Ton' Claude at Trianon: "What I'm doing is nothing"

What motivates a 73-year-old night watchman to work as an unpaid volunteer on the building site of the new CTMI auditorium at Trianon, with the same energy and enthusiasm as a 20-year- old? To understand this, read this fascinating testimony of ’Ton (Uncle) Claude !

“I cannot speak about what I do on the site without mentioning the work that God has accomplished in my life! What I can do for the Lord is nothing by comparison; especially when I see how much He has blessed my family. I don't have words to thank Him... I have 8 children, of which 7 are married. The youngest is Thierry, who is presently studying medicine in Paris. I am a simple woodcutter by profession… I would never have been able to offer such studies to my son. For him to have this opportunity is a miracle! My wife and I have done nothing to deserve it, but the Lord has poured out His goodness on us in a most amazing way.

Before I came to know the Lord, I always wanted to work for money; but today, I am on the building site as a volunteer, because I know that it’s a special opportunity to work on something that comes from the Lord.

I started working at Trianon 6 months after the construction began. I can’t come regularly, because it depends on my availability. I sometimes go everyday, at other times, a few days per week. I really don't see it as an obligation, but the Lord has put this desire in me. When I go there, I am more than encouraged to see how the youth are united; they are not hanging around somewhere else. Thanks to the work of God in all of our hearts, we are united despite our age differences. I don’t understand architectural or electrical matters, but I remain available for whatever I am asked to do. So, I dig holes and trenches to lay the piping. I help with the cement mixer... Hard work does not frighten me. I do a bit of everything, wherever I can be of help!

Working at the building site doesn't tire me so much that I can't do my other jobs. I have never felt it as a pressure or a burden. In fact, the Lord gives me the grace to combine my woodcutting and night watchman work with what I do on the site. Where I get the most joy is without doubt, when I am on the building site!"