How far would you go to help a complete stranger?

Question

A couple came to our church today asking for help. Apparently they lost "everything" and said they needed money to get to a relative`s house in some far away place. Our church doen`t have a whole lot of money and usually people will only give to those who are really in need (like a family in the church who lost their jobs or had a physical health problem or accident) , nor do we and we know absolutely nothing about these people (except they are old, missing teeth and fairly demanding...wouldn`t accept bus tickets because they get "car sick"...and wanted tea when we offered coffee..ate all the snacks set out in the reception area without a single "thank you"etc. etc.) What would you do?

Keep in mind, that this in in Japan. Tickets anywhere by plane or train are very expensive and our church can barely afford it`s own rent and a very small pastor`s salary (the pastor`s wife works full time to have enough for the family). We don`t mean to be judgemental, but scams happen all of the time, and we need some way of protecting ourselves and the congregation.

Answer 1

I wouldn't just hand cash to a complete stranger, the bus ticket is a good idea, you know that is where they are going. Car sick? What they want airplane tickets? Buy them the little pills that help with car sickness, if they really needed to get to their families house car sickness would not bother them, if they truly lost "everything" and were desperate then they would be more humble and deal with the sickness. I would stick with the bus tickets, and if they don't take them then they really do not NEED to get there, or else they would take them if they were so desperate. Your church is trying to help out, even if your church was rich and everyone was rich I still wouldn't give complete strangers airplane tickets or whatever else they are demanding straight cash? Stick with the bus tickets.

You are helping them by buying them bus tickets, that is what Jesus would want you to do, not just hand over cash. Also if they are hungry the church members could take turns preparing meals for them or giving them some groceries, again not cash. When I was LDS/Mormon my church helped me out by writing a cheque to my landlord, and giving me groceries, they never gave me cash.

Answer 2

I have to agree with your assessment of the situation.
You are only second-guessing yourself now.

Here are the facts; people previously unknown to your church and uninterested in it have appeared, told you they are in need of money.
The truth is, these days there are a lot of scams perpetrated on churches and on generous people.

Fact: you offered them bus tickets and they refused - citing "car sick". How in the world are they going to get to "relatives' house" if not by car or bus?
There are trains in Japan, but did this couple ask for train ticket?
Seems that if they are really in need they would accept gratefully any help offered.

Fact: you know nothing about them except they did not want what you could give them and they were ungrateful.

You did the right thing....offered them reasonable help which they refused. They are probably after money.

For Dis Dain, this is what Jesus would have done:
He would have seen right through dishonest people, and given them a choice which would have proven their minds and their worth (or unworthiness) for all to see.
I think the asker did a great job.

Best Wishes.
-

Answer 3

I'm thinkin that your church needs to look after it's own members first and not strangers like u describe.

From your description, these strangers are moochers and only want money so they can probably buy alcohol or something worse. If they won't accept bus tickets, then u tell em u can't help em. U did more than most would do and u shouldn't feel the least bit guilty.

There's that really old saying that beggers can't be choosers too. If they don't want what u offer for free, then screw em. People like that are ungrateful leeches.

Answer 4

i would smile at them and say we are a giving church and will help you in any way possible with food and shelter and will refers to the nearest social human office to help with the rest. I would have also asked for the relatives number so you could call and let them know not to worry about them and let them know they were in good hands. There is no real way to protect yourselves from scams or from people who are just trying to get something for free. Our church will help with the most that we can, but when it comes to just giving out money, it just doesn't happen. If you have offered with tickets for the bus and they do not want them then it is your right to refer them to another church to help them or other agencies that have the resources that your church does not have. If they get upset about this arrangement, then send them on their way.

Answer 5

If it is an amount of money that I (or the church, collectively) could easily afford, I would give it to them and tell them to never come back. If they did return I would have the law come and take them off the property. I know that this is giving into their scam but what does it really matter it is just money.
If it is an amount that is too high, I would offer them a lesser amount that we could afford. If they don't want it, even better for us.

Answer 6

I would give them hospitality but keep a desert eagle in my backpack just in case you know. Most people just want to steal money. A lot of couples scheme and you should give it to them but if the next day they have new shoes and a polished car ask what they did with the money.For some people I would not keep a weapon in case of protection, for example people I know. Some hitchhiker are men that will take your car and rob you when you let them in. But with the couple you are talking about give them a little money and then I'm sure you can donate to the church. Hope I helped.~.~

Answer 7

I would tell a complete stranger and everyone else, to accomplish this:

Create a Private, Personal, Direct, Divine Relationship with Our Creator and save Your Soul from religion's and atheist's beliefs.

<<<<<<< Love is the answer >>>>>>>

Love and Believe in Our Creator;
Love and Believe in Yourself.

Only with Our Creator's Love and Peace will we be Truly Free!

Without God, there is No Love; Without religion, there are No Wars!

"religion is Spiritual fraud";
"religion is the Worse invention of humanity";
"Universal Truth has eliminated religion from Spirituality",
quotes of Jesus Christ, Buddha and any one else with Spiritual intelligence.

"When a person is freed of religion, they have a better chance to live a normal and wholesome life." S.Freud

atheists = all the people in religion = all the ignorant fundamentalists = all the cults/superstitions = paganism = wicca = xians.

Answer 8

i read your problem, and wondering.., if they have to get to their relative's house in FAR AWAY place, then they have to catch a bus/ car/ train, don't they? coz they won't be able to walk to FAR AWAY place (they're old already)

i think they just want to get some money by making people feel sympathy to them

if they really get "car sick", then, how will they get to their relative's house? (their reason is so RIDICULOUS) and the worse thing.. if their goal is (REALLY) to get to their relative's house, they shouldn't decline the bus tickets u offered. it shows that their goal really is CASH..

anyway, you can bring them to policemen, to have their TRULY identity & data, asked by police officer

anyway..you can give them a LITTLE AMOUNT of money, as we are told to help and love each other. God will see you as the right person, coz you help them anyway. if they really lie, they make sins and will have some business with God later, and you as their victim, God will love you and bless you more as you have a serving & kind -heart

Answer 9

SCAM! Dont help in this case. I wonder how many times before they tried this one. Have a word with someone in the church who you can trust. These two crooks are trying to pull a fast one!

Answer 10

You have to ask when you are sitting in a church? Sitting in the house of God with the word of God all around you all you need do is pick up the book.
What would Jesus do?
Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Be kind, be helpful, but don't be foolish. They strike me as those who don't really want your help but want to feed off your charity.
Remind them also that the Lord helps those that help themselves.