While I was listening to the story that I am going to share with you, I could not hold my tears back, for the divinity seemed to be revealing its power through kind hearted human beings who continue to make this otherwise chaotic world beautiful.

Around the turn of the last century, about one hundred years ago, a little girl was standing near a small church. She had tears in her eyes, for she had been turned away. They said that the church was too crowded and they were unable to accommodate more children there.

A pastor passed by the little girl. The little girl sobbed, “I can’t go to Sunday School.”

The pastor looked at the little girl and bent down before her. She was in a shabby dress and her appearance suggested that her parents were unable to provide for her. The pastor took her by the hand and took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The little girl was delighted. The pastor found room for her and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who had no place.

After about two years, unfortunately, the little girl passed away in an accident. She lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. The little girl’s parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter and helped her. The pastor made the final arrangements.

While her body was being moved, they found a worn and crumpled red purse near the girl. Perhaps, she had found it in trash. When they opened the purse, they found 57 cents and a note. The child had scribbled some lines in her childish handwriting: This money is to help build the little church bigger so more children could go to Sunday school.

The little girl had saved that money over the period of past two years. This unique offering of love touched the hearts of people. While reading the note, the pastor was actually weeping. He had to do something to fulfill the little girl’s wish. He took the note and the red purse to pulpit and told the story of the little girl’s love and unselfish devotion. He inspired people to collect money for the cause.

Soon, a newspaper came to know about the story and they published it with the little girl’s picture. A very rich man, a landlord, read the story and he sold his big chunk of land to the church just for 57 cents. People began to donate from every part of the state and soon they had $ 250,000.00. It was a huge amount in those days. The little girl’s unselfish devotion and love had paid large dividends.

If you happen to go to Philadelphia, you must visit the Temple Baptist Church. It has the seating capacity of 3,300 people. Thousands of students study in Temple University. Don’t forget to visit the Sunday school where you will see the little girl’s picture.

Yes, wishes are met if one is sincere!