“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth”
1 Timothy 2:4 (AMP)
You created me before the foundation of the world, long before I could utter a word. My existence is the apple of your eye, making sure I make it in the right line. Pleading for every crossroads and ambition; you have given me the power of choice not to perish. Henceforth, you did not want me to consume the abomination of this world as a “quick fix”, of life survival and disappointments. Thus, in the beginning, we were in the garden, connected with the spiritual umbilical cords that nurtured my existence. I soon realized that you are the power source, that gives strength to the synergy of your love and compassion for me. Your dedication, your poise, and endless pursuit towards me kept me steady until I was “ready”. In the unconditional truth, you gave me dominion over it all, wishing for me to stay and connect with you, knowing that in your presence there is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16: 11 AMP) But I was deceived, blinded by the unknown detriment of this world. The greed pulled me closer to this particular tree that was forbidden despite all that you have given me. I gaze at it, whining to devour it and enjoy every sweet of it; since it was the forbidden fruit. Not making sense of what I would wrap myself into. I let my heart get tongue twisted by the lies of the impostor, Lucifer. I surrendered at the notion of seeking the “knowledge of good and evil” to be like God, as the serpent whispered very closely to my heart (Genesis 3: 5 AMP). So I choose to follow his deceitful ways and take the fruit from the knowledge of good and evil. The truth was twisted, drifting me away from your presence. So the robber appeared to steal, kill, and destroy what you created in me. (John 10:10) BUT you called me “chosen” from your royal priesthood, and led me out of darkness, into your marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 AMP) that I may have life abundantly. Once again, your promises kept on unveiling your unconditional truth. Removing the desolation of fear by replacing it with the undeserved love of yours. You made a way for me to live and know your truth and stay above the drowning waters of condemnation (Romans 8:1 AMP). Despite the deserted path of my life, you provided the source of water that I may never thirst again.( John 4:13-14 AMP). Because I went to the well, seeking the unconditional truth of your everlasting mercies. You are my genesis, You are the reason why I exist. YOU claimed back what is rightfully yours, for all souls belong to you (Ezekiel, 18:4 AMP). Like a good good father, you could not bear to see me fall. So you removed my veil to see your unconditional truth of your promises. NOW Your HOLY SPIRIT lives in me as a consuming fire, burning all the unwanted crust, to set me free “daily”. Cleaning me as white as snow removing every lash of transgressions. Therefore, I can dance in your presence, freely running down the walls of Jericho as I proclaim “Victory”. At last, I salute my fellow believers for choosing You instead of what this world has to offer. There is nothing impossible unto God (Luke 1:37 AMP). FOR He elected YOU before the foundation of this world to experience his unconditional truth; that He still loves you! No matter the issue. You still have time to make the choice, to come to the understanding and the knowledge of the truth ( 1 Timothy 2:4 AMP).
I hope this poetic segment speaks to you and that you allow God to work in your heart and fulfill his perfect will. God’s love never fails and he has chosen you to fellowship in his presence.
Inspired biblical Verses: Psalm 16: 11, Genesis 3: 5, John 10:10,1 Peter 2:9, Romans 8:1, John 4: 13-14, Ezekiel, 18:4, Luke 1:37 &1 Timothy 2:4
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for seeking after my soul and allowing me to choose you instead of seeking after the system of this world. Please enable me to be sensitive to your spirit and lead me to someone in need so I can testify of your goodness. In Jesus Name Amen.
When we think about labour, we often refer to a woman giving birth to a child or the work someone has done over some time. This short story segment; the Labour of love, refers to how God used powerful women of Faith to compliment his labor of love on earth. In these stories, love required sacrifices and pain to fulfill God’s will which was not an easy path to bear but it was for a glorifying end. These women are admired to be planters and waterers in the spirit which was acknowledged with the increase God called it to be. When looking at the biblical reference in 1 Corinthians 3: 6, these women were part of the great labor of God. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth. 7 So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his reward according to his labor”. These testimonies testify to the faithfulness of God, his goodness, and everlasting mercies.
