Otha Anders, a devoted husband, father, and supervisor on the Jackson school board, had a unique hobby that raised eyebrows. For 45 years, he collected pennies, filling five-gallon plastic water jugs to the brim. His family supported his endeavor, but many found it perplexing.
Anders’ fascination with pennies began as a fun activity, but it evolved into an obsession. He believed that every penny he found was a sign from God, reminding him to be grateful. On days he forgot to pray, he would often find a penny, which he saw as a divine reminder.
While most people make wishes on pennies, Anders, a man of faith, prayed over them. His conviction was unwavering: “I became convinced that spotting a lost or dropped penny was an additional God-given incentive reminding me to always be thankful.”
After 45 years of collecting, Anders decided it was time to count his pennies. He took the jugs to the bank, where employees had a fun day cutting out the pennies using a hammer and an ax. After five hours of counting, the total amount was revealed: $5,136.14.
Anders was thrilled to use his savings to settle a dental bill. He also sponsored a family trip and made donations to his church. His story serves as a reminder that even the smallest actions can add up to make a significant impact.
