Johnny Karlinchak is eight years old. He is much more mature in terms of his concern for people than others his age.

Johnny lives in Springfield, Virginia. During a storm a huge tree fell on his neighbor’s house. He wanted to help his neighbor, Elissa Myers.

Johnny went and emptied his piggy bank and gave her the total – five quarters. It doesn’t seem like much, but God has a way of taking a little and turning it into a lot. Remember what Jesus did with the five loaves and two fish another little boy gave to Him.

Johnny wanted to help more than just using his piggy bank, so he set up a lemonade stand. He placed a sign saying “Mrs. Myers Building Fund.” In a few weeks he raised over a $1,000!

Johnny’s mother said that he has developed quite a concern for other people. Part of the reason is that he lost his older sister in a car accident four years ago. She says, “He just wants to help people.”

Another little boy, a big New York Giants fan, took all that was in his piggy bank and sent it to Brandon Jacobs, San Francisco 49ers running back who was traded from the Giants to the 49ers. He read that the Giants couldn’t pay Jacobs enough money so they had to trade him. He sent $3.36. His facts were not totally true, but his motivation was pure.

Wouldn’t it be great if we adults asked God to create in us a heart of concern and compassion for people in need. Why do we have to wait until someone we are close to suffers a tragedy before we develop a tender compassionate heart?

One of my favorite characters in the New Testament is Dorcas. She was described as a disciple who was “always doing deeds of kindness and helping the poor.” (Acts 10:36)

Jesus was very insistent that we be compassionate to people in need. The story of the good Samaritan is an indication of how, when a person is in dire need, people could pass by on the other side of the road because they are in a hurry to get somewhere. We don’t know much about the background of the Samaritan, but he stopped and helped the man in need. (Luke 10:30-37)

Johnny learned something very early in life. It will be interesting to see how his life develops and how God uses him. It is never too late for God to use us in significant ways to carry out His mission to the world.

Empty the piggy bank!