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Churches & Ponzi Schemes are 'not the same'- Elise Donovan

- believes Virgin Islanders are driven to financial schemes 'for blessings'
While greed could be a motivation for joining a Ponzi or Pyramid scheme, CEO of BVI Finance, Ms Elise Donovan said she believes Virgin Islanders are more motivated to get involved in financial schemes to get blessings. Photo: Facebook/File
CEO of BVI Finance, Elise Donovan has said in the case of Ponzi schemes, faith believers are susceptible to the concept of blessing and God multiplying blessings, however, it is not the same as 'sowing a seed' in church. Photo: Internet Source
CEO of BVI Finance, Elise Donovan has said in the case of Ponzi schemes, faith believers are susceptible to the concept of blessing and God multiplying blessings, however, it is not the same as 'sowing a seed' in church. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - While greed could be a motivation for joining a Ponzi or Pyramid scheme, CEO of BVI Finance, Ms Elise Donovan said she believes Virgin Islanders are more motivated to get involved in financial schemes to get blessings.

Ms Donovan expressed those sentiments during a conversation on Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes and it's proliferation in the Virgin Islands during a simulcast of 'Money Matters BVI' on ZBVI 780AM and Cisco Webex aired yesterday, Sunday, August 23, 2020. 

Faith-based communities remain susceptible 

"I think we are very much a faith-based community and we believe in receiving our blessings... and blessing by definition is receiving favour and a gift from God."

Ms Donovan related that people are susceptible to the idea of receiving a blessing, hence, they might not necessarily be making an investment into the scheme, rather, just giving monies to receive a blessing in return. 

She said in the case of Ponzi schemes, faith believers already understand the concept of God multiplying monies, however, that does not necessarily mean the risks of financial schemes should not be evaluated.

As such, it is easy to prey on those who would believe returns from the scheme comes as a blessing from God, Ms Donovan underscored. 

Church differs from Ponzi schemes - Mrs Donovan 

"It's not the same as for example, if you are in the church and sowing a seed... that if you sow a seed you are going to reap blessings, multiply... it's not the same," Ms Donovan pointed out. 

"But because we are using the same terminology that we are using in church, whether its a blessing loom or a blessing circle, things are very familiar to us."

In the VI, according to Ms Donovan, the belief that Ponzi and Pyramid schemes come from a supernatural blessing makes persons extremely vulnerable and susceptible to these financial schemes; however, she warned that risks must be evaluated. 

41 Responses to “Churches & Ponzi Schemes are 'not the same'- Elise Donovan”

  • Rubber Duck (24/08/2020, 11:59) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    The idea of a God is simplistic people’s answer to questions they can’t answer.