Gloria Williamson also known as Kettelie or Ketket
I present to you a strong and dedicated individual with a powerful value of life and a serene spirit of love. Gloria Williamson, born on May 25th, 1956 in Haiti, Port- au- Prince. The 2nd eldest of eight siblings where she adopted her role with dignity and pleasure as an older sister. Her passion for life was placed, upon her as she witnessed her mother’s pious and faithful devotionals to God. During her earlier years as a young woman, she and her sisters were anointed with a voice as of archangels, to worship and praise their first love, Jesus Christ. Gloria and her sisters Emireine, and Roselene were well known in Haiti for their musical ministries. They shared their gift in various worship groups named in french such as “Flambaux Sacre”, “Combat du Christ”, “Maranatha” and “Jesus Miracle”.
A couple of years down the line, Gloria immigrated to Canada during her late teenage years, in hope of a new opportunity as things were getting heated in Haiti due to political reforms. Out of her eight siblings, she was the first to venture out and settle in Canada while most of her family settled in the United States.
Her prudence was her disguise, she wore her natural beauty as a flourishing spring tulip. Grasping her enormous vase of charity and effective inclination of compassion. She would serve her family as kings and queens, never letting anyone down but keeping them on their knees, praying Jesus please bless this woman and give her many more years to live. She would advocate for people’s rights resembling the character of a peacemaker. Gloria, Williamson a Haitian pearl, a true definition of selfless attitude, polishing her soul with the word of God and his promises. As she interceded for her offsprings. She was blessed with six children to raise and honored her provider by naming each of them with biblical names reflecting what God placed in her heart. She cherished everything about motherhood and took her role seriously as a stay at home mom. Despite her violated relationships with men; who left her deserted to lust after other women, she remained dedicated to the gifts God gave her, her children.
Nonetheless, her daily routine was to honor her Sovereign King through prayer and worship at home. She celebrated her love for Christ by sacrificing everything to him, therefore with her zealous spirit, she often left her children home to participate in prayer devotionals at church. Until one night, things turned upside down, when she went back home. Fear invaded her mind, sadness her heart, confusion her soul, when she found out that her precious jewels were taken away and separated into different group homes. The authorities reported her as being a neglectful mother. Being pregnant with her last child at the time, she reflected upon the fact that she had no immediate support from family nor friends, she left her eldest son who was only 11 years old at the time with four other siblings in the apartment. This horrific memory remained in the mind of all her children as they travel from one group unit to another. Because they were separated from each other within a twinkle of an eye. They recall that phone call when a well-known individual called home and spoke to the eldest asking him the address to send some goodies and Christmas gifts for all of them. In his innocence he provided what she requested, little did he know that it was one of the last straw of his childhood memory, when a few minutes later, police officers knocked at the door, searching around for an attending adult .
With no justification from the legal standpoint, nor the spectator’s sympathy could bring her children back. She was hysterical at the idea of losing her precious gifts and had difficulty coping on several occasions. However, Gloria did not back down to any last verdict and took possession of her position and fought for her children until her last breath. She would pray at the corner of street lights where her children would live and earnestly seek the face of her Heavenly Father, she would cry out to Him day and night. Gloria and her faith in God grew more, as He was proving His love for her. She would remarkably hold on to her long- term memories of her energetic children. In the incident of this madness, her dedication was so tremendously felt that on the other hand, her children were also crying out to be back with her and their siblings. After a long process, she proved to the authorities that she was able to make better arrangements and was able to make positive steps forward into her journey.
On June 29th 1990, she gave birth to her last baby girl, and was able to keep her at the sight of the social workers, as she was living with the father of her first two sons, at the moment. She continued to, hold on to God’s promise well alluded in psalm 23:4 saying; “Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me”. Her consoler, provided for all her needs as her faith increased as the time when on.
Unfortunately, the sickness started to take over her body which led to severe heart disease. In her intention to not dramatic this news, she would not mention anything to her family and friends but brought everything through prayer and supplication to God. Philippians 4:6 (AMP)” 6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. She endured the news with pain because deep down she knew that this illness was more than she could withstand. Everything evolved so fast that she required a piece maker due to heart malfunctions. However, with diligence, she would strived for God’s glory, she was allowed visitation rights to bring her children to the altar on Sunday mornings. respectfully driven to her daily routines, her heart never stopped, think about her children which was a reciprocal connection wherever they were.
