In the 1990s televangelist Robert "Bob" Tilton of Dallas, Texas, became embroiled in investigations and lawsuits over his ministry's practices. An exposé by investigative reporters showed that Tilton's promise to bless prayer letters, sent with $1000 were tossed into the trash— after the money was extracted.

One of Tilton's ploys was to send a "miracle package" that included a swatch of fabric called a "Miracle Prayer Cloth" (shown here) and a tiny package of "Anointing Oil." The former was to be returned— with money— so that Reverend Bob could "pray over your cloth." Tilton advised:

When you receive the enclosed Miracle Cloth back from me, open the enclosed special package of oil and anoint the point of your need.... Let the Holy Spirit lead you in applying this Miracle Anointing Oil and Miracle Cloth in faith to pictures of your loved ones, to your billfold, to the doorposts of your home, to your body. However he shows you, apply this Miracle Cloth and Anointing Oil in faith for special miracles.

Tilton responded to the IRS and other investigators by saying he was being "persecuted."

More Christianity exhibits:

Devotional Items	Fatima	Lourdes Souveneirs	Miracle Statues
Shroud of Turin	Shroud of Turin Medal	Stigmatics	The Clearwater Virgin
Toronto Weeping Icon	Veronica's Veil	Veronica's Veil	Veronica's Veil Icon
Weeping Madonna