An Encounter with a Questionable Beggar


During my thirty-plus years of street ministry, I’ve had to be discerning when handling panhandlers. Because some are persistent, I tell them upfront, “I don’t have any money for you.” However, I always carry extra snacks to give to hungry beggars. That opens their heart more for me to share the gospel with them.


Last weekend, I took a train to New Orleans. Because hotel rates were too high downtown, I opted to get a room at a motel in the northern part of the city. Instead of using Uber or Lyft, I took a bus from the train station to save money. I had to walk a few blocks from the bus stop with three pieces of luggage plus a backpack. 


As I was getting close to the motel, a woman offered to help move one of my bags. I accepted her offer and perceived she was homeless. It was past midnight, and the lobby was closed. Therefore, I had to talk to the desk clerk through a glass window. Meanwhile, “Becky” (not her real name) stood nearby while I used my debit card to pay for my room. I made sure she couldn’t see my account and CVV numbers. Although Becky said she was saved, I still needed to be cautious. Not every professing believer is honest.


After I got my key, Becky offered to bring one of my bags to my room. As soon as all my luggage was inside, I told her I needed to return to the front desk because the clerk hadn’t given me a receipt. Thoughts went through my mind that Becky might ask to stay in my room. Instead, she asked me to get a room for her. I didn’t have a good feeling about her request. So I told her I was short on funds (I don’t like confessing lack, but I couldn’t think of anything else to say).


This woman then asked for $100. That was odd, considering a motel room costs less than that. Becky also mentioned earlier that she had been on her way to the store. Therefore, she probably had some funds. So I told Becky, “I don’t have any money for you.” She then walked away. That revealed her motive for helping with my luggage.


Remember that I was overtired from the long train ride and eager to get cleaned up before bed. If I had to do this all over again, I could have given her a couple of bucks and gone inside the motel without her tagging along. I would also ask how she became homeless and if she sought assistance from one of the numerous women’s shelters in New Orleans.


When I wrote about this incident on my Facebook page, a pastor friend suggested this woman could have been an angel. I’ve heard stories of angels appearing as homeless people. However, I doubt this woman was one from the Lord. When I told Becky I had just gotten off the bus, she called the drivers “a-holes.”


Some may cite the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) as a reason to get a room for her. Unfortunately, I’ve dealt with many panhandlers who use deceptive tactics to acquire money for drugs and alcohol. The desk clerk informed me this woman had been around there before. Had I gotten Becky a room, there’s the risk of her stealing things or causing damages. That might have resulted in extra charges on my account.


In the future, I will be more prayerful if a similar situation happens again. Christians should be willing to help those in need but not give out of manipulation and support someone’s addiction.


“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” - 2 Corinthians 9:7

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