Church – Peace LiLy

Sometimes, the smallest gifts carry the greatest meaning—and plant the seeds for something extraordinary.

In the late 1800s in Philadelphia, a little girl named Hattie May Wiatt was heartbroken. She loved attending Sunday school at Grace Baptist Church, led by Reverend Russell H. Conwell, but the room was too small to hold all the children who wanted to come. Some Sundays, children were turned away for lack of space. Hattie dreamed of a bigger Sunday school where every child could learn and feel welcomed.

Determined to help, Hattie began saving what she could. Little by little, she set aside pennies, nickels, and dimes—eventually saving up 57 cents. It was a humble offering, but a heartfelt one. Sadly, Hattie became ill and passed away at just seven years old before she could see her dream come true.

After her passing, her mother brought the small purse of coins to Reverend Conwell, explaining Hattie’s wish. Deeply moved by the child’s devotion and generosity, Reverend Conwell shared Hattie’s story with his congregation. Her simple act of love touched hearts far and wide.

Inspired by her story, the congregation began to give. Donations poured in. That small sum of 57 cents became the spark that lit a fire. With the funds raised, Reverend Conwell purchased a house that would serve as the site for Sunday school classes. But the vision didn’t stop there.

That humble beginning became the foundation of Temple College, an institution built on the belief that education should be accessible to all. Over the years, it grew and evolved into Temple University, one of the leading public research universities in the United States today.

And it all began with one little girl and her 57 cents.

The Power of a Small Act

Hattie May Wiatt’s story is a powerful reminder that no contribution is too small when it comes from the heart. Her tiny savings became the cornerstone of an institution that has educated thousands and impacted countless lives. More than just a tale of generosity, it’s a lesson in faith, hope, and the incredible potential of selfless giving.

In a world where people often feel powerless to make a difference, Hattie’s story whispers a timeless truth: every effort matters. Every kind deed, no matter how small, can ripple outward and change the world.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/31/a-small-gift-a-big-dream-the-story-behind-temple-university/

When I was young, I often accompanied my grandfather to church for prayers.

One day, while my grandfather was bowing reverently in prayer, a few coins fell out of his coat pocket and landed on the floor with a faint clink. My grandfather, deeply engrossed in his prayers, didn’t notice the coins slipping out. However, a stranger nearby saw what had happened. Taking advantage of everyone’s closed eyes during prayer, he quickly picked up the coins and slipped them into his own pocket before retreating to a corner of the church.

I witnessed the entire incident but remained silent. After my grandfather finished his prayers, I quietly whispered to him what had just occurred. Upon hearing my account, his gentle smile turned calm and compassionate. He leaned down and softly said in my ear, “Dear child, please don’t tell anyone about this, and don’t tell me who took the coins—I don’t want to know. But I do hope you’ll remember who it was.”

I, still a child, protested, “Grandfather, your money was taken, and it happened in a church! That person is a thief! How can he still pray in the church?”

At that moment, my grandfather interrupted me, his expression growing serious. He said to me solemnly, “Child, try to see things from a different perspective. If someone does such a thing in a church, it must mean they are in a very difficult situation. Their heart may be suffering even more. We must not be quick to judge such a person. In the eyes of God, we are all children who make mistakes, but that doesn’t prevent us from becoming His children in the future. We must not allow a few coins to define God’s judgment of a person.”

In the days that followed, my grandfather instructed me to discreetly deliver packages of daily necessities to that person every month, without letting them know who the sender was. Over time, that person moved away from the small town.

Many years later, my grandfather passed away, and I grew up. The church that had been a part of my wonderful childhood became overgrown and dilapidated due to lack of funds for maintenance. Then one day, a businessman donated a large sum of money to expand and restore the church. The century-old church was revitalized, becoming even more majestic and sacred.

The people of the town were deeply grateful to the person who had made such a generous contribution. It wasn’t until the day of the church’s reopening that the donor revealed himself. I recognized him immediately—it was the man who had taken my grandfather’s coins, the very person we had helped all those years ago.

I stared in astonishment as he stood on the podium and told the congregation a story about those coins.

“At the most desperate time of my life, right here in this small town, a messenger of God offered me great help and spiritual comfort, helping me overcome my difficulties and despair. I am deeply grateful to that old man and the child whose kindness saved my life. Though that child recognized me at the time, they chose to keep my secret until today. It was the hardest time of my life. They not only helped me selflessly but also protected my dignity. I can never forget this kind town, nor can I forget this church. I want to leave the most beautiful church for everyone in this town.”

To honor his contribution, the townspeople inscribed his name in the most prominent place in the church. However, the name that was ultimately inscribed was that of my grandfather.

As it is written in James 4:17: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

This story teaches us that kindness is a quality, a virtue, and a strength. It is like a light—you never know who will find their way out of darkness through your light. Please hold on to the kindness in your heart, for you never know who might find their way out of despair through your kindness. May each of us live like a light, radiating all of our goodness.

Link:

The Power of a Small Act

Share this:

Share this: