Jasper could pick out the three without even trying. They sat at the back of the room during Bible study, arms crossed, not saying a word.  The other students chatted, mingled, and participated in the ice breaker. The three stuck out like sore thumbs.

By week two, the arms were uncrossed, but still they were silent. By week three, the female in the three had moved up a couple of rows and started chatting with the other students. Halfway through the semester, they were all engaged, making lifetime friends, and had all made the decision to follow Christ. Jasper shook his head. Oh that Ethel. The wisest woman he knew.

One week the three were all part of a small group chat. The female, Rita, spoke first. “It’s funny. I never would have come to this Bible study if it weren’t a part of my scholarship. Now I can’t imagine getting through college without it.”

The two males, Andre and Patrick, stared at Rita. “That’s why I’m here, too,” Andre said.

Patrick pointed to his chest. “I’m here because of my scholarship too.”

“Do you think there are more of us?” Rita asked.

Jasper moved toward the students. “There have been three students each of the last five years who have been awarded the scholarship you’re discussing.” He pointed to the front of the room and started rattling off names of the upperclassman who were former recipients of the scholarship.

“Wait,” Rita said. “So some rich person is giving money to kids to go to this college and go to Bible study? I don’t understand.”

Jasper smiled. “I hope you will in time. Your benefactor would like to meet you at the end of the school year.”

After Bible study had ended, the three freshmen made their way to some of the upperclassmen Jasper had indicated as previous scholarship recipients.

“Hey Rachel,” Patrick said. “Jasper said you’ve also received the Ethel Tomlinson scholarship.”

Rachel studied the three freshmen. “That’s right. I take it the three of you are curious about Ethel.”

“Kind of,” Rita said. “It seems strange she would take notice of us. And why require us to attend this particular Bible study?”

Rachel smiled. “Aren’t you glad she did?”

Andre nodded. “I sure am. This small group has gotten me through a lot of stress this semester. Knowing I have a group of true friends who care about me is huge.”

“Learning that God cares about me is even bigger,” Patrick said. The others nodded in agreement.

“I’d love to talk to her,” Rita said.

“And you will,” Rachel said. As soon as the school year is over.”

For the next several months, Rita, Patrick, and Andre grew closer to one another, to Jasper, to the other students in the Bible study, and to God. Occasionally their thoughts turned to their mysterious benefactor, always wondering why this obviously wealthy woman would be interested in their academic and spiritual futures.

As the spring semester drew to a close, Jasper handed envelopes to the three students. Excited, they ripped them open. Rita read aloud. “You are cordially invited to the home of Mrs. Ethel Tomlinson, 435 Central Avenue, at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 5th.”

“Finally, we get to meet her,” Patrick said.

“I bet it’s an amazing house in a swanky neighborhood,” Andre said.

When Friday night arrived, Jasper drove them off campus. As they got closer to their destination, instead of the houses growing larger and newer, they appeared to grow smaller and more run down. The students glanced at each other, puzzled. When Jasper pulled in front of a clean, but miniscule ranch house with a yard no bigger than a postage stamp, they were even more confused.

“Are you sure this is the right place?” Rita asked.

Jasper grinned. “I’m quite sure. Come on, she’s waiting for you.” He knocked and opened the door, calling inside. “Ethel, we’re here! Don’t get up, I’m bringing the students in.”

The kids followed Jasper into a small living room. Feeling like they stepped back in time, they glanced around at the dated furniture and wallpaper. How could this be the right house?

Jasper moved forward to hug a tiny woman who sat in a wheelchair. Her gnarled hands wrapped around his neck. The love for one another was clear. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I don’t want to take up your time with the kids. I know you want to get to know them, and they certainly have questions for you.”

Ethel nodded, and while Jasper took his leave, she turned to the students. “Please, have a seat, and help yourself to some milk and cookies.”

Rita perched on the edge of the sofa while the boys dug into the treats. Her eyes didn’t leave the woman. This was not what she’d expected.

Ethel didn’t miss Rita’s scrutiny. “I know what you’re thinking. This is the fifth year I’ve had this conversation, and the questions are always the same. So I’ll save you the trouble and tell you my story.”

She focused on each of the students in turn. “I haven’t always been this way. I used to be a lively young woman, a mother and a wife. My son Charles was the pride of my life. He was handsome, charming, and brilliant, but most importantly, he loved Jesus. We lost him to leukemia his senior year of high school. He had been planning to attend your college.”

The students exchanged glances as the pieces started to fit together. Ethel continued. “I never got a chance to send my own child to college, but it’s been my desire to help other young people achieve their dreams. Seven years ago, my dear husband Gregory was killed in a terrible accident at his workplace. I was given a substantial sum from the company in a settlement. While the last seven years have been lonely and my health has declined to the point where I’m now in this wheelchair, God finally gave me the means to fulfill the dreams I’ve had for so many years.”

“So instead of moving into a fancy house, you used that money to help us?” Andre asked.

“Why would I need a new house?” Ethel asked. “This has been my home for 30 years. This is where I raised Charles. This house is full of memories.”

“How do you know Jasper?” Patrick asked.

“Oh, dear Jasper. He was Charles’ closest friend. He’s always been like a second son to me. Still comes by regularly for cookies.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’m so proud of him. He’s doing such wonderful work, leading students to the Lord.”

“Why us?” Andre asked.

“Do you remember the essay you wrote for the scholarship? I asked you to describe three things. First, your dreams for the future, second, your financial need, and third, to describe how something spiritual affected your life. I chose the three of you because you all have passions and dreams that require a college education, financial need, and none of you had a relationship with Jesus when you started college.”

Ethel leaned back in her chair. “There’s no way you could get through an entire year of Bible study with Jasper without getting to know the Lord. Funding your education was important, but ensuring your eternal future was even more important.”

Eyes swimming with tears, Rita stood and approached Ethel. Leaning down, she enveloped her in a hug. “I don’t know what more to say than thank you. Thank you for turning your grief and loss into a future for us. We won’t let you down. I, for one, intend to carry on Charles’ legacy and share Jesus with everyone I meet.”

 Mark 16:15 Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

God, sometimes gifts come in the most unexpected packages. Thank You for putting passions and callings into each of us. Please help us to listen for Your voice. Help us to follow the path You have for us. Thank You for the people who dedicate their lives to serving You and to bringing others to You. Help us to look for opportunities to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.