I am told and know the place where I was born, but I still do not have any conscious image in my mind of how I experienced the event when my mom delivered me to this planet earth on Thursday, August 24, 1995. Now, I am conscious of my unconsciousness and wonder: if I had the power to influence my birthday, what would I change on that day? According to worldly standards, there are many who were born noble. Some individuals were born into a wealthy family or country, a royal lineage, or with a natural talent that set them apart. People who were born poor and untalented are viewed as foolish, weak, low, and despised. Unfortunately, I was born in a small countryside city in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and grew up in a single-parent family. Even so, I am one of the most fortunate persons across World. Therefore, I have never thought something needed to be different in my life since my story has brought me where I am today. However, being without paternal genealogy makes the easiest inquiry, which is “Where is he?” unanswerable. My father was quick to go far away from me when I was close to him. Hopefully, when I was 17, I experienced my New Birth (which is the genuine Noble Birth in God’s eyes) when the faithful and genuine Father saw me far away from Him, like a sheep without shepherd, He gave me eternal life through His Son; then, my nostalgia was gone forever. All that took place for the glory of our Triune God. Apostle Paul described a situation similar to mine when he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians:
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Co 1:26–31 ESV)
My joy today is the fact that anybody who knows me well praises God for my little achievements. They do so because I am among the individuals Paul wrote about who are not powerful, not of noble birth according to the worldly standards. If you have understood 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, I am pleased you know why God has chosen me. The Holy One wanted to shame the wise and the strong in the world so that I might not boast in His present. Thus, I praise God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for setting me free from boasting and filling me instead with gratitude.
Full of Gratitude
Behind every great person is someone who helps them. A father is the primary person responsible for pushing his children toward success. There are at least three ways we can view the word “father”: divine, biological, and in faith. My godly Father who is the Creator of everything is the author of my journey. My dream, conviction, attitude, hope, vision, and my worldview are changed utterly at the moment of my conversion to Jesus Christ. And my salvation qualifies me automatically to pray the Hannah’s Prayer: He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor (1 Sa 2:8). This verse is profoundly true in my life so that I am so grateful to God for giving me the privilege to be a currently M. Div student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary which is the fifth largest seminary across the United States. Thus, I can be part of a student community that sit down in a classroom to learn the Word of God from gifted men of God who are deeply grounded in the Holy Scripture.
My father in faith is the first human being to whom I want to express my gratitude. He is the only person who said to me: “I consider you one of my children.” He stood up like a three branches tree that protects me against midday sun with his shade, meaning he is my father in faith, mentor, and my pastor. He is the shepherd who knows how to train his sheep to live a godly life with boldness and is good at encouraging fallen sheep. Reverend Palucien Nel was the person who paved the way for me to arrive at the destination where I am today.
As Pastor Nel paved the way, Dr. Wadestrant Jean Baptiste built the road by opening new opportunities. He was my professor and is the wisest person I have ever met in my life. He knows how to deal with every single situation. His impact on me constantly challenges me to pursue integrity.
Lastly, the one who took his car to drive me to reach present destination is the one who I call “a Servant-Leader” pastor. He is the pastor-leader who is available to serve, not to be served. Ludventz Yoyo’s kindness has greatly influenced my life, and I pray that God will bless our journey together.
In my journey, there are many people who have contributed profoundly to helping me to pursue success in life; however, I have cited only three. I strongly believe that whoever boosts me to thrive will receive his reward as it is stated by Paul: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. […] He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” (1 Cor 3:6,8; ESV).
In fact, I am not among those who were born noble according to a secular perspective. However, I did experience a noble birth, which Jesus Christ called “A New Birth.” This precious New Birth sets me apart, and I inherit eternal life. Now, I can shout praises full of joy like David: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Ps 139:14 ESV)
Happy Birthday Youbendjy Dorvilier!
Youbendjy Dorvilier, M. Div Student
Youbendjy Dorvilier 