Yaimé Ayala has been a member of the Atlanta First Hispanic Church in Tucker, Georgia, ever since she came from Cuba eight years ago. Her grandmother introduced her to the Adventist message when she was still in her country. She started attending the church for some time before being baptized. The Investment Fund was a church ministry that caught her attention to the point that she participated in it in spite of the fact that she was not a church member. The testimony of her grandmother’s sister made a great impression on her.
This woman had a guanábana tree at home. Normally this plant bears a fruit that, according to the local people, has healing properties. The shakes made with this fruit are very popular. Unfortunately, her aunt’s tree was almost dead. It looked like a dry stick. It did not have leaves, and there was no fruit. Nevertheless, her aunt decided to try the Lord. She prayed and asked Him to revive the plant, and promised she was going to make profit with the fruit and give the money to the Investment Fund ministry. Ayala watched the process with the attention of someone who is learning to know God, and immediately the results were clear to see. The dead stick started to flourish. Little leaves began to grow, and finally the fruits produced in such a quantity that it looked like the plant was going to collapse because of the weight.
Ayala was amazed by this simple story; the principle behind it set the path that her life would take. She had never consciously experienced God’s faithfulness, and the simplicity of this testimony taught her something great about God, and His attitude toward us when we place ourselves in His hands.
She made the decision to get baptized, but there was something troubling her mind. She was a lawyer that worked for Customs in Cuba, and her financial situation was much above the situation of most people in the country. She loved her profession, and knew that the government would not approve that someone in her position embraced any type of religion. She would probably be fired after her baptism. Nevertheless, she was learning to trust the Lord, and was willing to do His will. She decided, “My aunt put her tree in God’s hands. I am going to put my work and my life, and I am sure that whatever God decides, will be beneficial to me.” So, she got baptized.
On her way to the office the next Monday, she knew she was going to face questioning, and that she would be the center of attention that day. Nevertheless, her mind had been made up: She was willing to leave her dear job, because she knew that God is the one that gives and takes, according to His great plan. At the end of the day, she was called to a meeting with her boss, the greatest authority for Customs in the country. The final decision was that in spite of her engagement with religion, she could continue to work as a lawyer for the Cuban Customs, and so she did until seven years later when she resigned to come to the United States with her family. Evidently, it was God’s plan that she continue doing what she loved and enjoyed.
Ayala has followed the principle learned from this situation ever since. Everything belongs to God — talents, money, time, profession, and family. As the Owner, He is the best Keeper. If we live with that certainty and are willing to be stewards of His gifts and follow the plans he has laid out for us, we will go through life in peace, knowing we are walking in a safe path.
“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts,” Haggai 2:8,9.
Southern Union | November 2016
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