When I was on my way to church tonight, I past a guy on the side of the road. Immediately, I averted my eyes, but then I realize that I was still going to be several minutes early to church and my excuses were useless. First, I don’t pick up all hitchhikers, but sometimes God makes it clear who I’m supposed to help and I can’t silence that voice. So Carl got a ride.
He was easily in his mid seventies and when I picked him up, he was already cussing up a storm. So much for one of my pleasant conversations. I asked him where he needed to go and he just shot back, “Just take me to a McDonalds, any of them. I need to eat.” About that time the seat belt ding… bell… chime… whatever noise, started going off because Carl hadn’t put on his seat belt. This launched another string of expletives as he tried to find his seat belt and get buckled in. So far, good start.
I tried small talk, but it was obvious Carl didn’t want any of it. Finally, I asked him what he did with his days and he decided he wanted to start talking. He told me about where all he begs and what are the best spots and the best lines to use. That’s why he was headed to McDonald’s. He seemed pretty proud of how he passes his days so I just let him keep going. When he realized that he had been talking several minutes, he just looked at me and said, “Well, what do you do then?” When I told him I was a missionary, he just kind of laughed and said he always gets picked up by some “Good Samaritan”. I just told him that wasn’t me because I didn’t want to pick him up. I didn’t have a choice and that’s why I turned all the way around to come back for him. He seemed confused, so I told him about the Gospel.
I told him how God had saved me and because of the love that He put in my heart, I had to turn around, even if I didn’t want to, and come back for him. He just kind of sat there, and then tried to change the subject by asking how I got money to do this life. I told him a little about support raising (glorified begging), but more importantly how people just give when they see me now. They’ve heard my stories and know my needs, so sometimes I don’t even have to ask. About this time, we pulled into McDonald’s and it was time for Carl to go. He made some last comment about it must be nice to not have to ask.
About this time, I realized Carl hadn’t asked me for any money. I had just gotten some cash from a good family friend the other day, and I knew I couldn’t make a better investment with it, than in Carl’s life. I called him back over and told him he never asked me for any money. Then I gave him the cash, reminded him of how God’s love works and drove off. I have no idea where that money is going, but at times, it’s not my job to know. It’s just my job to give.
