Recently our ministry got a letter in the mail from a 7-year-old reader. She wrote,

“To Randy Alcorn: thank you for the book Heaven for Kids. I learned so much! It encouraged me to help others, like bring people lemon juice, and give missionaries money, and send this letter to you! I could never think of all that. It also helped me learn lots of other things! Thanks again! P.S. I’m getting Heaven also from the library.”

Her note is precious beyond words! And it captures the heart. We asked her parents’ permission to share her handwriting:

When I read a note like this, I can’t help but think of all the faithful supporters of our ministry, who have prayed for me as I wrote books, including Heaven and Heaven for Kids. As I shared in a blog earlier this month, I think what Jesus said in Matthew 25 has far greater implications than we realize:

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40)

His followers don’t know how their words and actions affected not just people here and there that they don’t remember, but how they have affected Jesus Himself: “Whatever you did for others, you did for me.” It’s not just that the righteous didn’t realize they were doing what they did for Jesus; I think they are clueless about the depths to which they have affected thousands of people throughout their lifetimes, and not only through direct actions, but through giving and praying. When you have lived a godly life over a period of decades, you can’t begin to remember most of the impactful things you have done, and many of them you haven’t just forgotten, but never realized were that impactful in the first place.

I love the picture of Jesus rewarding us someday for things He will have to remind us we did! I also love the thought that when we see people in Heaven, some will thank us for giving to them, including those we never met directly. Certainly God sees, values, and remembers our every act of generosity, even when we don’t.

Likewise, those who have supported Eternal Perspective Ministries won’t know the far-reaching impact of their giving until eternity. How many readers have been touched by my books, which I was able to write because of the support and prayers of our donors? How many prisoners have heard the Good News of forgiveness in Jesus through books EPM has sent to prisons across the U.S.? How many readers have been impacted by the articles and resources available on our website and on social media? How many lives have been changed because of the book royalties given away? And all those who have supported our ministry have played a significant role in helping them.

In that world awaiting us, we will join Jesus, our greatest treasure, and be reunited with beloved family and friends who know Him. In addition, we will meet many people for the first time, including those forever touched by our investments in their lives. All these people—old acquaintances and new ones—will be our joy and our crowns (Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19).

If you’ve found our blog, books, articles, social media posts, and/or magazine to be helpful, would you prayerfully consider supporting EPM and being a part of this eternity-shaping ministry in 2023? If you wish to make a year-end, tax-deductible donation, please note donations postmarked no later than December 31, or received online at epm.org/donate by 11:59 p.m. PT on December 31, will be included on this year’s tax receipts.

Whether or not you can give to EPM, may God richly bless you in the coming year with many opportunities to make eternal investments through your time, actions, and treasure.

(Please note: EPM’s philosophy is based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:8: “Freely you have received; freely give.” God graciously provides for us, so please do not feel any obligation to support us. We realize it isn’t God’s will for everyone to support every ministry! We are glad to share freely with anyone what God has given to us.)