Jaime Jorge: Living for the glory of God

Jaime was 9 years old performing in a music competition. He did so well one of the judges said, “Jaime, you could win the competition if you gave up being a Christian.”

Jaime was born in Cuba. When he was 4 years old, his mother introduced him to the violin. She saw that he had some musical talent and wanted to give him the opportunity to learn. Money was scarce, so she stayed up all night once a week to make plastic flowers to sell in the richer neighborhoods to pay for the violin and music lessons. While he didn’t always appreciate his mother’s sacrifice, Jaime excelled in playing the violin.

Jaime responded to the judge, “I cannot do that.” His parents were Christians and had taught him about God. The amazing design in nature confirmed to him that God existed. In school, students wore a symbol if they embraced communism. Because Jaime didn’t wear it, people knew he was a Christian. The principal, teachers, and students would try to convince him he was wrong. One time some students threatened to kill him for believing in God. “We are going to cut you into pieces. Then we will see if there is a God who will put you back together.”

When Jaime was 10, a government officer came to his home and said, “We recognize you have wonderful talent. The government is willing to sponsor you to go to the most prestigious music school in Russia. You will become a professional musician and make lots of money and become famous. If you sign this paper saying you don’t believe in God, then you can go.”

Jaime responded, “I can’t sign the paper, for I do believe in God.”

“Then you will lose out on this opportunity!” the officer responded. “You will never be a good musician. You will never become famous.”

Soon after this, Jaime and his family were able to come to the United States where he was able to continue his studies and musical education. In America, the freedom and opportunities were wonderful. However, they also proved to be a distraction that at times led him to stray away from God.

Today, he loves God with all his heart and seeks to bring glory to him through his music and testimony. Jaime will be in Moses Lake with his Healing Music concert on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. in the Wallenstien Theater. The concert is free. Donations will be accepted.

This column was written on behalf of the Moses Lake Ministerial Association.