The Associated Press: A Grove, Okla., pastor handed out $14,000 to congregation members to invest for seven weeks, after which they are to bring the money and profits back to the church to be used in missionary work.
Loud gasps were heard throughout the 125-member, interdenominational church as the envelopes containing $100 and $50 bills were ripped opened after the Sunday sermon. Some members thought the bills were counterfeit. Others shook their heads in bewilderment.
Pastor Steve Dyer of the Newsong Church, preached about the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-28. Then he gave out crisp $100 bills in red envelopes for adults and $50 bills in green envelopes for school-age children.