    The Christian religion was foistered onto black people by white people in order to keep them in their place in this world by promises of a better life after death. Some salesmen or conmen required to sell that.
    • Troll @ Rubber duck (24/08/2020, 13:57) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
      You've just exposed how brainwashed you are, read the Bible for yourself and open your eyes to the truth not the misinformation you've received out there.
      • Dinosaurs.... (24/08/2020, 15:48) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        Dinosaurs.....didnt read the bible did they?
      • Lucifer (24/08/2020, 16:39) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
        The only reason the people in these islands are Christian is because that is the religion the white Europeans forced upon their slave ancestors. Those that are here today are just a few more generations down of indoctrination. So it is never questioned how they came to follow the religion they do. Had the colonialists and slave masters been Arab for example, then it is likely today's generations would be raised as Muslims.
        • Troll @ Lucifer (24/08/2020, 21:03) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
          Lol! Maannnn go and come again with that garbage with your "White European"....move away from the brainwashed and read the actual history of how the Bible was written for all of us to understand......think about it, we have so many things written that are false but yet people don't ban it but when it comes to the Bible that state facts of what's even happening today in front of our eyes but wants to ban it....it's because it is full of truth but they want to ban it from people to see the truth, just like years ago.....check the history on that!
          • Lucifer (24/08/2020, 22:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
            So would you agree that colonialism was good then as it accelerated the spread of Christianity across Africa? The Bible is said to be the word of God but it was written by man. Man is fallible and corruptible. If you want to talk history we could discuss how the Romans co-opted Christianity as a way to control the and influence the masses. Henry VIII created his own church because he wanted to change the rules. Religion has always been the tool of the powerful to suppress and control the masses, do as you are told and you will gain entry to heaven we are taught. Is the Bible any more valid and truthful a text than the Quran or the Vedas? Between the Christians, the Muslims, the Hindus, the Sikhs and the Jews you can't all be correct. Just depends where you are born as to which god you happen to believe in
            • Troll @ Lucifer again (25/08/2020, 10:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
              Lol! Of course it was written by men who witnessed what happened in order for us to know what actually happened...that was common sense.... however it was not fallible til you read it for yourself and see what's happening then you will come up to my level and understand. And yes the Bible is more valid then the others because the others are talking about a different Jesus. It's already proven that Christianity is actually true than any other religion so there's no debate at all. Again, ppl are afraid to read the Word of God because it gives truth and exposed the sin in the world and shows that we all need a Saviour....until you've experienced and have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus, you will never understand, you will only continue believe in myths, misinformation and worst of all the false teachers with the prosperity gospel. Interesting the Bible speak about these things will happen. So there's the truth once again
              • Observer (26/08/2020, 23:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
                @ Troll... My question for you here is that if the Bible was written by men who witnessed what happened in order for us to know what actually happened, who was witnessing the creation of Adam to be able to document and subsequently relay the story?

                I really do believe that there were other people around. Share some light on this for me.
                • Troll @ Observer (27/08/2020, 09:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                  That's a question to ask Moses.That's a good question though, the Bible doesn't share every detail of how things began and so forth, basically summarize what has happened, questions like that I would like to ask when I get Heaven. As I understand Moses were not around at the time of creation, but as he wrote the first five Books of the Bible, managed to get sources those from Abraham time who wrote about what has happened. If it was not so, then it would not been included or God would've dealt with him if it was false, which of course was not the case.
                  • Observer (27/08/2020, 16:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                    @ Troll

                    Noted. Then its correct if to assume that the Bible does not provide all the answers. If I can get answers to my questions outside of the Bible and before getting to heaven, should I welcome and place reliance on those answers?

                    Surprising also, I realized that the 5th book of the Bible was written in the 3rd person and spoke of Moses death and burial. How was it possible that Moses was writing about his death and burial?

                    Also, how are you certain that the sources from Abraham time were correct and if it was not it would not have been included or God would've dealt with Moses if it was false? Could it be possible that Moses was dealt with and its not documented in the bible or a lot of things documented may have never happened or even things that happened and documented was not included?

                    I want to get to understand the bible but it seems as though its very confusing and conflicting even for Christians who have created different denominations and have so many different versions/translations and interpretations of the Bible.
                    • Troll @ Observer again (27/08/2020, 22:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                      To answer your question with Moses with the 5th. Book, yes Moses wrote the 5th, then near to the end about his death, the book was completed by someone else. Now I can question whether it's his successor Joshua or another person who served with Moses, neither of that is relevant for it to be stated in the Bible. To respond to your statement asking about the sources of Abraham time were correct? Well we can say the same about old folks when they tell stories years and ago and can ask someone to confirm its true.....2000 years they've documented what they've witnessed....no different than we do today like making a photo album and document when things started and so forth.

