“Open it!” came the eager command as small hands extended a blue gift bag to me. A big blue bow made the small bag look festive. The twins watched my every move as I carefully pulled out the tissue paper. Inside was a homemade card signed in careful four-year-old penmanship. My eyes misted over as I read: “I hope my money helps people go to heaven. I am glad you will tell them about Jesus.” —Enoch

“Tell people about Jesus, and I hope Jesus comes very soon. I love you and will pray for you.” —Caleb

I held the card for a few moments savoring the sweet messages and remembering. The week that AFM mission training began, I had missed a very special birthday party honoring these two young lads. Included in the invitation to their party was this request: “In lieu of gifts for Caleb and Enoch, please consider bringing coins or $1 bills for their mission fund. They will receive presents from parents and grandparents but have requested that other family members help them raise money for three of their friends who will be going as AFM missionaries next year.”

Enoch and Caleb watched with eager anticipation as I reached into the small blue gift bag again and pulled out a plastic sandwich bag fat with folded bills. Judging by the joy on their faces, one would have thought they had just received a favorite new toy.

How is it that such a small blue gift bag could result in such joy radiating from two happy faces? Because the little bag was filled with more than money. It was filled with the love of two little boys. Love for Jesus, love for the lost and a deep desire to see people go to heaven.

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