money and they can spend it on a $65 million jet if they want to, the board of directors for Creflo Dollar’s ministry said.
In a lengthy statement published online, leaders of World Changers Church International acknowledge its fundraising video missed the mark — sorta.
“There was no pressure of any kind applied to anyone, but rather an opportunity was presented to those in our community who may be inclined to participate and who stand to benefit from the global mobility of our ministry leaders,” the ministry said. “We fully acknowledge that the campaign video did not do a good job of communicating the request, and we apologize for any confusion it may have caused – it is in the process of being revamped and will be re-released when complete.”
In March, a video featuring the televangelist Dollar was online a matter of days before it was pulled down. Dollar’s ministry sought $300 donations from 200,000 people in order to purchase the Gulfstream G650, a twin-engine jet that will comfortably seat 18. Those 18 seats that would allow Dollar, his wife Taffi, and 16 others to safely share the love of Jesus, a spokesman for the ministry said.
Dollar’s request for the top-of-the-line plane drew sharp criticism from many who questioned the need for such a high-priced investment. Plus, experts told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the plane has no room for cargo such as pounds of food and other goods to carry to those in need.
Dollar fired back in front of his congregation in a video posted on YouTube.
“If I want to believe God for a $65 million plane, you cannot stop me,” Dollar told his followers. “You cannot stop me from dreaming. I’m gonna dream until Jesus comes.”
In the board’s recent statement, church leaders cited safety as a reason for buying the Gulfstream G650.