While being in agony, she would plead for her soul to God, asking him to live so she can build a relationship with her children to see them grow, get married, and have children on their own. After several revelations, she knew her life was held by a string. Determination gave her fuel, so she made everything possible to receive resources from social workers and other nonprofit organizations to establish a stable home for all of them to live in. In 1994, after, a few phones call she received a notice to participate in a news broadcast from Montreal, implying her to receive a new government housing project to accommodate her and all her children. She was overjoyed by what God was doing and embraced each moment. Later on, she was able to receive the blessings of having her children back living with her in a new government home in Cartierville Cousineau street, Montreal Quebec.
Like a deer pants for water, so did her soul for God. As her sickness manifested greatly through her changed figure, she realized that her illness prevailed over her. Therefore, she started sending subliminal messages to her 2nd oldest son saying “God willing if I am still alive” “we will see”. Until then she could no longer sweep it under her heart, therefore, she bluntly told him when he was only 15 yrs old; “my son soon you will have to take care of your siblings because I will die very soon”. Reluctantly receiving her words, he urged her to stop talking, feeling tormented at the idea. He was in denial of the reality that came as fast as she spoke it. She knew the damage and pain it would cause her family therefore she would not further express anything to alarm anyone about her illness. In light of the darkness, she found peace and comfort in the presence of God, through adoration, and in her children.
She often worshiped with one of her favorite hymns, she sang in her native language; creole entitled “As the deer pants for the water”.
“You alone are my strength, my shield To You alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship Thee As the deer panteth for the water So my soul longeth after Thee You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship Thee You’re my friend And You are my brother Even though You are a King I love You more than any other So much more than anythingI want You more than gold or silver Only You can satisfy You alone are the real joy giver And the apple of my eye.
The creole version
From 1994 until 1997 she lived a glorious and productive life with all her six children; not shying away from all sorts of activities and outings she could do with them. She often spoke to God and asked him to protect every one of them. She recited this verse as a prayer as If she was the one living in the biblical context saying from John 17:24 (Amplified Bible)24 “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given to Me[as Your gift to Me], maybe with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world”. Gloria knew she was going to die and she left everything in the hands of God, that no matter what they ever go through, they will be well in Jesus’ name. She died at the age of 41 on July 16th, 1997; from a heart attack leaving her children and family with many years in mourning, her departure. BUT Her labor of Love and sacrifices was not in vain…
This is a picture of her own french Bible hinted towards the scripture of John 17:24 .This bible was kept by her youngest daughter Marie-Colombe Williamson.
I give tribute to my mother Gloria Williamson who honored and trusted God and fought by faith for all her children to be under God’s covering today. Here are her children’s names from the eldest to the youngest; Karl David Blain, Joseph Jonathan Blain, Pierre Jacob Bercy, Mary Mardochee Bercy, Moise Williamson, and Marie-Colombe Williamson. She named each one, from biblical names which highly stands out in their character today.
