Covina Assembly of God: Covina, CA

An Unexpected Gift

by Nicole Arias on September 30, 2011

A few weeks ago I went to Seattle, Washington on business. I left on a Wednesday and when I arrived it was the evening. My husband Gustavo had his group with Pastor John that night and called me when he got home. He asked me if I had my Bible because he wanted me to read the text of the new message starting on Sunday that was from Joshua. I told him that I didn’t have my Bible, but I knew that every hotel room has a Bible. So, I decided to start reading before I went to sleep. I took out the Bible from the drawer and opened it to Joshua. Even though the Bible looked like it had never been opened, it seemed thicker towards the New Testament. I then opened the Bible to Ezekiel 45–46 and there in the middle was a bunch of cash. I thought it was strange. I told my husband what I found, and he could not believe it. I counted it up and found that there was $220. As I counted, I wondered who it belonged to and if I should turn it in to the hotel. I knew the areas of Seattle and Bellevue had plenty of money, and this hotel was in the middle of those areas. I figured whoever left this wanted to show that God does exist, and I was the right person to find it since I would know what to do with it. As I thought about it, I realized that it belonged to God, and that the only way to return it was to pass it along to somehow who really needed it.

I already had in mind to give half to the church on Sunday and half to our friend who is studying to be a pastor. We have been helping quite a few people lately, and I really know God is watching us. He knew we wanted to help more people, and this was His way of showing us He exists. If Gustavo had not reminded me to read the Bible that night, I may not have found the money. That Sunday, Pastor John spoke about helping our sister church in the Philippines, so the money went even further than I could have ever imagined. I feel so blessed to be part of Covina Assembly as everyday there is a new blessing for my family. I have always known that God was walking with me, but sometimes I forget for that brief moment, and then He brings me back to where He wants me to be, praising and lifting His name to all we meet and come into contact with. I have told this story to Christians as well as non-believers, and they all leave with a sense of awe. The ones who are non-believers even start to think that maybe God does exist! Anyway you look at it, it leaves us knowing that God takes care of everything. We just need to believe His message and keep sharing His word with the world.

Nicole Arias