Carina Castillo De Palacio
“Two years ago, God allowed me to work as a Lead Teacher at The Garnerd School. From the very first day, I understood that this job would not be just a position, but a mission field where, every day, I needed to reflect God in everything I do — even when it wasn’t always easy.
During this time, I have faced several challenges. On different occasions, I was asked to participate in programs or activities on Friday nights or Saturdays, and with respect but firmness, I had to say no, because Saturday is the Lord’s day. It was not always easy, but I was always certain that faithfulness to God never goes unnoticed.
The most decisive moment came when we were informed that the state, together with the police department, would be providing a mandatory training. Anyone who did not obtain this certification would not be able to continue working at the school. When they announced the date, my heart stopped. It was on a Saturday.
During the meeting, my director and assistant director approached me with sadness in their eyes and tears about to fall, trying to convince me to attend. My answer was simple, but full of faith. ‘God will help me, and if not, then He already has another place prepared for me.’
They were surprised, but I had peace.
There was one week left before the training, and I thought those might be my last days there, so I decided to use that time to share more about God with my coworkers. However, God was already at work. Two days later, a representative from the school district came to the school. My director ran to my classroom and only said, ‘Look, Karina, it’s her…’ She didn’t say anything else, but I understood it was time to act.
I approached her, introduced myself, and explained my situation. She asked me many questions about the Sabbath and why it is so important to us as Adventists. It was a deeply emotional moment: for the first time in my life, I had to defend my faith, and do so in another language.
I am a pastor’s daughter. I studied in Adventist schools all my life, and I worked for many years as the Director of Women’s and Children’s Ministries in the Adventist Church Association in Venezuela. So, I had never faced something like this in my work or academic environment.
I praise God because this woman’s response was a miracle: ‘I will give you the training just for you, this same week, at night.’
It was a long night, but I obtained my certification. Praise be to God!
Why do I share all of this? Because God honors faithfulness.
At the end of every year, The Garnerd School traditionally holds a special event on Saturday, where they gather all the staff and announce the Teacher of the Year. To my surprise, this year God blessed me with that recognition. But the award itself was not the most important thing.
The most beautiful part was that, for the first time, the school decided to hold this event on a Thursday night so that I could attend and receive it. They may not know this, but the true gift for me was not the recognition, it was knowing that that day everyone knew and respected that Saturday is the Lord’s day.
This testimony reminds me that even when things are not clear, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Being faithful is worth it. God is never late.”
- Karina Castillo De Palacio, from the Louisville Southside Hispanic Church
