A young Christian visits a church to candidate for the position of pastor. He falls in love and marries the church secretary. A son, Jerald is born to the pastor and his wife in rural apple growing area of the United States during 1949, He has the best of everything, and yet he turns his back on God; Meanwhile, another boy, Otto is born in Germany, the two boys become friends. They grow up and share many adventures. Jerald tries and fails to earn a college degree, is drafted and fights drug trafficing with the U.S. Army. Otto attends college and seminary then becomes a professor teaching new pastors. Jerald returns from Army, marries, Betty, a social worker that had been living with his parents. Jerald falls on hard times and his family lives in condemned building. Otto trys to help but Jerald will not accept any help. Otto takes his last class to give aid to Jerald's family. Jerald dies and Otto declares his love for Betty.