Starting from left to right : Jacob, David, Marie-Colombe, Moise, Mary and Jonathan in Montreal, Canada
I hope this segment richly blessed you to know that God is in control no matter, so do not worry over your circumstances and your life battles and struggles. Take a time to connect with Him again through prayer and in worship for God inhabits the praise of his people. Psalm 22:3 KJV.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank you for attending my life like a good shepherd who knows how to guide and love His sheep, even if one went astray you left the 99 to save one. Once again you proved your love to many generations and Lord I declare that I am forever yours. In Jesus Name Amen
I harbored so many intricate situations in life. It would keep a heart from desiring freedom. I have fallen short of your glory ”Oh God!” the debts of my sins could not repay your broken heart. Yet, you still love and believe in me. You saw me fall apart Lord. You picked me up leading me towards your light. However, I have fallen again; sadly, deep into my demise and deeper into my despairs. Lusting and feeding my mind with vanity. My heart could not feel nor hear your tender calling. I was numb, more so unresponsive to a darkness which kept asking me to stay, and pretend to be happy. My loneliness would kill at most of the cells you created in me just to fill a void. Again, I have come short of your glory. “Oh God!’. You kept calling me out with this STILL small voice scripted in, 1 KINGs 19 your heart of love ready to forgive me from it all. One of those days, your love called me out into REPENTANCE as Luke 5 31-32 is well scripted, to come out from my own motives and beliefs, I was lost but,”Now I AM found!”. Your desire is for me to live an eternal life with you and not perish. You want me to believe and not dishonor your Name “JESUS” Are you calling me? You have set your angels to watch over me. You have created in me a new heart and a desire to love just like you did for me. Even though, I doubted you. You trusted me. Even if, I had unbelief you sought me out of the wilderness .Even if, I rejected you with my mind and heart. My soul called upon you “Jesus save me from this pain”. But I can confess that your love never fails and by your gift of grace I am saved. Your love was manifested when your blood painted my sins at the cross. So I wondered, would you do it again? And just then I realize yes, because we all have come short of your glory “Oh GOD!”.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I promise to keep seeking you by faith and not by sight. I want to dedicate myself to you each day that I live . Even if I fall , I know you will pick me up and your love will always lead me to repentance. Thank you for being my Heavenly father. In Jesus Name Amen!
Born on December 15, 1939, in Haiti, Port-au-Prince, late Immacula Desloges, her maiden name as Voltaire and nickname as “Ti-mama”. A young woman with three brothers and one sister, coming from a well-educated family background on her paternal genealogy. After several attempts to flourish educationally, she was often denied due to the color of her skin therefore she was told to stay home and help out with chores. Nonetheless, she gracefully had 16 offspring however sadly enduring the pain of seven miscarriages of mostly twins sets. She later took attentive care and pleasure in raising her eight children; four boys named Edward, Rosemond, Aluniord, and Gary, and four girls named Emireine, Gloria ,Roselene, and Wilda. Well off into the arising of her life, before the tormenting tension of political controversy with President Francois Duvalier also known as “Papa Doc”, she immigrated to the United State in 1971.
Immacula Desloges and her husband Andrenord Desloges
Despite her rocky beginnings, she was a powerful woman in the history of her life pilgrimage. She was clothed in strength and dignity as proverbs 31; 25 very well describes her virtuous nature. Her compassion for her family lighted up her surrounding but she would never go anywhere without her shield of faith. Her core values were dedicated on her knees seeking the face of God. A God whom she never met but she surely acknowledged, because she encountered his glory and his unconditional love towards her since, the age of eight years old. This woman was eager and ready for whatever life brought her way. She would wake up at the crack of dawn to seek His face and honor her God. Fruitfully into her character, she was the pillar of a home which she took precious care of, making sure that none was in need. She believed in the strength that she received each morning, she sought her maker. Despite her limited reading and writing skills, she was very intelligent, knowledgeable, and resourceful with the grace that God had given her. During her lifelong crusades, she never doubted his provisions as she would praise Him day and night and often said in creole “aleluya nenpot Jen” ( translated as “Hallelujah anyhow”) manifesting her faith towards God with her words and actions. She refused to enable fear or distress to drive her away from God, instead, she walked by faith and not by sight.
Immacula’s adult children singing “Aleluya nenpot Jen” as they recalled it to be.
A remarkable incident can give you an insight into her faith. In 1970, when she was still living in Haiti, she was struck blindsided by a truck while crossing the street while rapidly wanting to head to work. However, this accident brought her with no prediction of survival according to the paramedics and medical staff. Her family and friends were hysterical at the news as she was only 31 years old married with seven children, at the time to raise. The doctors on shift, were hopeless as they gazed at her laying in a coma for the past 12 days. Nonetheless, the power of her faith brought her back to life as she pleaded to God upon her encounter in heaven and said “NO I refuse to Die”, as she reminisced of her children and her life purpose was not yet come to term. The Great I Am, the creator of all things sent her soul back to that hospital bed. This miracle took the medical team, family, and community by surprise as it was a living phenomenon. She continued her life by inhabiting in the presence of God through prayer and worship, being faithful to Him. As years passed several occasions occurred which amplified her faith. One time when she had no provisions to feed her family she believed in the promises of God, one specifically resounding in her spirit, that he will supply all her needs Matt 6:31-33. Therefore, she started boiling a pot with water looking at her empty fridge saying out loud God will provide “Jehovah Jireh my provider”. Shortly after, the door rang and a man brought her bags of groceries saying that God had sent him there. What a representation of her endless faith, she expressed in everything she did by seeking God first and proclaiming his name ” Jesus” in the hearts of her community.
