Meet Papa Rubens: A Journey of Faith, Fatherhood, and Miraculous Transformation
At Coreluv, we’ve had the incredible honor of witnessing God’s transforming grace in many lives, and today, we’re thrilled to share the inspiring journey of Papa Rubens. If you’ve ever traveled with us to Haiti, chances are you’ve had the joy of meeting him—a faithful disciple, devoted father, and a cherished member of the Coreluv family. Rubens’ story is a story of redemption, courage, and God’s unwavering love.
A Divine Appointment at the Airport
Our paths first crossed with Rubens in 2013 at the airport in Haiti, where he began helping our mission teams. At first, it was just a friendly encounter. But over time, as we got to know Rubens better, we sensed that God had a greater purpose in bringing him into our lives and ministry.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in voodoo, Rubens grew up believing it was the only source of protection. But as his relationship with Coreluv blossomed, so did his curiosity about a different kind of relationship that can only be found in Jesus.
Rubens once said, “Everyone in Haiti knows about Jesus, but not everyone follows Him.” Through the guidance and friendship of Jake, a Coreluv missionary, Rubens came to understand what it means to know Jesus and follow Him. After many heartfelt conversations and soul-searching, Rubens gave his life to Christ!
Jake baptized him in a river in Gonaives, marking the beginning of a faith-filled life. Rubens described feeling a weight lift from him as he emerged from the water—a symbol of the new man he had become.
A Father’s Faith Put to the Test
In July 2015, Rubens and his wife, Clairemanie, faced a parent’s worst fear when their youngest daughter was diagnosed with status epilepsy, a severe and relentless form of epilepsy that left her in dire need of a miracle. The pressure to turn to voodoo for her healing was immense; even family members suggested he consult a witch doctor.
But Rubens and Clairemanie stood firm, proclaiming that only God could protect and heal their daughter. And God proved faithful—after arranging a prayer meeting, their little girl’s health began to improve, and today, she is thriving, a living testament to God’s healing power.
Papa Rubens: A Father Figure and Faithful Leader
As Director of Operations in Haiti, Rubens has become an irreplaceable part of the Coreluv team, helping us navigate cultural nuances and lead our staff with wisdom and grace. But perhaps his most treasured role is that of “Papa Rubens” to the children in our care.
On many Saturdays, you’ll find him on the soccer field, coaching, encouraging, and mentoring the young boys, investing deeply in their lives. His heart overflows with LUV, a gift he shares generously, especially with children who, like him, know the ache of growing up without parents.
“God took me, a man with no father or mother, and placed me in these children’s lives. No one told me about Jesus or the Bible when I was their age. Today, I teach the children about who Jesus is so that they will grow up and know Him.” –Papa Rubens.
Because of faithful and generous partners like you, Coreluv can employ incredible individuals like Rubens—those with hearts committed to glorifying God and Defending the Orphan. Thank you for being part of this story.
Your support makes stories like this possible and allows us to continue providing for the children and young adults in our care. Right now, through the end of the year, all donations are DOUBLED thanks to matching commitments (up to the available match). Give now at coreluv.org/give
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