Sermon Illustrations

Henry Ford Gives a Donation For A New Medical Facility

The American industrialist, Henry Ford, was once asked to donate money for the construction of a new medical facility.. The billionaire made a pledge of $5,000.

The next day in the newspaper, the headline read, "Henry Ford contributes $50,000 to new hospital."

The irate Ford was on the phone immediately to complain to the fund-raiser that he had been misunderstood.

The fund-raiser replied that they would print a retraction in the paper the following day to read, "Henry Ford reduces his donation by $45,000."

Realizing the poor publicity that would result, the industrialist agreed to make the $50,000 contribution under one condition.

That above the entrance to the hospital was to be carved the biblical inscription: "I came among you and you took me in." (Bits & Pieces, March 3, 1994, pp. 1-2.)

From a sermon by Bob Soulliere, Thanks Giving!, 11/28/2009

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • When People Look At Us, Our Character And ...  PRO

    Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004
    based on 5 ratings
     | 9,023 views

    When people look at us, our character and disposition should look like that of Christ. This story illustrates my point. The Mirror In Discipleship Journal, Carole Mayhall tells of a woman who went to a diet center to lose weight. The director took her to a full-length mirror. On it he ...read more

  • One Rainy Day A Young Mother And Her ...  PRO

    Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004
    based on 4 ratings
     | 8,436 views

    One rainy day a young mother and her seven-year-old boy were driving through one of the main streets of their town. Little Matthew seemed to be pondering something as he stared at the windshield wipers doing their repetitious work. “Mom,” Matthew said. “I’ve been thinking about something.” ...read more

  • Advice

    Contributed by Kenneth Anthony on Dec 31, 2006
    based on 1 rating
     | 6,799 views

    ADVICE A man was on the practice golf course when the club pro brought another man out for a lesson. The pro watched the fellow swing several times and started making suggestions for improvement, but each time the pupil interrupted with his own version of what was wrong and how to correct it. ...read more

  • The Hallmark  PRO

    Contributed by Charles Salmon on Jul 20, 2003
    based on 10 ratings
     | 3,773 views

    "The Hallmark" Many of us can t tell fourteen caret gold from eighteen carat. Sone of us can t even tell gold plate from solid gold. In old London town the jewelers of Goldsmith’s Hall took pride in doing good work, and they wanted each customer to know what he was buying. So they devised a mark ...read more

  • It Was May 7, And Roger Simms Was Hitchhiking His ...  PRO

    Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004
    based on 7 ratings
     | 5,723 views

    It was May 7, and Roger Simms was hitchhiking his way home, having been discharged from the Army. He flashed his hitchhiking sign at a car, but almost lost hope for a ride when he noticed it was a black, sleek, new Cadillac. To his amazement the car stopped. As Roger entered the car from the ...read more

Related Sermons