A priest in South Carolina has gained notoriety for joining a PokerStars tournament in an effort to win the grand prize of more than $5 million, which he would have donated to his church so that they could build a brand new one. Surprising everyone, he qualified and though he did not win the jackpot, he brought home $100,000 and brought his church that much closer to their goal.
Before the Reverend was able to enter the tournament, he had to ask permission from the pastor at his church. When he divulged his reasons, he was granted permission and encouraged by his congregation. Not surprisingly, Reverend Trapp was the only priest to enter the tournament but when he qualified for the event he showed his opponents that God was on his side.
Reverend Trapp did not view the experience as gambling. The tournament was free to enter and made it easier to look at it as an opportunity to make money for the church. On top of the main reason he entered the tournament, Reverend Trapp used his time to show people that priests can have fun and encourage other people to do so as well. He stressed gambling and drinking alcohol in moderation but also stated that the church did not frown upon these activities.
He may not have won the jackpot but Reverend Trapp did a lot to bridge the gap between people and religion.