Pastor's Pen

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it "was too crowded." "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason, and taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday School class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School."

For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read the note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note, and the cracked red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story doesn't end there!

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 cent payment.

Checks came from far and near and within 5 years the little girl's gift of 57 cents had grown into $250, 000.

The little church that grew is Temple Baptist Church in Philadelphia, which houses 3, 300 seats, Good Samaritan Hospital, and a huge Sunday School building. No child will ever be left out because there isn't room.

Summer is a hard time for all churches to continue their giving. People are going on vacation, the weather is just too nice to be inside, and kids like to sleep in because there's no school. But we must remember that God doesn't take a vacation from us. We still need to go to worship every Sunday to be refilled with the spirit, and to continue our giving so that our church can accomplish all the good things we want to do, here at home and around the world. Enjoy your summer but don't forget to come to church!

Your's in Christ,

Pastor Sue