This picture is especially memorable to me. I remember speaking with this boy’s dad. He was a soldier and he told me how God could not forgive him because of the people he had killed in war. I was humbled by God to even be allowed to share God’s message of salvation to this man for I had no common experience to relate. I saw the man’s love for his two little children as we spoke. I asked him if his love for his children could be taken away. He responded that of course nothing could change his love for his children. We talked about how God wants to give us gifts because of His love for us (just like a father wants to for his children). The children in Russia do not have much, especially toys. We had taken some toys to give away and actually I gave away one of my team member’s toys to the soldier’s son. He was deeply touched to see his son play with a brand new American toy he could not afford. God began to give me the words to speak and I shared with him how God wants to give him a free gift. Tears came to both of our eyes as I explained that God’s free gift is Salvation and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you let God give you that gift. You may have the present in your hands, but have you opened it?
