Pastor Scotty Robertson assists a church participant with a Penny Project donation

Everyone knows a penny doesn't hold much value these days. Often it seems not worth the effort to stoop down and grab a shiny one from the sidewalk.

At First Baptist Church in Kermit, W.Va., members are learning that pennies are proving to be more valuable than they originally thought. In fact, pennies are becoming an invaluable tool for community building, outreach and mission. That's because a little more than a month ago this small church (where attendance tops at 15 on a "good" Sunday) decided to participate in National Ministries' Penny Project.

"A lot of times, we don't have the resources, human or otherwise, for all the mission we would like to do," says Scotty Robertson, the congregation's "mostly volunteer" pastor who is also a junior at Marshall University. "So we appreciate National Ministries for establishing programs like this for outreach."

On the Sunday the church announced the program, the congregation set up containers in front of the sanctuary to collect coins for children who live in poverty. To date, the small but dedicated group of First Baptist members, worshipping together in a former coal mining town, has raised $150…along with some invaluable connections.

Recently, Robertson was a part of a conference call with West Virginia State Senator Truman Chafin and his secretary to discuss opportunities available to faith-based organizations for working with impoverished children.

"The thing is," explains Robertson, "here in West Virginia, there are plenty of welfare programs for adults, but what we want to do is specifically investigate what can do just for kids."

Because of their penny-collecting efforts, First Baptist has been featured on local television stations WOWK and WCHS. Consequently, several non-members and members of other local congregations have dropped off coins, sent in checks and are talking about the church's efforts around town, allowing for community outreach and relationship building as well.

As for Robertson and members of his church, they are not in a hurry to wrap up their involvement with pennies any time soon. Many members―such as church clerk Alice Smith―are excited to have this unique giving opportunity.

"I am most definitely happy with the program," she says. "What I especially like about it is that the money is going to stay right here in West Virginia or even in our community, since we have underprivileged children right here at our backdoor."

The recipients of First Baptist's collection will be a local community organization, Christian Help/Able Families, run by two Catholic sisters. The church doesn't have a lofty goal in mind or even an end date, for that matter. Members are just looking to use this mission tool as long as it is effective.

"We'll keep this going and see where it takes us as long as the interest is there," Robertson says. "It certainly hasn't disappeared yet."

< < Back