‘God’s deal’: Successful auction raises more than expected, all profits going to support Adventist ministries

Before Frances Davis passed away on August 8, 2021, she made the decision to have a Last Will and Testament prepared that gave all her possessions to various Adventist ministries. Six months later, when the auction of her assets finally took place, God provided a successful day filled with blessings.

When Silke Hubbard, KYTN Trust Services Director and Davis’ chosen executor, started planning for the auction day, she was faced with a challenge. The auctioneer originally wanted to have the event take place on a Saturday, saying that it would attract more potential buyers. Silke refused.

“I told him that Mrs. Davis and I are Seventh-day Adventists, and we honor God by keeping His Sabbath,” Silke said. “We did not want anyone working on a Saturday

The auction was finally set on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. That day, despite the cold weather that characterized the previous weeks, temperatures reached the mid 60 degrees Fahrenheit. More than 100 people showed up, some staying the entire time from 10:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

On the morning of the auction, the auctioneer still expressed his doubts as to whether the turn-out was going to be successful because it was taking place on weekday. Silke assured him that this auction was “God’s deal,” and He would see to it that it succeeded. 

“Before the auctioneer opened the auction, he explained to everyone present why we weren’t having the auction on a Saturday,” Silke said. “So, he basically was preaching to all who came.”

Five auctioneers came to help on the sale. Together, they oversaw the sale of antique furniture, personal items, cars and a 133-acres-property. Many of these things sold for a higher price than what was expected. At the end of the day, the auctioneers described the event as a “textbook-perfect auction.”

The auction raised more than funds than was expected – God took care of the day and its success. Following Davis’ wishes, the money will go to support different Adventist ministries including the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, Holbrok Indian School in Arizona, ADRA and It Is Written.

“I believe that [Davis’] money will come to the right causes just at the right time,” Silke said. “I've seen that over and over again in my job. God uses people in many ways during their lifetime and even after they're gone.”

Crowd starts to gather for the auction held on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. During the event, auctioneers oversaw the sale antique furniture, personal items, cars and a 133-acres-property. All profits of the auction are proceeding to support a variety of Adventist ministries. Tuesday, February 1, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Silke Hubbard).

Crowd starts to gather for the awaited auction. More than 100 people showed up to the auction despite it being held on a Tuesday. At the end of the day, auctioneers described the event as a “textbook-perfect auction.” Tuesday, February 1, 2021 (Photo courtesy of Silke Hubbard).