                      To understand the Bible you have to get the message what the authors, letting us know who God is and the love He has shown to us. Read the New Testament to understand True Love. Denomination is another case by itself and the translation just to make the text clearer to get the message across to our style of language today. Find a local church that preach and teach exactly what the Bible says
                      • Observer (28/08/2020, 13:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                        @Troll
                        I am more confused. Its clear therefore that there are documented truths outside of the bible which can be relied upon. I do however appreciate your efforts at providing some assistance.
            • @Lucifer (26/08/2020, 09:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
              Truth. Bunch of brainwashed Christians running around believing we need to look upwards instead of inwards. There is no heaven and no hell. Sooner we realize that, the better off we will be.
              • Troll @ "@Lucifer" (26/08/2020, 13:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. Psalms 14:1. Yes we have to look inward to see the condition of your heart to be transformed to seek God above. I guess one day you'll find out the truth but it's better to put our faith in God and when we die that there is a Heaven and Hell than to die not putting your faith in God and realized that there is Heaven and Hell
      • atheist (24/08/2020, 17:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        The best cure for christianity is to read the bible, encourage everyone to read it, but all of it, not just a few cherry picked verses
      • Rubber Duck (24/08/2020, 19:14) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        The truth is not to be found in the fables and fairy stories of ignorant wandering shepherds from 3000 years ago. Nor is it in the mumbo jumbo and holy rolling of the modern day Mercedes driving pastors promising eternal life ( at a price ) to the none too bright. ( You know who you are )

        Religion is exploitation.

        There is the truth.
        • Troll Rubber Duck (24/08/2020, 20:51) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
          Ok now you're being silly, but just so you know if those same "modern day pastors" stating what the Good Book says and being obedient then they're in a better place....if you understand how everything came together to where it's at now you'll understand but you allow just one bad apple of people doing it wrong and paint all of them. False teachers are the ones with the exploitation. True teachers preach the TRUTH of the Gospel!
    • dude (24/08/2020, 18:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      You mean like conspiracy theories?

      Here's my challenge to you, scientifically prove that GOD doesn't exist. I'm waiting.
      • Mythbuster (24/08/2020, 21:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Scientifically prove any of the gods exist... I’m waiting.
      • Rubber Duck (25/08/2020, 08:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Right after you prove to me that the tooth fairy doesn’t exist.
  • Wrong (24/08/2020, 12:09) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    they are exactly the same thing asking for money with hope of getting more back"save the seed" "seed money" all are the same they take money from people who really need it
  • Niko Belic (24/08/2020, 12:14) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think a valid question should be raised as to the transparency of the church's finances whether they are Ponzi schemes or not. Where do the majority of church donations go and what causes benefit from these donations? The idea of 'sowing a seed' is morally appalling as it basically says to people (who often cannot afford it) that they can pay their way to blessings. If I am penniless will God not grant me blessings if I cannot 'sow a seed'?

    When the Bible says blessed are the poor, it sometimes feels that the church is only too happy to help its congregation in parting with their money.

    Matthew 19:24 "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

    You cannot pay your way into the kingdom of heaven and I think many pastors and ministers would do well to remember this
  • Yow (24/08/2020, 12:46) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    tell them go and get their money back from the people they give it too
  • lol (24/08/2020, 12:53) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    You say their not the same but in this whole pandemic . The churches n pastors have done nun .
  • Guest (24/08/2020, 12:59) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    One church would put her argument to rest....lol.. As a matter of fact almost all the Ponzi schemes in the BVI have roots or origins to members in a certain church......
    • Me (24/08/2020, 20:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Guest lol, that's so true, at least 2 members of that Church, whom I regard as businessmen and well educated BVIlanders, came to me with this Ponzi b.s. I listened and when they finish talking, I told them point blank, NO THANK YOU. I will keep my money. They need to stop it!! Who else they trying to fool?? I won't call their names but I'm sure people know who they are!!!
  • Conmen (24/08/2020, 13:07) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Every church need to get sue
  • Just my 2 cents (24/08/2020, 13:16) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    A deep and thorough understanding of our religious systems in particular, Christianity, will lead its followers to defund and disband their faith.

    The promise of a pie in the sky, of walking on streets of gold, of the land of milk and honey...all serves one purpose...to surpress and control the way of live of the naive thinking [blacks].
    Just say to them God said this or you have to do this for God, or this will bring you blessings, and as gullible fools, its readily accepted.

    Is religion a scheme similar to ponzi and pyramid investment? Yes indeed. Think about it my people... What do God want, need or will do with all these monies? Seriously... is God receiving any of it?

    Definitely not. These monies we religiously place as tithes or offerings in the collection platest fails to be deposited into God's bank account... after all, God has no need for such... but the schemers do.

