You Can Run, but You Can't Hide

June 9, 2016 • Haiti
Haiti baptism

A young man finds Jesus while working with Samaritan’s Purse

Carolyn Julien is the wife of a pastor who works with Samaritan’s Purse in Haiti.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV).

There is an old saying that goes, “You can run, but you can’t hide.” That was my impression of Dorlouis Maneck, known as “Kato” among the Samaritan’s Purse community in Haiti, while talking with him about his spiritual journey. His smile was contagious and inspired me to smile back. However, as he reflected on his transformation from sinner to saved, his countenance turned to serious.

Samaritan's Purse Haiti security guard

Kato’s contagious smile

For years, Kato ran from God. He blindly believed that women, whiskey, and wild behavior were better than a heart surrendered to Jesus. It didn’t matter that he was often unhappy and woke up feeling miserable from a hangover. But while he had other plans for his life, the Master Planner was strategically arranging the ultimate blueprints concerning the young man’s future.

When Samaritan’s Purse answered God’s call and immediately departed for Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, the staff members knew they were on a mission from God but didn’t know who would be rescued spiritually during their assignment. With each team member tactically positioned, windows of employment opportunities opened for Haitian residents. Dorlouis gladly accepted one of those positions—not realizing it was part of a bigger plan.

“I was wild,” Dorlouis said. “I use to drink alcohol like whiskey and rum. I had many girlfriends and partied at the clubs. I didn’t want God! I pretended to be interested because I needed the job. I didn’t know any better and hated myself sometimes. I spent my money on alcohol and partying, and I was always tired and broke. Daniel [a Samaritan’s Purse staff member] gave me a bible, and they [Samaritan’s Purse employees] would tell me about God. I did not care and would not pay attention.

“One night I had a dream where I saw one big airplane and many small ones. In the dream I was with Felix [a Samaritan’s Purse staff member] and told him to look too. He said the big airplane symbolized Jesus and the smaller ones were disciples. Then I had a second dream. This time the big plane landed and Felix said that meant Jesus was coming. That evening I drank two cases of beer and two bottles of rum and, surprisingly, did not get drunk. I woke up early the next morning and gave my mom a double shocker. First, I woke up without a hangover and then told her I was going to give my life to Jesus. She wasn’t saved and didn’t believe me. I gave my life to Jesus that day and have followed Him since.

“Before I was saved, I wore long hair. I would fight and say things to make people angry. I’m a different man. Now, I like to make people happy and smile. Also, I did not give. Jesus said to give, so now I give. I take care of my mom and siblings. I help people who need food and help parents send their young children to school.”

Samaritan's Purse Haiti security guard

Kato and another security guard at work.

His eyes beamed when he informed me that both his mother and sister accepted Christ after observing his drastic change. He said initially they called him crazy and thought he had lost his mind. It was strange to them hearing him pray, reading his Bible, and listening to Gospel music. Dorlouis is currently a deacon and the treasurer at his church.

When this young man accepted employment with Samaritan’s Purse, he was clueless that he would also eventually receive Christ as his Lord and Savior.  At God’s appointed time and plan, Dorlouis was made an offer he could no longer refuse—salvation. He finally stopped running from God and accepted Him as Savior. Dorlouis was transformed inside-out and is indeed a new creation in Christ. The world became a better place the day he committed his life to Christ.

Dorlouis said he follows the example of my husband, a pastor who works with Samaritan’s Purse and shares his testimony with others. He said whenever he shares how God changed him, people get saved.

“I say to them, ‘Look at me: I was a Rah-Rah [an unholy celebration filled with long hours of dancing, partying, and drinking alcohol] man wasting my money, a club man, and a drunkard,’” he said. “Now, I’m a Godly man and a family man going to church. God did that!”

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