Change For China

Some years ago, when a missionary visited the First Baptist Church in Sandpoint, Idaho, talking about needs in China, two sisters, Bayley and Hillary, heard the message loud and clear.

Having already learned about China through their Sunday school teacher, Mary Vail, they were excited when the missionary came. With an idea about recovering loose change, the girls searched their couch at home, the dresser drawers, and other places pennies may be lost—and now found. With their excitement running over that evening, they presented the missionary with a jar full of pennies.

Well, something had to be done and “Change For China” became a passion for the church. Soon, other young people, parents, and many others began contributing their pennies to support a child in China.

“Change For China” revolutionized missions in the church. Stories abound about how church members asked for their change in pennies when buying items. This usually prompted a “why?” and an opportunity to tell their story. A grocery clerk offered a church member her bags of pennies from home - $20 worth of pennies!

Pennies were picked up on the streets and some parents tossed their pennies into jars for their children to donate.  Everyone got into the act!

Bayley and Hillary are now in high school and they leave a huge legacy to their church. As a result of their hearts being touched as little girls by the plight of children halfway around the world,  their actions blessed an entire church. And because of pennies, two Chinese children are now receiving help through the Sponsor A Child program.

What an amazing difference two little girls and a few pennies have made!