For the longest time, TastyFaith resisted using credit cards, and accepted orders via an order form and snail mail. Though many of you thought it was a pain in the wazoo, TastyFaith did enjoy receiving envelopes from urban outreach organizations all over North America. Once we'd receive an envelope, we'd carefully cut out the organization's logo, and place it on a collage, so we could pray for the organization and kids everyday. It made TastyFaith realize a few things. For starters, how desparate innercity youth pastors are to get their hands on culturally relevant materials. And secondly, what a privilege it is to serve you.

Even though you can send us checks and money orders in the mail, Tastyfaith is in the process of setting a shopping cart to make your job easier. But before you click away, please read

Whether you find it pays to Discover, or if VISA's everywhere you want to be, or even if you're tempted by the priceless promises offered by Mastercard, there's a good chance you're one of the millions of Christians who have a bit of a problem with credit cards. In 2001, there were 78 million credit card users in the United States, and the majority of them couldn't pay off their monthly balances, the average debt carried being roughly $11,500.

To make matters worse, America's spending problem isn't growing older, it's growing younger.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, of the 70% of undergraduates at four-year colleges, one out of five with plastic in their pocket has a debt of over $10,000. And that money borrowed wasn't to pay for books and tuition. Probably pizza. Many of those credit cards end up in students' hands by their desire to get a "free" T-shirt. T-shirts are often given away on college campuses by credit card companies to lure students to fill out a credit card application. And when you consider the a 12.9% APR finance charge on a revolving balance , how free really is that T-shirt?

In the inner-city, the borrowing problem is even worse. Credit cards are just the tip of the borrowing ice burg. The real problem lays with check cashing outlets, payday and car title loan operations.

While many are operated by legitimate financial institutions, many of these outfits offer legalized "juice loans", with interest rates sky-rocketing as high as 240%-360% APR.

In other words, if you got a payday loan to finance a $10.50 TastyFaith leader's guide and chose to let that balance ride, it could end up costing you $36.

TastyFaith hopes that you use credit cards responsibly, and are not borrowing against your future to order lessons today. But if you or your organization can 't afford the materials. TastyFaith suggests two things. Number one, check between the cushions of your sofa. You'll be surprised how much money you'll find there. And secondly, maybe it's time to have a good old-fashioned fundraiser.

And be sure to check out TastyFaith 's Slam! Bible lesson series for urban teens called FUNKIFY YOUR FUTURE. You'll find a good lesson to share with your teens about credit card dangers and money management. Plus, you'll look at how other choices you make now can effect you later.

So if you find you have a bit of problem with credit card spending, you're not alone. Why not do a little bit of plastic surgery on your cards with some pinking shears then visit DebtAdvice.Org. It's full of all kinds of helpful and legitimateresources.

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7 NIV

Want a great lesson on credit card debt for urban teens and young adults? Click here.