“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Ramon Piaguaje, a Secoya Indian born and raised in the rain forest of Ecuador, won the Winsor & Newton Millennium Art Competition, the largest painting competition in the world. His painting “Eternal Amazon” was selected from over 22,000 entries by professionals and amateur artists from 51 countries and was on display at the United Nations this past summer.

Ramon, who started drawing as a teenager over 30 years ago, was not introduced to oil painting until 1993 in Quito. The young man who has captured the attention of the art world was first encouraged in his efforts by Orville and Mary Johnson, Wycliffe Bible Translators working in his village. The Johnsons recognized a God-given ability and had encouraged him to keep drawing. When they left his village in the early seventies, having completed their translation of the New Testament, the belongings they took with them included 30 drawings by Ramon.

Since then, Ramon has met the Prince of Wales and the secretary general of the United Nations, and “Eternal Amazon” has been viewed by ambassadors, artists, dignitaries, and members of the press and public from around the world. Ramon is quick to give the Lord credit for the acclaim he has received. “I can’t take pride of the gift that I have as an artist, for it is God that has given me this talent, and I want to use it for his glory.”

When the elderly missionary couple heard about the exhibit at the United Nations, they decided to surprise the South American artist. They entered the exhibition hall and found Ramon surrounded by many people. As he looked beyond his admiring fans, he saw the Johnsons and began to cry. They hugged and wept for several moments. In Secoya, Ramon repeated over and over to Orville and Mary, “You are the ones that should be honored, not me.for you came to give us the gospel, and I believe that is why I now can be here.”

God has gracious given gifts to each of us, not only to enjoy, but also to use to build up others. Today in prayer, thank Christ for the gifts He has given you and seek to use them to His glory.

“Everything I understand about gifts indicates they are to be enjoyed as well as employed.” – Wayne Pohl

God’s Word: “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: ‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.'” – Ephesians 4:7-8

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN 1 CORINTHIANS pkennedy@devotional.com