She was well known in her neighborhood as a worshipper, a leader, a prayer worrier, women of faith, bold, fearless, worry-free, living a godly life. She was known to be a visionary, an innovator very clever in all things despite not possessing an educational degree. Thus, she embraced her heavenly gifts operating in the spirit of God such as the gift of healing, the gift of procephy, and many more that 1 Corinthians 12; 8-10 describes. She was honored by the Haitian congregations to whom she ministered too. She lived wanting to serve God therefore she helped jump-start many churches in the United States. One, in particular, was located in Brooklyn, New York named the Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men with Bishop Phillus Nicolas. Furthermore, she dived into the community to serve, to help other churches grow, and lead the people of God, and the elders with her Godly given wisdom. Her presence was felt, where ever she went and she would bring her children along with her as they played an important role in music ministry for several churches. Her sons played in the band and her daughters conducted with the anointing of God. Her family was her pride and joy, especially when sharing her culture with her numerous grandchildren. She would make sure they all knew how to speak creole and encouraged them to stay on their educational journey and built their spiritual journey with God, Immacula often traveled back and forth to Haiti on missionary endeavors. As well, to stabilize her businesses to build a big enough home to accommodate her generation. Unfortunately, she was not able to complete this project as she began to be restricted in her voyages after the massive earthquake which hit Haiti in 2010. A year after, this devastating event on February 11th, 2011 she passed away at the age of 72.
This woman was a powerful minister of God, with a bishop minded persona. She was known to be a Godfearing daughter, sister, mother, grandma, and great grandmother to many young generations. Her family devotions were tinted with lots of family gatherings crystalized with her delicious meals, storytelling, worshipping God, and praying. As she traveled in years of experience, she passed on her values to her offsprings, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren; to never give up and build a relationship with God and to keep the faith no matter the circumstances. In tribute to her beliefs and culture, she transmitted her spirit of faith with a “Hallelujah Anyhow”.
In retrospect, to my grandmother’s life adventure, she paved the craving of faith for her generations to come. Her story must be told and recounted as a living example of the faithfulness of God and his promises. God is still the same God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I experienced, to never discredit the power of prayer and seeing Immacula praying fervently and worshiping her God, while she entered her closet. She pursued her God, earnestly praying for her nation as He declared to her that they will be a powerful nation to the communities, expressing a living testimony of God’s calling. The symbolism of the family is like each member of the body which has a unique function and requires the energy, stability, and endurance of one another to survive. The same goes for your own family and the Church of the living God, therefore never give up on your family which is your first ministry, and your church family.
During these difficult and unpredictable times, it is vital to stay focus and set your hearts in heavenly things because the coming of the Lord is nearer than we think. Keep the Faith, Keep the love for one another and Keep seeking after the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matt 6:33. May Immacula’s living testimony be a torched of hope in your life.
Be encouraged that the Lord can bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you peace from generation to generation. Numbers: 6 24-26.
I want to give tribute to my grandmother “Immacula ” who I admire extensively for her devotion to God, her family, and community. She gathered people together and there was never a dull moment with her, as she would make you laugh, cry with endless stories. She often told me that she wanted all her grandchildren to travel to Haiti and visit the home she dreamed to built for her family. I pray to encourage you today as you read this and build a powerful understanding that prayer works my fellow readers, so don’t give up have Faith, and may her testimony uplift you and lead you towards God’s perfect will.
Prayer
Dear, Lord thank you for allowing me to know and understand my lineage of faith. I pray to live for your glory and understand what you birthed in me and to exploit your Godly given gifts and exemplify who I am in you.
Faith Builds You 