Members in Action
Sharing Christ
Winnie Benjamin
08/30/2015
I have a passion for making Scripture relevant and palatable to leaders in the marketplace. As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian taking to heart the message found in 1 Peter 2:9, I decided to step boldly into the darkness of society to lead those imprisoned there into the Marvelous Light.
Moving forward by faith, I opened a meeting space where clients could receive training in Stewardship Masters International Inc.’s six core classes: Understanding Biblical Principles; How To Make Sound Decisions Using Biblical Principles; Learning The Effective Way Of Building Great Relationships; Understanding and Applying The 8 Laws of Health; Understanding and Expanding Emotional Intelligence; and The Art of Earning and Managing Finances.
SMI was originally created to solve a burgeoning social dilemma that seems to be spiraling out of control. This dilemma has much to do with ineffective leadership in our society today.
I remember clearly when Kevin came in to find out more about what we do. He got excited and said he had found what he had been searching for. He was a very successful business accountant who had fallen from social graces and had lost everything except life itself. I asked, “How do you see us helping you?”
Kevin responded, “I believe you can help me find my spirituality,” which I interpreted to mean God. He said he had never been to church or even opened a Bible.
I enrolled Kevin in our Bible-based personal growth and development program. He got excited and signed up for our Amazing Facts Bible Certificate program. He was so excited to learn more of Christ. I explained our 28 fundamental beliefs and how church standards support growth of one’s emotional/spiritual maturity.
Kevin noticed that although I was facing economic struggle to keep the space open, I remained peaceful and serene. I told him that is an example of what God can do in our lives when we put our trust in Him. He then requested to be baptized. Ironically, one year later to the day, Kevin was offered a senior accountant position at a fine dining restaurant, receiving more income than he had expected since he had been out of work for so long.
What amazes Kevin most is that the church members thought he was an Adventist already. I praise God for allowing me to teach an unchurched marketplace leader what it means to sustainably prosper in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
