Our bible is full of wisdom on how Christians should avoid greediness. Yet greed has been around and consistently creates havoc within Christian families. Churches sometimes also fail to live up to biblical expectation on monetary issues. There are churches who display the tithing amount of each of her members on their notice board and there are also churches who give different receptions based on the financial wealth of her members.
Naturally there will always be wolves in sheep’s skin roaming around trying to capitalise on this soft spot of greed among Christians. Christians are normally taught to be gentle as doves but seldom to be as cautious as snake. Therefore at times, when Christians are caught in doubtful circumstances, they might not be firm enough to run away like what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife was trying to seduce him as recorded in Genesis 39:12. When Jesus sent out the twelve newly appointed apostles, He told them this: “Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snake and as gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16)”.
Some weeks ago, Bobby witnessed first hand on how the scheme of a would-be con man works. Followings were summaries of the encounter.
- The only thing this person said about himself was that he is called Mr Lee, only surname, holding a UK citizenship and currently residing in US. He resisted giving out any contacts including his phone number or his address in KK.
- He consistently said he is representing an organisation in US where this organisation has tons of money to help the poor. However he seemed lost when asked in what ways or form will this organisation help the poor. However he repeatedly said that he can tithe the church with money from this organisation.
- Prior to this money thing, he introduced himself as a student coming to Sabah to research on his thesis for his master degree in US. However, he refused to say which university, what course, what thesis title, what area of his research or what is the name of his Professor. He requested us to help him get contacts for his thesis research but he was unable to let us know what he need, when he needs it. The conversation quickly turned to the US organisation with tons of money to give away through him.
- Suddenly out of nowhere, he disclosed that he had a company in Orchard Road, Singapore. We can check this company if we want to know more. He also said that the US Embassy (did not say which country) also has his details. We can refer to US Embassy if we want to know more about him.
- Suddenly from his bag, he took out an old cheap recipe book saying he was also researching on food and his family was in the restaurant business in US. When asked where this restaurant is, his refused to say.
- Out of the blue he said he wanted to open a restaurant in KK and asked if I am interested or if I can introduce anyone who might be interested. To have a bit more idea of his restaurant, he was asked again on what type of restaurant his family is running in US. He then said he has yet to start any restaurant in US but he has RM2 million in hands to start a half shop lot restaurant in KK. Is there anyone interested to invest with him, he repeatedly asked.
- When asked more about his concept of his intended restaurant (especially with RM2 million for half shop lot), he suggested we go to a nearby cyber cafe to browse some online recipe!
- After seeing this conversation going nowhere, we decided to end it. When we depart, he refused to shake hand.
Personally Bobby does not know this person. He looks like a well dressed, average size Pilipino, wears spectacles and is about 5 feet 10 inches. He speaks good English but have a light slang when speaking Malay.He claimed that someone introduce Bobby to him and said that Bobby can be of help to assist him in his thesis. Yet for the entire conversation, the thesis discussion was less that 10% of the time spent. He said he was wondering among churches in KK to seek help. After Bobby’s encounter, the following day Bobby was told that this Mr Lee came to the church office again to talk to the pastoral staff and some well off church members. This time he said he has contacts in China and is interested in bringing in Chinese tealeaves and asked if anybody is willing to invest with him. He did not say anything about him being in Sabah to research on his thesis. Anyone interested to invest with this Mr Lee?
1 Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Hebrews 13:5 says that, ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”‘. These scriptures do not suggest that we stop working to improve ourselves financially. However if our love of money or greediness becomes the priority in our lives, we will definitely fall into countless temptations that will bring adverse effects on our wellbeing as well as the ones we love. ‘Well, religion (Christianity) does make a person very rich, if he is satisfied with what he has. (1 Timothy 6:6)’. This Mr Lee is still around and is actively speaking to numerous people. Beware and be warned. God bless you.
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