Introducing Jean Marc Desvarieux
Nap boule in Kreyol translates to “I’m on fire.” Its a very common phrase in Haiti. I would ask someone what’s up (Sak’ Pase) and they will immediately respond “Nap boule.” It amused me and it became something that I would use all the time in Haiti with kids, and translators that I got to know. After thinking more about the phrase it could definitely relate to that of a person. I would define being “on fire for the Lord” as the experience that results in one being refined by God. The excitement and joy that one finds in the fact that the Lord has forgiven them from sin and paid their debt. Being serious about growing in God’s grace and sharing of one’s faith with those who are living in darkness. Being willing to share the gospel so that they can be rescued from their sin. If I had to suggest one person who I thought was “on fire for the Lord” it would have to be Jean Marc.
Jean Marc was born on August 30th, 1996 in the village of Minoterie in Haiti. He lived with His mother and when he was 1 years old his father left them. He has one brother and a sister, they are 21 and 25 years old. When Jean was younger his mother did not have a house. His family lived in tent made out of pieces of wood and tarps. When talking to Jean Marc, he remembered that he didn’t have the greatest opportunity living with his mother. His mother was attempting to send him to school, but wasn’t able to afford it. Jean Marc’s mother sold her body in order to provide for the family. In 2006 Jean Marc’s mother got really sick. She was sure that she was going to pass away and asked multiple people to take care of him. His mother passed away December 24th, 2006. Jean Marc didn’t find out until 6 days later. One thing that they did tell him was that soon he was going to have to take care of himself. When his mother passed away Jean Marc lost a part of himself. He noticed that his village was one of the most underdeveloped villages and not many of the inhabitants had access to opportunity. Ultimately if you didn’t go to school there was nothing for you. There were a number of gangs and Jean Marc didn’t want to be apart of that. He desired to be somewhere that he could serve God and people, and he reached out to the Lord and told Him that.
Jean Marc was introduced to Mission of Hope church before his mother passed away and spent time with the President of MOH praying for his mother. After her passing he came and told them that he needed help. Later in January of 2007 Jean Marc moved into MOH. He was beyond happy. A boy who was previously living on dirt floors now had a shower and his very own bed. When he turned 12 years old Jean Marc officially accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and started to serve God.
Jean Marc remembers seeing a girl at MOH playing the guitar. He really desired to know how to play and she spent the time teaching him. He desired to learn to play the guitar in order to give the Lord back something for giving Jean Marc his life. When Jean Marc started to sing some of the children would tell him that he wasn’t good, but he still wanted to worship the Lord.
Jean Marc wants to be a lawyer when he finishes school. He wants to have the opportunity of fighting for people and assisting others in having a better life. When talking to Jean Marc about his future aspiration for the church as a whole he said this, “I want to see all the churches unified and make one community, living the life of God. I am a warrior for God and my brothers and sisters are as well.” Our common denominator is the Lord and he desires all of us to be united and not allow the devil to divide us. Jean Marc is learning to fight for the Lord everyday. He uses his bible as his ammo. He wants to use his warrior talents to preach the gospel around the world. The one piece of advice that he would give to the younger generation is “Get ready. Be a warrior for God. Life a life of purity so that the Lord can use you more. Learn how to fight battles and how to fight for the Lord.”
One of Jean Marc’s favorite verses is Psalm 113:7-8
“He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of His own people!” (NLT)
The Lord has taken Jean Marc out of the lowest of places. He has exalted him with the ability to have an abundant life to show the world His majesty, His power, and His goodness, which is Jean Marc’s foundation to praise God. Jean Marc is a leader, a game changer, a precious son, and mighty warrior of God. He is gifted, forgiven, strong, brave, valuable, treasured, loved, chosen, and bold. He overflows with the joy of the Lord and its so contagious.
He brings his heavenly Father joy and reflects His love.
Jean Marc has more family than he knows what to do with.
Watch his life story on video here (its awesome): http://www.faithit.com/his-mom-died-when-he-was-ten-hungry-alone-prayed-this-simple-prayer-heres-how-god-answered-it/
Feel free to comment and encourage Jean Marc.
