Rep. Scott Peters Remains on Vacation While Fate of Children's Charity Hangs in the Balance
SAN DIEGO, Calif., Aug.26, 2013 /
Christian Newswire/ -- The eyes of the nation are focused on another politician in San Diego this week. Rep. Scott Peters (CA 52) holds the fate of a 33-year-old children's charity in his hands, but the Congressman remains on vacation and unavailable.
"Children's Ministries International, Inc. is one of the conservative Christian organizations under attack by the Internal Revenue Service," said Steve Karges, founder and president of the ministry since 1980. "The abuse has been going on for over a year and our ministry has tried to work with the IRS quietly," Karges continued, "but to no avail."
Children's Ministries International, Inc., who received their tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service in 1984, requested in 2012, a current IRS determination letter that was required for the non-profit organization to receive a pending grant from a national foundation. The grant has been on-hold for more than a year. Because the ministry was incorporated before IRS records were stored in databases, an updated determination letter is needed for clarification in order to raise or receive tax deductible donations.
As the situation became more urgent, Karges turned to Congressman Scott Peters of California's 52nd District, where Children's Ministries International, Inc. is based. "I contacted Congressman Peters for help three months ago. We needed him to intervene with the IRS on our behalf, but sadly, nothing was accomplished during that time," Karges said. "As a result of Rep. Peters' procrastination, our charity may be forced to close its doors by this end of this week," he continued. "Unfortunately for the children we serve, our government has let us down big time." Karges added, "We can't continue to operate as a charity without updated paperwork from the IRS."
Rep. Peters' political history continues to haunt him. Roger Hedgecock, former San Diego Mayor and host of a national radio talk show said, "Scott Peters, cannot escape his role in making San Diego 'Enron by the Sea' when he was on the City Council."
Karges remains hopeful and is praying for a miracle. Through it all, he remains upbeat. "My faith is not in the IRS or Congressman Peters. My faith is based upon the authority and truth of God's Word," Karges concluded, "That is the rock I stand on."
