9. A Christian act we can all do Mr. David Brand Page

David Brand, London*

[The following is an everyday story of scams, instances that come in our way in the ringing of a phone or through some online sources, but such flashing moments also can be used as an opportunity to help a person in wilderness wandering and give him/her a transformational directive to realize that ‘we are all in this together’ to help each other under the grace of God. Editorial Comments.]

Not long ago I received a call from India and the caller went to great lengths to identify exactly who I was amid a background of noisy chatter. Once he was convinced, he had correctly identified me he proudly announced that I had won the princely sum of £1,971, but before I could claim this money it would be necessary to answer a few questions first. I interrupted his flow of words by requesting if I could ask him a question first and on receiving an affirmative response I asked “When you die and face God what will you tell him when he asks: And what did you do for a living?” A long pause followed and he said “I am following Robin Hood and robbing the rich”. I replied that indeed Robin Hood robbed the rich but he gave it all to the poor. You have a list of old and consequently vulnerable people who mostly have little money due to their small pensions being unable to keep up with inflation. Not only that, you are making your wealthy boss even richer at their expense.”

Then a long pause followed and I thought he had terminated the call, but He came back with this chaste reply “I don’t take the money.” I replied maybe not, but you obtain the information that allows someone else to do the robbing, so you are part of a team of robbers. Then followed another long pause which I broke by asking his name and he replied Roger, I replied you have my name which you know is correct but your name is certainly not Roger. I waited, then he replied his confident professional voice had gone, he said “Can I talk to you”. Of course, you can I said, he replied “David you do not realise how difficult it is in India.” I replied that it was difficult everywhere and anyway we are led to believe India was supposed to be a thriving economy. I added that you speak very good English and you have a smart head on your shoulders, surely you do not have to do this. He replied “I am only allowed to spend ten minutes on each call and time is almost up. I will look for another job.”

I can only hope and pray that “Roger” keeps his word and somehow I believe that he will; but, one thing I do know is that if he does succeed; he will always have my telephone number to let me know.

So there you are, this is not a make believe fairy story, the next time someone tries to scam you, give it a try you might change a life for the better, but do not be surprised if a woman answers, they are usually so shocked that they slam the phone down on you, but do not take offence your name will most likely be erased from her target list and she might even consider the results of her actions and re-evaluate her future in the eyes of God and yours will then be a truly practical Christian act.

I am not a theologian nor pretend to be one. My understanding of my relationship with God has come from the book of life, all 86 years of it and not from a detailed analysis of the written word of God as the learned theologians do. My life has convinced me of the privilege of having a complete faith in God and his redeeming love.

If you have time, make it a priority to study and understand what Jesus is trying to teach and demonstrate to us through John’s Gospel. John was very close to Jesus and was the only disciple who did not abandon him in his darkest hour, even being present with his mother Mary at his crucifixion, an act of a very caring and brave man. Jesus’s words near the end said it all.

To Mary “Woman, behold your son!” and then to John “Behold your mother!” (Jn 19:26-27). And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Finally, never forget those immortal words that were said just for us, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25-26).

Over to the readers of this article and let your spirit always guide you through life; it is a gift and manifests itself as an internal voice of sensibility, others may call it a conscience. However, ignore it at your peril.

* Mr. David Brand is a retired electronic engineer; he is an elder of the Church of England, the heart and soul of the parish community of All Saints’ Harrow Weald, London.