FāVS Religion News Roundup: Dec. 13
News Story by FāVS Staff
Salvation Army of Spokane food warehouse empty
The Salvation Army Spokane is facing a critical food shortage as demand surges ahead of Christmas. The organization’s food bank served 6,321 households in November, an increase of 708 from October despite fewer operating days.
“I have never seen the warehouse as empty as it is right now,” said Elaine Mansoor, director of social services in a press release.
The organization needs shelf-stable items like peanut butter, canned meats, pasta and cereal. The public can donate food items weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 204 E. Indiana Avenue in Spokane, or make financial contributions at makingspokanebetter.org.
Pastor accused of a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme
Federal regulators are suing a Washington state pastor accused of running a $6 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that targeted Hispanic churchgoers, according to the Christian Post.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission alleges Francier Obando Pinillo, of Pasco, defrauded more than 1,500 victims through his companies, collectively known as Solanofi entities, between November 2021 and December 2023.
According to the civil complaint filed Monday, Pinillo promised investors guaranteed monthly returns of up to 34.9% and promoted a “Christian-values” cryptocurrency called ShekkelCoin. He allegedly charged victims $1,500 fees to access a website he later shut down.
The CFTC says Pinillo, who pitched his scheme at churches including a Florida megachurch, used his position as a pastor to target Spanish-speaking congregants unfamiliar with digital assets. The agency is seeking restitution for victims, disgorgement of profits, civil penalties and permanent trading bans.
EPA funds zero-emission, heavy-duty vehicles in Washington
On Dec. 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $8.4 million in funding for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles in Washington. This includes grants to the Washington Department of Ecology, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Woodland Public Schools to replace diesel vehicles with electric alternatives. The funds will support the purchase of 28 zero-emission vehicles, including school buses and refuse haulers.
The initiative aims to reduce air pollution, promote environmental justice and foster clean vehicle infrastructure and workforce development. The program aligns with President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Justice40 initiative, focusing on disadvantaged communities.
Mexican Christmas traditions come to Gonzaga
Celebrate the holiday season with Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. This vibrant show weaves the cherished Mexican traditions of Mariachi music and folkloric dance into a magical and memorable story of the season for the entire family. Tickets for the performance range in price from $18-$52 and can be purchased online. The event location is 211 East DeSmet Avenue and is open to all ages.
Kreepin with Krampus
Krampus is making his yearly visit to the folks of Spokane on Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., at Spokane’s Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburg Street. Hosted by Fiona Greenwood and Spokane Magickal Moot, this year’s Kreepin with Krampus includes stories, crafts, treats, caroling and pictures with Krampus.
First Church hosts Blue Christmas service
First Church in Spokane is hosting a Blue Christmas service for those hurting during the holidays. The service will be 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, in the church sanctuary.
Some will come because they are mourning the death of a loved one. Some because they are far from home. Some hurt because of the great pain, need and violence in our nation and world. The reasons for coming are many. The church, located on 1725 West Courtland Avenue, will gather in the midst of suffering to remember “God is good. God is strong. God is near. They will be reminded they have every reason to hope.”
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
