I'd like to warn the ministers about a gentleman named Scott Korren (or Koren) who is calling pastors around the country. He began the conversation by telling me that he had been in our church several weeks ago with his wife and two daughters. He said, "You thought my daughters looked like twins, but they aren't. You remember me, right? Well my mother died last week. She was only 68 years old. She got hit by a drunk driver in Florida. I know all things work together for good for God's people, and I believe both my mother and I will meet again in glory, but pastor, this has really shaken my faith. I mean, how can this drunkard just walk away from it scot-free, with only a few bruises." After I counseled him for thirty minutes (it was a great conversation and he made me feel like I was really helping him!), and was about to pray with him, he said, "By the way, pastor, I need to tell you that as we were returning home from Florida, a piston blew in our car. Our car was not worth as much as it costs to replace the piston. I guess when it rains it pours. Now we are at the Greyhound station, and I have only $243 on me but I need another $124.12 to get us home. The next bus leaves here at 2:30 a.m. Could you please wire me this exact amount through Western Union? Here's the info." He then gave me the phone number and further details.

I was totally convinced Scott was bona fide, so I asked my wife to follow this up, and send him $150, since I felt they needed to eat at least a little on their long ride home. I told Scott, too, that I would send this extra amount, and he was most grateful. It entered my mind for the first time as I was speaking to my wife that this might be a scam. We googled his name--and sure enough--many other ministers have been swindled by this fraud who is preying on ministers.

Scott called me again a half hour later. I told him that I was very disappointed that he wasn't upright with me. He said, "What do you mean?" I said, "Scott, you know and your conscience knows."

Please watch out for this guy. He is incredibly smooth.

Afterward, I felt abused--but then it hit me. How often I have been a scam artist with God--oh the amazing patience of my God with me!