In order to
get
permission to take these exams and claim a report card, a student's
tuition must be paid in full. Since Guerline's tuition had not been
paid for the year, her school would not issue her grades or give her
permission to take the exams. Guerline continued to pray.
One morning, Guerline's uncle called from New York.
He
asked Guerline if she was finished with school and exams. She told him
that without tuition money she would not be able to take her exams or
move on to the next year. He told her to go to the Western
Union
office. When she arrived, Guerline found enough money for her
tuition waiting for her! The uncle explained that expenses
for
his own family had been so great that year that he had not had the
funds to pay for her schooling until the school year was nearly over.
God had answered Guerline's prayers.
After graduating from high school, Guerline dreamed of attending
college but had no means to pay for the tuition and her uncle was no
longer able to send money. For a year Guerline spent her time
developing her musical skills. Then, miraculously, God put
two
other individuals in her life who together paid for three years of
college where she took secretarial courses. Guerline's love for music
and natural singing abilities found her joining a group of Christian
singers and musicians who visited churches and other venues singing for
Jesus in northern Haiti. Since it was impossible for every
member
to attend every performance, the musicians learned to mix and match
their abilities depending on who was able to attend a particular
performance. Guerline participated regularly but was careful
to
not step into the lead singer position.
One night, in the
absence
of the planned lead singer, Guerline stepped into the lead role during
a performance in Cap Haitien. That night, in the audience,
was a
young evangelical pastor who took special note of the sweet girl
singing lead. His name was Henoc Lucien. After the
performance, he inquired about Guerline among his friends.
Months
passed and Henoc had been asking about Guerline among those who knew
her. One night, he showed up at the house where she was
living to
meet her. Totally surprised, Guerline laughingly remembers
thinking: He is big, a very big man. He is handsome, too."
As they began to meet and learn about each other, Guerline sought
counsel from her pastor and others who knew her in regard to her
relationship with Henoc. Henoc was patient, giving Guerline
time
to pray and seek God's will for her life. Guerline began
attending the church that Henoc was pastoring, mixing with the people
and participating in church life. Eventually, with the
blessing
of her pastor and friends, Guerline agreed to marry Henoc.
Henoc
and Guerline's wedding was beautiful. With no money for a
wedding
gown, Guerline spent the days prior to the ceremny asking God
to
provide a dress for her. And He did! Guerline's
wedding
album is a cherished keepsake of the Lucien's special day.
When Michael was born to Henoc and Guerline too early, Guerline again
asked God to provide for her tiny young son. Today, Michael
is a lively, healthy young boy who is attending school at College Susan
Schuenke. Guerline's shy nature has made trips to the U.S.
to
meet supporters of Pastor Henoc's ministry particularly difficult.
Obtaining a permanent resident's card with U.S. Immigration
services required that Guerline spend many months living with VOHM
board member Cass Everett while awaiting the completion of the
application process. This process, in addition to living in the U.S.
for most of her pregnancy with Michael's little brother Matthew
provided Guerline with the time and opportunity she needed to sharpen
her English and learn to manage the fast paced American culture.
Today, Guerline is an integral part of the ministries of the churches
in Haiti and of Vision of Hope Ministries. She enjoys
teaching
children and participating as a praise and worship leader. She hosts
all the short term teams who travel to work in Haiti in her home.
These duties, in addition to being a wife to a busy husband
and a
mother keep her relying on God and His provision.
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