A megachurch in Texas is offering mortgage or rent payments to members who turn up to church on New Year's Day.
January 1, 2017 will fall on a Sunday and New Light Christian Center in Houston is offering incentives for those who shake off the New Year hangover to make it. The 20,000-strong church spread across six sites advertised the offer on its Facebook page on Saturday.
But one church official said the giveaway is part of an annual raffle started by pastor Bishop I V Hilliard.
"It's just a way to encourage members to come on out to service even though it's New Year's Day," the unnamed church official told The Christian Post.
The sum on offer is not known but churchgoers will found out on the day.
"They are not discussing that information at this time. There is a budget but only the pastors have that. I don't think they will be willing to give that information out," the official said.
Hilliard first caused controversy in 2013 when a church newsletter told the congregation if they gave $52 towards upgrading the blades on his helicopter they would receive "breakthrough favor" within either 52 days or 52 weeks.
"Does your car need repair or total replacement? Do you have a dream vehicle or luxury automobile you long to purchase?" Hilliard wrote in the letter.
"Our Aviation Department has an opportunity that will save the ministry well over $50K if we will move on it right away. My Aviation Manager stated that while repairing our helicopter they discovered that if we upgrade our blades today, it will save thousands in the days to come," he said.
Christian Today has approached New Light Christian Center Church for comment.
