57 Cents

A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turnedaway 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 reasonand, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for herin the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found roomfor her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children whohave no place to worship Jesus. Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenementbuildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who hadbefriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red pursewas 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 morechildren 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 hewould do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to thepulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for thelarger building. But the story does not end there...A newspaper learned of the story and published It. It was read by awealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell itto the little church for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. 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). Herunselfish 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 be sure to visit TempleUniversity , where thousands of students are educated. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday Schoolbuilding which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that nochild in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday schooltime. In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of thesweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved,made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kindpastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, 'Acres of Diamonds'.This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS. Please send this back. (You'll see why.)St. Theresa Prayer (cannot be deleted)REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the prayer. That's all you haveto do. There is nothing attached. This is a powerful novena. Just send this to four people and let me know what happens on the fourthday.... Do not break this, please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts wereceive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. (This is true)(Did you make a wish?)If you don't make a wish, it won't come true. Last Chance to Make aWish. May today there be peace within.May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you aremeant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the lovethat has been given to you.May you be content knowing you are a child of God.Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedomto sing and dance. It is there for each and every one of you.