Most of us can't even part with $1 to give to the homeless, but one homeless person gave all he had.
It was a regular Sunday service for the First United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, but when the offerings were made and the donations were counted, everyone at the congregation was touched when they saw the note attached to one nickel, one dime, and three cents.
"Please don't be mad. I don't have much. I'm homeless. God bless," the note said.
It was only 18 cents, a far cry from what other people with a decent roof above their head could shell out for a donation. For a homeless person, 18 cents is everything, and the person gave everything he had to help other people.
"We weren't mad, we were very touched by this," said Rev. Patrick Hamrick in an interview with WBTV. "We would like the dear soul who donated 18 cents to know that everyone on our team was moved by the spirit in which the gift was made. We gratefully acknowledge that this individual, out of his poverty, has given all he had to live on."
Rev. Hamrick said he hopes the mystery man will come forward because the news of his selfless act of giving has reached many who wish to help him in his own plight. However, the reverend said the man chose to remain humble and not reveal his identity.
"He's asked me to keep it between me, God, and the church," Rev. Hamrick told ABC. "He's not upset about it, he just feels that he wants to be private. I have to honor it professionally."
The First United Methodist Church of Charlotte is found "in the heart of the city for the hearts of the city" just between the city's biggest banks and a homeless shelter. On its website, the church professes its commitment to preserve equality for all and accept everybody, whatever background they may come from.
"Among us you might meet a family that has two dads or two moms, perhaps only one parent, but you will also meet children with male and female parents," it says on its website. "Some Sundays you might sit in between the owner of a company, an attorney, or a doctor and someone who slept on the street last night."
As part of its charitable work, the church holds a Muffin Ministry every Sunday where it provides breakfast for around 150 permanently or intermittently homeless people. The mystery man is believed to have been part of last Sunday's Muffin Ministry.
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