Golf for the young

A golf tournament next weekend will raise money for Bible Deliverance Temple youths. Registration is open for the tournament, which starts July 11 at Forest Hills Golf Club, 1500 Comfort Road.

Lunch will be served at noon and a shotgun start will follow at 1:30 p.m. Call (706) 736-1600.

Open house

An open house at First Academy Christian School and Day Care, 3633 Peach Orchard Road, starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Registration is free with enrollment.

The school, which was founded in 1989, is open to children through eighth grade. Call (706) 771-1316 or see fbcgracewood.webs.com.

Religion broadcaster builds $4 million home

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- A religion broadcaster is building a $4 million home in a gated, lake-front community in western South Carolina at the same time the ministry has cut jobs and reset thermostats to save money in its new headquarters.

Inspiration Networks CEO David Cerullo is building the 9,000-square-foot house on a lot that overlooks Lake Keowee, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Inspiration Networks has drawn scrutiny for up to $26 million in incentives it won from South Carolina to move from Charlotte to Indian Land, in Lancaster County, S.C.

The network's revenues are expected to approach $100 million, largely in donations from people who are told God favors those who donate.

Mr. Cerullo has said 80 perccent of the donated money is spent to spread the Gospel.

In addition to laying off workers, the newspaper reported, the ministry froze wages and stopped making contributions to 401(k) retirement accounts.

The thermostat on the network's new building was cut to 65 degree last winter.

A network spokesman did not respond to calls and e-mails requesting comment on the house. In March, Mr. Cerullo defended his $1.5 million in compensation in a interview and said he rejected recommendations that he be paid more.

Employees told the newspaper the ministry began laying off some workers late last year.