But why pennies? According to Otha, each penny served as a reminder to offer a prayer. Whenever he stumbled upon one while pumping gas, walking in a store, or simply on the ground, he would stop and say a prayer. It became a meaningful ritual for him, a way to express gratitude and connect with God.
Otha’s dedication to his collection was unwavering. He never accepted pennies as gifts from anyone, even his own family. He wanted the inner satisfaction that both he and God derived from this practice. It became a way for him to reflect on his blessings and be thankful for what he had.
Over the years, Otha’s collection grew exponentially. He stored the pennies in large water jugs, initially aiming to fill five five-gallon jugs. But once he achieved that goal, the urge to keep going and collecting more overwhelmed him. He knew it was time to take the coins to the bank.