Dieugrand Louis

IF GOD LEADS YOU TO IT, HE WILL BLESS YOU WITH THE GIFTS TO DO IT!!
In the early spring of 1996, I received a phone call from a Physician’s Assistant, Scott Massey, from Kettering, Ohio. He had just recently returned from the Kobonal Mission in Haiti. Scott shared with me all the wonderful works of the Mission’s Administrator, Catherine Sparks. He spoke about Catherine’s dreams and visions, and how, through her, the Holy Spirit had touched the hearts of the families at the Mission.

Scott also felt called to share with me his concerns about a young boy he had examined at the Mission by the name of Dieugrand Louis. Scott said the prognosis was not good for Dieugrand. His heart was much enlarged, and there were some problems with his heart valves. Scott believed Dieugrand would die within 18 months. Dieugrand loved school, and he became sad when he couldn’t attend because of his health. He did not have the strength to walk there. So Catherine purchased a donkey for Dieugrand so he would be able to attend.

Dieugrand in 1996 riding his donkey

God often uses those who don’t seem qualified to do His work. The Lord is looking for a willing heart. Someone to say, “I will do it. I will go.” In June, 1996, I traveled to Haiti with Deacon Norman and Catherine Sparks, in hopes I could be of service to the Mission in some small way. During my week’s stay, Dieugrand did not attend school because he was quite ill. Each day we had plans to visit his house, and each day something prevented us from doing so.

Towards the end of the week, I was working at the other side of the Mission. I heard Catherine calling me. She said to come quickly-Dieugrand was there. In a hurry, I found my little bible so that I could pray for him. After watching my husband, Errol, suffer with lung cancer for two years, the only scripture I knew to pray for the sick was Psalm 91. I joined Deacon Norman and Catherine, who were sitting with the very small, thin child.

Catherine explained to Dieugrand in Creole that we were going to pray for his healing, and she asked me to begin. I looked into his very tired, downcast eyes, and I lifted his head with my hand so I could look into his
eyes. I placed my hand on the huge raised area in his chest, and I began to pray Psalm 91. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” . . . It ends: “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” I then took my hand and again raised his chin to make eye contact. I said, “Dieugrand, you shall live and not die. The Lord has a special plan for your life, and you will serve your country one day.” We hugged him and placed him on his donkey for the return home.

The years came and went, and each time I saw Dieugrand at the Mission, I would pray with him. When Dieugrand was a senior in high school in 2004, he came to the Mission to participate in an English class that members of our Cabrini Team conducted to help students write a letter to their sponsors in English. Dieugrand was sitting in the front row, and as the class progressed, I would read the students’ letters. There, before my eyes, in the most beautiful handwriting, was the story of a white lady that had prayed for Dieugrand’s healing many years before. He wrote in his letter, “he did not die and will continue to live to do God’s work for his country”

Fast forward to the year 2009. Dieugrand is now living in Port-au-Prince and is in his second year of University. He is earning a degree in Agricultural Science. He was awarded a 4 year scholarship in 2006 by the Haitian Education Leadership Program (HELP), in Port-au-Prince.

The Lord continues to weave Cabrini parishioners into this young man’s life. In February 2008, the Cabrini Team rekindled its relationship with Village Espwa in LesCayes, and its Director, Father Marc Boisvert. Father Marc arranged a dinner meeting for Dieugrand and the Cabrini Team. At the meeting, we learned Dieugrand is now 24 years old, and is thriving. It is hard to believe he is one of seven peasant children (poorest of the poor) of a single mother who participated for many years in the Small Business Loan Program at the Kobonal Mission. Now, with continued support from Cabrini parishioners, Dieugrand will do well during his University days.

What a difference we have made in a life that might have had no future. Working together in our Haiti Outreach Ministry, all of us have had a part in healing this young man and giving him a hope-filled future. Ah! But God!

Dieugrand and Marianne in 2008 in LesCayes