Being a white person in third world countries has been an interesting experience, to say the least.
In many countries, you are literally treated like a celebrity. I would get swarmed on beaches in Vietnam by people trying to get a picture or selfie with me.
A less entertaining aspect is that you are often seen as a walking piggy bank. People will come and ask you for everything from money to the pants you’re wearing.
The issue comes up time and time again and never fails to stir my heart:
Should I give into their behavior?
I’m a missionary and I preach about loving and giving of yourself to the poor. I truly desire to steward the blessings and gifts God has given me for His glory, including my money. However, I don’t have a ton at this point in my life, but I am certainly blessed. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I don’t want to live a life contrary to what Jesus says and what I believe.
On the other hand, is giving a hand out really helping?
There is the classic argument: they are probably using it for drugs or alcohol.
In third world countries (and probably even in the US) there is the slum dog millionaire argument: kids out begging often have a “boss” or owner who they give their profits to, so giving to them is actually increasing the demand for child slavery in a big picture perspective.
Every time someone asks me for things, questions swirl through my mind like a tornado.
If I give to this mother with her child will she be more inclined to keep her child out of school for begging purposes?
If I give this boy my shoes, is it creating a dependency on white people and begging?
Am I encouraging this person to continue begging and not to aspire to more?
Am I hurting the economy of this country by handing out of my own pocket and belongings?
After much thought, conviction and deliberation I’ve come to my own conclusion; a conclusion that should guide our every action: follow the spirit.
As a Christian we get the benefit of being a temple where the Holy Spirit abides, which enables us to abide in Him.
If we are abiding in Him, He will talk to us and convict us. He will give us supernatural discernment.
I don’t know what that person will do with the money, but God does and He can give me discernment that I don’t have.
If He convicts me to give, I will give.
Apart from that, there is something we can give that won’t hurt anyone or the economy: kindness, attention and the gospel.
Don’t force the gospel down people’s throats… that’s not normally effective or helpful.
What you can do is flash them a smile, show them attention and treat them with respect.
These are likely people who face a lot of rejection and rejection can tear down anyone’s spirit.
Ask them about their story or tell them yours… and maybe that can lead to an opportunity to share your faith and the story of the ultimate acceptance. The acceptance into Jesus Christ’s family.
