Generous Help in Tough Times

This morning I finished reading a book that tells the story of Sam Stone’s generosity at Christmas in 1933.  In early December of that year Sam placed an ad in the local paper in Canton, Ohio.  The ad announced that anyone who wrote a letter describing their tough circumstances would receive a check for $5.00 in the
mail.  Hundreds of letters were written and Sam wrote and sent checks to 75 families.  In return people sent thank you letters expressing their gratitude.

Ted Gup, Sam’s grandson, came across a collection of these letters from people in Canton, Ohio. These letters described their dire circumstances such as the children not having shoes, enough food,and difficulty of finding work.   Gup
tracked down the relatives of those who wrote the letters and interviewed them
to learn about their experience during the Depresssion. Gup wrote the book A
Secret Gift that contains the letters and background on each family.

This book tells an incredible story of generosity shown by Sam Stone during the hardest of times.  

Over the last couple years I’ve learned about loving and generous acts of assistance taking place behind the scenes for families are going through transitions. Help with children, food assistance, prayer, and support is being given by members of Alleluia!,  other churches in the community along
with other community members.  

I am so thankful to God for all the love and generosity being given to those in need in our communities.  My hope is that God’s Spirit will continue to move and open the hearts of those who are able to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Pastor Durk Peterson, Alleluia! Lutheran Church, St. Michael