what the hell does Pat Robertson have to do with Obama? 
Pat Robertson is sick in the head. That probably wasn't even a real letter. They've probably just noticed their donations going down with the recession and he wants to put it out there that they need to keep giving even if they can't afford it. He just makes the assumption that families like this need to tighten their budget and haven't already done that. There's probably families out there skimping on food thinking that it'll only be worse for them if they don't fork over 10% to the church... baaaaa....
Nobody's telling them to skimp on food. But, I'd bet they got way too many cell phones, the car may be too expensive, or things of that nature.
Speaking of food, you can "skimp" without starving. Basically, if your wife can't cook, I feel sorry for you. My wife knows how to bake bread (Thursday night is PIZZA NIGHT!! Who needs Domino's?

). She just went on an apple-picking adventure with my daughter and now, we have so much applesauce around here, it's ridiculous. Home-cooked meals, instead of pre-packaged/processed food will save you a fortune.
We also saved money when our cars were completely paid off (until my van got totaled in an accident; Thank God no injuries occured). Next year, I plan to use my income tax check and other money to pay off my new van completely. My wife drives the van; I drive her bucket of a car, on which I've run over 220,000 miles. It's an eye-sore; but it gets me to work, the gym, and GNC.

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As stated earlier, chances are that Melissa and her family wouldn't be able to pay their bills, even if she were to skimp on the tithe. Take it from someone who's been there. It ain't easy to do; you'll rationalize all kinds of reasons not to do so ("Oh, I'll do it next Sunday/Sabbath!"; "The Lord understands what I'm going through!" etc.). I can honestly say that He has been faithful to His word, regarding tithe and offering.