by Adriana Pasos, Spiritual Ambassador Coordinator, Florida Hospital Mission Development, Orlando, Florida
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” —Romans 1:16
The larger-than-life Bible stood open on the round, beveled glass table in my grandmother’s bedroom. The sunshine flooded the room through the opened, sky-blue French louvers. As I lazily opened my eyes, I could see Buni, my dear grandmother, kneeling down to pray. As I tiptoed my way out of bed, I quietly knelt down beside her. Even at the tender age of 7, I understood those moments were sacred.
Every morning, without fail, Buni would read from that huge, red Bible that covered nearly half the table. Its pages tattered by use, the red and blue markings and notations were a clear indication this Book had been read many times. It was only later on I would realize the courage it took for her to even own a Bible, much less have it displayed in plain sight, in a country where Christians were persecuted for much less.
Every morning when I would get up, she would read a verse out loud from that Ancient Old Book. Then, my mother and I would harmonize soprano and alto voices, giving praises to God through precious hymns.
I couldn’t wait for evening to arrive. It was then that Buni would recount to me the wonderful Bible stories in such a vivid way. My favorite was Joseph. His faithfulness to God, his courage in the face of adversity, and the power to stand for what is right, no matter what, would leave an indelible mark on my life that I would only later discover.
As I look back at those experiences, I realize now how they shaped who I am today. They painted the picture of a Saviour who is real. A Saviour who hears me, who forgives me. A Saviour who will never, ever leave me. A Saviour who loves me “immeasurably more than I can hope or imagine.”
Today, so many years later, I am convinced that starting my day with God is the most important thing I can do for my own sanity and that of my own family. I have found that when I don’t, my actions and reactions are quite different than I would desire. My husband and my children have experienced the difference first hand and have lamented many times, “Oh, no. Mom has not had her time with Jesus today. Watch out!”
So, I am learning, in a world that’s running at warp speed, I need Him above anything else. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) The world in which we live screams for our attention, through every device possible and every application. Each one can be used for my good or for my bad. The choice is mine.
I have found, however, that one timeless invention—the Sabbath—is still at the top of my list as the true oasis from the chaotic, crazy pace I run. That piece of eternity in a dying world, linking us to Our Eternal Creator God as a reminder of Who He is and whose we are, is a most precious gift. Just as in years past, our family still gathers together as a third and fourth generation, around the piano, singing those hymns, talking about what God has done in our lives, and watching our own children now play out the Bible characters they’ve learned. No doubt, “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
2012 Camp Meeting Speaker Releases New BookSperantza Adriana Pasos grew up under the stronghold of Communist Romania. At age 14, she and her mother braved a daring escape plan, evading government officials and armed guards, with the teenager wondering whether she’d ever see her four-year-old sister and adoring father again.
This heart-stopping venture is now told in a new book, Hope In Present Danger, and set for release January 13 through Florida Conference Adventist Book Centers (ABC). The ABC will also host a book signing at Camp Meeting 2012 after Adriana tells her dramatic story.
“You will be inspired as you read this amazing story of hope and courage,” says international speaker Mark Finley. “Adriana’s story, in the face of overwhelming odds and insurmountable obstacles, will touch your heart, lift your spirits, and increase your faith.”
Pick up Hope In Present Danger at the ABC beginning January 13, by telephone order at (877) 553-5222, or at Camp Meeting.