Haleigh's mite

Dr. Luke tells in his gospel of a poor widow who stepped up to the temple treasury and dropped in two tiny copper pennies.

A little girl named Haleigh jogged my memory of that story this week.

Our little ragtag band of musicians was performing in a downtown Grand Haven church coffeehouse, hoping to raise dollars for HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS. In fact, we were hoping to raise lots of dollars. HFP is usually struggling to stay afloat, and today is no exception.

A wonderful couple who support us donated ten jars of their home-prepared Michigan maple syrup, which we used to attract contributions of $100 or more. Some gave even more than that, and one generous soul donated $1,000.00!

But now to the story of Haleigh, age 8.

Haleigh came with her piggy bank. She wanted to give her pennies to HFP, and said she hoped the money could help to send Bibles to prisoners.

Her grandfather emptied the piggy bank with her, and they turned over $3.00 in coppers to HFP. He introduced her to the audience. Then he brought her over to me at the piano so I could give her a hug.

Her wish will be granted. We have an arrangement with a publisher. When a prisoner wants a Bible, he/she will get it.

Jesus watched all the rich people putting their money in the temple treasury.

"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Thank you, Haleigh.

I'll betcha two cents Jesus was smiling.

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