57 Cents That Made History



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 scribble 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 that 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 does not 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.

Church members made large subscriptions. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00 a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300, and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell.

- a true story.

Contributed by Kay McCrary

Get A Life

Hello Ladies,

It is still not too late to sign up for "Get A Life", our very first E-Study. This is a fun easy way to be involved in a bible study from the convenience of your own home, anytime of the week. Join us as study the abundant life and the myths that are robbing us of that abundant life.

Hope to see you online,

Natalie

Tee Time

Ladies,
I can’t express to you in words how excited I, along with your women’s ministry team, am for the 2011-2012 year of events. We had a great turn out for the kick off and unveiled the new theme, calendar of events and bible studies for the upcoming year. The theme, this year, in case you missed the poster at the women’s ministry table is Armed and Dangerous! You will have several opportunities through Bible study, workshops and events to get armed with God’s Word and become dangerous to the world. My challenge to you is to get involved and take these opportunities. For some of us, it will mean rearranging our schedules and making it a priority to get armed so you will become dangerous to Satan and the world. I was exhausted just going through all the events but excited to be a part of God’s plan for the ladies of Sonlight and our community. For those of you who were unable to attend the kick off please visit the information table on Sunday. Now is the time for you to sign up for a fall study. NEW this year is E Study! The E Study is designed to be done in your home at the time you choose. It is great for different schedules, ladies with small children who can’t readily get to an in home study or people who enjoy online discussions and participation with other ladies. The fall E Study led by Natalie Morice is “Get a Life” by Vicky Courtney. See the information table for more information. I, Teresa Bass, will facilitate the study “No other Gods” by Kelly Minter. It is a great study where we will confront some of our modern day idols and work to give God back first place in our lives. God showed me so much in this study and I can’t wait to see what else He shows me and what He reveals to you. We will meet on Thursday nights and there will be childcare at this study. This is a lighter study of about 15-20 minutes a day 5 days a week but is loaded with heart searching God changing moments. The third study is “A Women After Gods Own Heart” by Elizabeth George. It will be offered on Wednesday nights at Beth Allen’s and Friday mornings at Diane Larios’ led by Lynn Moore. This study is designed to touch on every aspect of the women from parenting to marriage to schedules and more. It will be a great study for any woman who does not have it all together! The study will take about 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. So, ladies come by and sign up for a study as we grow together in God’s word and His ways to become Armed and Dangerous this year. Let’s get armed with His word so we become dangerous to the world!
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you grow in God’s word this year.

Blessings,


Teresa

We will also be offering 4 workshops this year and it is time to sign up for the first one. The first one will be Friday Sept 16th at the church office from 7pm-9pm. The cost is only $5.00 so if you are interested in learning how to maximize your coupon savings sign up Sunday. In today’s economy we could all use some pointers in how to save money. I will see you there.