Shannon here: R.F. Whong shares a devotional to celebrate the release of her latest Action Adventure Dual-time Odyssey, Thunders over Idle Land, Book 2. All comments will go into Wednesday’s drawing. Deadline: May 10th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s R.F.:
Timeless Mites
Whenever I read the story of the widow’s mites in the Gospel of Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4, I’m inspired to contribute more to God’s kingdom. Many Christians are familiar with the tale. A poor widow donated two small copper coins—often called “mites”—to the temple treasury. Jesus commented to His disciples that this insignificant contribution was worth more than those given by the wealthy, for she gave out of her poverty all that she had to live on.
The widow’s act was not about the monetary value but the spirit with which she gave. Her contribution reflected deep trust and reliance on God, embodying the essence of true charity: giving not from excess but from the heart, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
This impactful lesson reminds me that entering retirement with limited energy and resources should not be an excuse to hinder my devotion to God and others, and that I could still continue to contribute in the Kingdom of God. The value of a gift lies not in its size, but in the selflessness and faith behind it.
While the widow’s mite teaches us about biblical times, the story of Hattie Wiatt brings this lesson to life in a more contemporary setting. In the late 1800s, Hattie May Wiatt was a young girl who lived near what is now Temple University in Philadelphia. She couldn’t attend Sunday school regularly due to the overcrowding of her small church with too many people. With a strong conviction, Hattie began saving her pennies with the hope of one day helping expand the Sunday school facilities.
Tragically, Hattie passed away at eight. After her death, her family found a small bag containing 57 pennies and a note explaining her intent in her room. They gave it to Dr. Russell H. Conwell, pastor of the local Grace Baptist Church. Deeply moved by her selfless aspiration, Dr. Conwell shared Hattie’s story with his congregation.
Hattie’s 57-cent contribution sowed the seeds for an incredible transformation. The congregation rallied to raise funds. With three of Hattie’s cents auctioned off, they raised $250. The amount was then converted into pennies and auctioned off by the newly formed “Wiatt Mite Society.” What might have seemed like an inconsequential sum ultimately led to the founding of a new church, Temple University, a hospital, and other facilities.
Both the widow’s mite and Hattie Wiatt’s 57 cents teach that the most meaningful acts of kindness and generosity often originate from those who seem to have the least to spare. Indeed, true generosity is measured not by the balance of our bank accounts but by the depth of our compassion and the willingness to give, irrespective of our means. Our small actions can set in motion profound change, echoing through generations.
Question for Readers: Have you done anything that you think will have a lasting impact? Why?
About Ruth: Dr. Ruth Wuwong (PhD in biochemistry, MBA in finance) has published 120+ scientific books and papers (under her legal name) and a few Christian fiction books under R. F. Whong. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, a retired pastor. They served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Her grown son works in a nearby city.
She currently runs a small biotech company (www.vidasym.com) and has raised more than twenty million US dollars during the past few years for Vidasym.
In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (www.ruthforchrist.com), she’s active in several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writers endorse her books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs.
The Minnesota Anoka County Library has chosen her as a 2025 Featured Author. Learn more & connect:
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About the book – Thunders over Idle Land:
A hero’s adventure…
Two eras, one troubled land, two men bound by parallel existences across centuries.
Book 2 in this dual-time odyssey series showcases the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
Jason Guan, an assistant director dedicated to environmental conservation in pandemic-stricken Hong Kong, is worried about job-related pressures and petty quarrels threatening his marriage to Debra. Amidst the chaos, they discover an unpublished manuscript by Debra’s late father, a celebrated writer, about a wronged man in nineteenth-century China. While Jason grapples with corruption and lax regulations in wetland preservation, he is thrust into dangerous waters.
In 1834, systemic corruption cripples China and ruins lives. Two weeks before Wang Jun is to marry his beloved fiancée, he is thrown into a maximum-security prison on a remote island without a trial. His only ally? A kung fu master and medical doctor imprisoned because of a riddle linked to the buried treasure of the pirate chief, Cheng Po-Tsai.
When greed and exploitation overshadow justice, these men must navigate their respective perils. With a suspenseful connection between the past and present, how do they fight against the insurmountable tides?
A thrilling adventure set in distant lands by Whong, named a 2025 Featured Author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library.
Want your copy? Interested in Ruth’s other titles? Get your copy/copies now!
Thunders over Idle Land Ruth’s Books
Come back April 30th for Caryl McAdoo!
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