In Georgia, more than 50 percent of the people who lost their jobs in the wake of the recession have been out of work for a year or longer. Many have turned to their churches for spiritual and financial help. CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts reports on church-sponsored financial advisers called “money missionaries.” The report will be broadcast tonight, May 8, on the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH SCOTT PELLEY (6:30-7:00 PM) on the CBS Television Network.

        In tonight's report, Pitts interviews Kevin Cross, a certified public accountant and minister at Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia. Cross is a “money missionary” who uses prayer and practical advice to help cash-strapped families manage their finances. He also heads up a four-member panel that decides how money from the church’s “Generosity Fund” should be used to help neighbors in need. Pitts also speaks with beneficiaries, including Nikki O’Keef and her husband, John, who were about to lose their home until the church paid off their $17,000 mortgage.

       Patricia Shevlin is the Executive Producer of the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH SCOTT PELLEY.

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Press Contact:  Lance Frank   212-975-5959   frankl@cbsnews.com