Are We There Yet?
Jimmy PorterEvery person who has traveled any distance with young children has heard them ask, “Are we there yet?” When the answer is “No,” the next question is, “When will we get there?” Those are some of the same questions we find ourselves answering in the Christian Action Commission. The phone rings and the caller inquires as to the number of pennies collected, and the first question is “Are we there yet?” Our response is “No,” and the following question is “How many do we lack?”
THANK YOU for calling and asking. We are not there yet but progress is being made. Every week, if not every day, more pennies are collected. Many churches and individuals are working as hard as ever to collect pennies for which we are grateful. It is also amazing that every week someone calls and says, “What is this penny project?” Or they say, “This is the first I have heard of it.”
Recently Dr. Futral wrote an article on “The Memorial to the Missing.” From it a pamphlet was designed and mailed to pastors and church leaders throughout our state containing information about the Memorial and how the pennies would be used when the glass case is removed. It is important that every person be given the opportunity to participate and that you understand the significance of this endeavor. Allow me to review some of the points in his article.
- Are we still collecting pennies? Yes, and we will be until the goal of 50 million has been reached.
- I do not have pennies so can I give pennies or cash? Yes, you may give any type and size of gift and it will be converted into pennies and placed in the Memorial.
- My church has not participated in gathering pennies, but can I be a part anyway? Some churches have not participated for various reasons, but this does not exclude you from being a part of this ongoing ministry. You can participate by making your contributions to MBCB and designate them to The Memorial to the Missing.
- May I give money in memory or in honor of someone? Yes, you may, and if you provide an address, our office will be glad to mail a letter of acknowledgement.
- How will the pennies be used? The pennies will be put in an endowment with the Mississippi Baptist Foundation and each year the proceeds will be used for pro-life needs across our state. No salaries or administrative costs will come from these pennies as every cent will be used in ministries that support and enhance life.
Many of you may have pennies with no way of getting them to the Memorial, so we are offering to pick them up for you. The personnel in the Baptist Building are always traveling throughout the state and will be happy to pick up your pennies. If you have depleted your penny resources and still want to contribute, you can by mailing your contribution to the Christian Action Commission, PO Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205.
Is THE MEMORIAL TO THE MISSING making a difference in anyone’s life? You decide as you read the following e-mail we received from someone who heard of the Memorial and came to see it.
“My husband and I were in Jackson for Promise Keepers this weekend. A friend told me about your project. Saturday afternoon we visited it. The sight brought tears to my eyes.
We have two grandchildren lost to abortion while our daughters were in college. (Parents were not supposed to find out about the abortions. But one daughter had a nightmare during one of our visits 15 years after her abortion. It prompted questions which lead to the revelation.) Also, my husband’s sister was forced by their mom to have an abortion at age 16.
My husband had three pennies in his pocket and suggested that we add our pennies to the project to represent our babies. I found it difficult to let go of the pennies that represented my daughters’ babies. I began to cry and held onto the penny with one finger as it lay on the slot. Then finally I let go of it.
I’ve cried many tears over those babies but never allowed myself to sob like I did on Saturday. I believe it was a needed part of the healing process. Thanks for helping in my healing.”
The Memorial to the Missing has already impacted thousands of lives — those who have collected pennies, those who have visited the site and those out there who have resisted it. It is a testimony to the fact that Mississippi Baptists believe life is precious and should be protected. A glass case filled with pennies symbolizing the 50 million children that should be here is overwhelming. Thank you for helping tell the world that Mississippi Baptists care.