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Today I received a letter in the mail that choked me up big time. The names have been removed to protect the generous. Here it is,

“Hello, I just wanted to let you guys know what a great job you’re doing. My daughter came back from this year’s conference set free, a new and better Christian. In return she was moved to give back. This is her entire savings and God spoke to her to give it to you guys. May God speed your mission….”

This letter was from a mother who sent her teenager to the Denver Dare 2 Share conference just weeks ago. Her 14 year old daughter was so impacted by THE Cause that she sent in her entire savings of $355 to advance it! Think about that for a moment. With $355 this girl could have purchased an i-pod, new clothes or put it toward the car I’m sure she wants to buy in two years. But instead she used it to advance the message and mission of the gospel through her generation!

Now don’t get me wrong. Throughout the year we have received bigger gift amounts. But in God’s perspective (and is there a perspective that matters more?) this is the biggest gift we received all year. Why? Because this young lady gave ALL she had!

If you’re having a hard time buying my premise then let me remind you of another true story, that of the widow’s offering, “As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” Luke 21:1-4. To God, it’s not the size of the gift that matters most, it’s the size of the heart behind the gift.

I thank God for our ministry partners. They give generously and passionately to THE Cause out of a big heart. God has used their donations to exponentially advance the mission and message of Jesus Christ across this nation. But this girl’s offering is something special. It is a burnt offering of all the money she has. How pleased God must be with this kingdom-focused young lady.

May the twin examples of a poor widow and a passionate teenager inspire you to give with generosity to speed God’s kingdom this Christmas season.