Thieves

Story 1
A few days before church, Brent had purchased some treats for his Sunday School class.  He forgot to bring them to church, and I had to run home for something anyway, so I was to bring them back with me.  When I arrived, his classroom was dark and empty.  I looked outside for a minute, but couldn't find them.  So, I taped a full piece of paper marked "FOR BRENT HULME" on the outside of the knotted grocery bag and left it carefully on the classroom table.  When I found Brent, about 30 minutes later, I told him I left the snacks there.  He went to get them, and the whole package of cookies had been eaten, and all the suckers were gone except for some wrappers.  I know, kids will be kids.  It wasn't a big loss.   But when something is clearly marked with someone's name, this is stealing.  And it is wrong.  And they should be ashamed.

Story 2
Oli has been trying to sell his bicycle thru KSL Classifieds so that he can buy a new one.  Tom Packer wanted the bike, sight unseen.  He also asked Oli if he gave him an extra $50, could he give that money to the movers who would be picking up the bike.  Didn't seem like a big deal.  A few days later, Tom sent a check for $1700.  The price of the bicycle was $425.  Tom had sent an e-mail with the address where the extra money should be sent.  I took the check to the bank thinking that well, if it clears, then we're okay.  I briefly told the teller that I was worried about the check clearing, and he reminded me that actually, I'd get the cash today, but that it wouldn't officially "clear" for a couple of days.  The teller said it definitely sounded like fraud, especially since the guy wanted the excess money sent immediately through Western Union.  He asked if I could wait about 10 or 15 minutes and he'd see if his manager could verify the legitimacy of the account.  I waited.  No such account number existed.  That was close.  I sent Mr. Tom Packer a nasty e-mail.  Told him to get a real job - an honest job.  Told him my bank is sending his phony check to their security department.  Told him I'm glad we have our bike and our money.  I wonder how many others have fallen into his trap and went so far as to lose their money.  Sad.