Every now and then one comes across an individual who makes an impact for good or bad.
I met 23 year old De Vaughn Grant in Tobago and has his permission to use this letter that was written to an assembly in Tobago after he completed a first degree at University of the West Indies, Trinidad.
I trust that you will be inspired by it and ask that you remember De Vaughn in prayer.
16th May, 2010
To believers gathered to the name of Lord Jesus Christ at Glen Road Gospel Hall
Beloved brethren in Christ, greetings in the precious name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
It may be hard to believe, but four (4) years have passed since I left Tobago to pursue studies at the tertiary level in Mathematics and Chemistry at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus in Trinidad. I must confess, as that one of old, “hitherto hath the Lord brought me.”
God has been faithful through every single day throughout the duration of my stay in Trinidad. This statement has always been the experience of God’s people in the past, and it will continue to be resounded through the mouth of God’s people throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Thank God for His immutability in that respect.
I recall how sad an occasion it was on the part of many, especially my dear mother, when I left to go to Trinidad. It was no different for me. It meant that there was no more sheltering from the situations and multiple crises that life hurls at young people. It meant that when faced with these issues that discernment between right and wrong becomes vital, even in the absence of my parents, especially dad. It meant that I was all alone, which provided an atmosphere that was conducive to holy communication with my Lord; and oh how refreshing and encouraging those times have been.
Life at UWI has been tough, to say the least. I am sure you have heard that before but it must be reiterated to emphasize how valuable your prayers have been. Beloved God answers prayer. Having pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Chemistry, a very difficult combination and as a result very unpopular degree, and actually completing it, is no feat of my own. God’s answer to prayers for help is surely a major part of that accomplishment, and as such to God be the glory. On this note, I must thank God for you all, and say ‘Thank you’ to all for your prayers, both collectively and privately.
Beloved God has proven Himself yet again, in taking care of me. At first I was between two minds as far as going to Trinidad was concerned but now, with all doubts aside, I can assert that it was His will for me to go to Trinidad. Not only did He allow me to go to Trinidad, but He brought me back just as healthy and strong as I was before I left. This must be the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the only rational explanation I can give in an attempt to explain why the gun, aimed directly at the centre of my forehead, did not go off. Considering this, apart from all the other near-death experiences encountered, is enough to conclude that God has a divine plan for me. Therefore I kindly ask of you to assist me through your prayers in identifying that calling or callings as the case may be. Whatever He has called me to do, my desire, as should be all of ours, is to ensure that it is done and that He is glorified thereby. After all God’s highest purpose is that He alone must get the glory, according to Isaiah 42:8 where it says “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
We must also thank God for the saints at Maranatha, Arima where I fellowshipped. They have exceeded all my expectations and in my view, took my idea of fellowship to a new level. Never before have I experienced such love and belonging even amongst those who were literal strangers to me. They have ministered to my needs both spiritually and otherwise, and have sought successfully to put into practice Ephesians 4 verse 12 i.e. the gifts given to the assembly. Some of the things the saints there do for you make you wonder what you’ve done to deserve such special and heavenly treatment. There and then you whisper to yourself: “Thanks to calvary.” I cannot say all this without calling to remembrance practical fellowship of the recently deceased Sis. Hashmin Boyce, and by extension, her family. Words will fail me to concisely and accurately tell of how lovingly she dealt with me as a son and as a young believer in Christ. But suffice it to say, she has been a blessing to my life and soul. What is even more notable is that her hospitality was not only extended to me, but to all the young believers, and believer’s children who are furthering studies in Trinidad, and are from Tobago as well as those from other Caribbean islands. Great must be her reward in heaven. On that note, do remember her grieving family in prayer.
At what I thought would be the last Sunday morning at Maranatha (while Sis. Boyce was yet alive) I borrowed the words and melody of an old song, composed by Andre Crouch, which I felt was most fitting to describe the four years there in Trinidad. The Chorus and the last verse are as follows:
Through it all
Through it all
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I’ve learned to depend upon His word
I thank Him for the mountains
I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through
For if I never had a problem
I wouldn’t know that He could solve it
And I wouldn’t know what faith in God could do
Beloved, I’m at a junction in my life where before me lie many roads. It is at this junction where decision-making is very vital. However, I have also at my disposal the experience of many that have made regrettable choices. This indicates to me that here is a junction that has always been, and still is, littered with mistakes by young men and young women who for some reason or the other, have sought on their part to make the most appealing decision. It reminds me of Lot when He was given the option to choose between the well-watered plains of Jordan and Canaan. Oh I pray that God’s leading may be more pronounced and that together we seek the Lord’s face to reveal to me the way which I must go. Thus far applications to various companies have been sent out, both in Trinidad and Tobago. I am still desirous of a career in Chemical Engineering and am considering pursuing a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. The graduation ceremony for my B.Sc. degree is later in the year around October. That leaves me with a year before I leave again, if I decide to pursue the M.Sc. degree.
I trust that the Lord will continue to keep you all encouraged in His work in your assembly as you have been over the past two months. The saints at Trinidad have labored in prayers on your behalf and God has answered those prayers as we have been hearing of the big turn-outs in the various outreach programs. To God be the glory, despite the responses which at times can serve as a discouragement and reason for fainting in well-doing.
Yours in Christ
Bro. De Vaughn Grant
