I read an article about Mike Haynes. Mike was a freshman at the University of Illinois in 1987. He found a rather unique way to fund his education. He convinced a columnist for the Chicago Tribune to ask his readers to “send a penny for Mike.” “Just one penny,” Hayes said. “That’s all I’m asking. A penny from each of your readers.”
In less than month the fund was up to 2.8 million cents. Donations came to the fund from all over the US, as well as Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas. Mike eventually ended up with $28,000.
What about all of the Christians reading this article? If you just did a little more for the church where you attend, what great things could be accomplished! If you have been lax in your attendance, please make it a priority to go next Sunday or Wednesday. This encourages everyone. If all you can do for the church is attend services, you are contributing something. There are others, however, that only attend; but can do more.
The writer of the book of Ephesians, Paul, indicates that the church grows when “every part does its share” (Eph. 4:16). If you have talents, the church can use them. Every part of the church is important. Paul reminds the church at Corinth that “You are the body of Christ and members individually” (1 Cor. 12:27). Everybody in the church is important.
If you served in the church in some capacity in the past, but have stopped, why not pick it back up again. God wants us working, active, and prepared when judgment comes. The church needs everyone.
Let’s try to “rev” up just a bit how we serve. If you can teach, you should teach (Heb. 5:12). Men, if you can pray publicly, why not help in this area? If you haven’t visited anyone in a while, do it soon. If you can write your name on a card, make a phone call, give someone a ride, talk to someone you know, there is something you can do. We are all required to do what we can as long as we can, if we want to be pleasing to God.
Let us ALL give the church our cents worth. Like Mike Hayes, we might be surprised with the outcome.
Bill Brandstatter