    Invest $100 and you will receive $1,000 or $500 and you will receive $5,000. The more seeds you sow, the 'bigger' your blessings.

    Then again, its difficult to convince many that what they believe is nothing but an illusion.
    • Really... (24/08/2020, 15:52) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its funny that you honestly think that the more money you 'donate' to the church the more you will make. God does not care for you money. Better to give your money to those in NEED and help your neighbor.
    • Troll @ just your 2 cent (24/08/2020, 16:42) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      Your cents that you've delivered was worthless, how sad is that. Just because your simple mind cannot understand the absolute truth doesn't mean the rest who actually believe are lost. Perhaps you are lost and because the Good Book tells us how to live a good life and describes who you are which is true, that you don't want to believe because it exposed you. Is God receiving it? No, but it is used to reach to those in need, which was why churches will not boast when they give to the needy like those that do "sound the trumpet" as the scripture says. Sorry to see you're lost like those who says the same thing.
      • Keep you in your place ... (25/08/2020, 08:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Ephesians 6:5-8 Paul states, “Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ”
      • Just my 2 cents (25/08/2020, 10:51) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ Troll...whoever you are you nothing short of a brainwashed individual with blinders, and one lacks the will to be an independent thinker. I will waste no time debating incompetence since it serves to advance me no further. You seems to be oblivious to you own reality and sadly, a deranged bigot with some sort of challenges, mentally or otherwise.

        Please review the 'absolute truth' about the creation and purpose of the bible. Read the entire content Genesis to Revelation and whilst at it, do not restrict yourself to only the 66 books of the KJV or to one translation. You will be surprised and amazed!
        • Troll @ just your 2 cent again (25/08/2020, 22:28) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
          Once again you're comment was worthless obviously if something is created must have a Creator, a book doesn't fall down from the sky or "big bang" to turn into a book. Now who's being Oblivious with regards to not restricting to the 66 books or translation? There's a reason why the Apocrypha and the other so called lost books like "Book of Enoch" was not included. See I don't want to suck all of the fun of your learning so instead of coming here being worthless, maybe you should research so you can be "surprised and amazed" what you learn about the truth!
          • Just my 2 cents (26/08/2020, 23:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
            @Troll
            Commenting on a worthless comment shows you up as ignorant, arrogant and more worthless. The bible was created for a purpose and its creator is man. Again, review the 'absolute truth' regarding the creation [of] and purpose/intent of the bible and you will have a deeper understanding of and appreciation of the doctrine therein.

            I observe a level of hostility displayed by you against persons who have challenged your idea of Christianity and God. Calm your horses and remove your blinders. Agreeably, its your fundamental right to believe what you so desires (and so do others...leave the judgement to God), but from where I sit, I can only hope and pray that you seriously assess and address your ability to be a critical thinker. I believe it will simultaneously enhance your cognitive awareness. Kindly revisit yourself.
            • Troll @ just your 2 cent again and again (27/08/2020, 09:01) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
              No hostility here, just that you've failed to come up with something substantial to what you believe. How the Creator is man? Please explain....Yes the Bible was created for a purpose just like a manual for each of us to follow instructions. What happened if we don't follow instructions? The result will be bad. If you don't want to follow then guess what will happen to you? And that's not me but it's the Bible, just saying!..... Listen, I've understand how the Bible was put together and the people sacrifice for us to understand it today, so please do me a favor if you're going to comment for me respond, feed me with meat and not your milk.
  • trrefdrfds (24/08/2020, 15:39) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    ...You have a chance of getting a return on your investment by giving money to a Ponzi scheme.
  • Pay for God? (24/08/2020, 15:49) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why do we have to pay for GOD? he does not care if you are rich or poor
  • old (24/08/2020, 16:41) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    We must read the Bible. And understand what the Bible says.
  • Gia (24/08/2020, 19:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes they are...what is the difference #smfh
  • Migoman (24/08/2020, 21:21) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ofcourse theyre not the same. Churches are worst
  • Schemes (25/08/2020, 12:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Churches... Ponzi schemes...
    Both share one thing: A clever plan designed to separate fools from their money.


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