Destitute Foreigner Helping Orphans

He looked like just another homeless guy who was bold enough to walk into Starbucks and appeal for a handout. I was busily working on my computer, so I stayed focused on the project. Then I saw him hold up a piece of paper with a note. My immediate thought was that he couldn’t speak due to a disability. Not so. “Ukrainian Missionary – Please help me with money for orphans in my country.”

The Solo reading on day 17 continues a theme of God’s heart for the vulnerable. “Make sure foreigners and orphans get their just rights.” “Don’t abuse a laborer who is destitute and needy.” “Leave grain in your field to feed the foreigner, orphan and widow.” It seems that a consistent directive throughout the old and new testament is our responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in our society. So this destitute foreigner raising money for orphans was quite a find. This was a 3fer – a triple crown – a triad – a triumvirate. My immediate thought should have been – “I’ve hit on all three here God. Even my annoyed fellow Starbucks patrons are dropping one dollar in his bucket. As your follower, and knowing that your heart is inclined in triplicate towards this guy, what should I do? Is that worth three dollars?”

Anyway, I did help him more than the other patrons – which was no great sacrifice and will probably bear no mention when I meet Jesus in eternity. In hindsight, I probably should have spent the money I was giving him to buy him a grande coffee and asked him to sit for a while. Maybe I should have asked him if he needed a place to stay. Maybe I should have found out about his work in the Ukraine. Maybe I should have prayed with him. Maybe I should have invited him to worship with us on Sunday night. I think those things would have reflected God’s heart for the destitute foreigner helping orphans. I’m afraid I missed the triple crown.