Acting Badly: A Sorcerer's Story of Redemption

Rodin

Foreword

He was, He is, and He will always be. His name is Jesus of Nazareth. He is the one who changed Saul, persecutor of God’s people, into an apostle of Jesus Christ. That same merciful Jesus, changed me from Agi Mal, evil sorcerer, to Frere Dodo, evangelist.

Dear readers, there was no difference between Saul and myself, but a God of love chose us both to be redeemed from our wickedness, and to become an instrument for His Kingdom.

This book, my story, has been written to show the power of a living God, His love for sinners, His faithfulness to forgive, and to inspire in each of you a greater faith in this mighty God.

May God bless you as you read. I will be praying for you.

—Ludovic Bruno (Agi Mal)

Bring Me My Pants!

The old man limped through the door of the mission, cane in one hand and a limp rag to mop his sweating brow in another. His eyes appeared large through his thick glasses, but there was a calmness and matter-of-factness to his demeanor. The mission staff, instantly recognizing him, instinctively took a step back.

Sergo Degraff, one of our staff workers, stood beside him, a huge smile splitting his face. He knew what this meant to me. I had been looking for this man for four years, and had almost given up hope of finding him. After several days in an exhausting search that involved motorbike taxis, tap-tap rides, and hours of hiking over mountaintops, Sergo finally found his home. He sat outside the old man’s house for two days, and each time he was asked, Who are you? Sergo replied, I am nobody, but I have someone who wants to meet you.

I’m busy, was always the response. Finally, the old man stood over him and said, Who is this person that wants to meet me? When the old man heard about the lady who wanted to write his story, he heartily slapped Sergo on his back. Well, why didn’t you say so? Then leaning through the doorway, he called to his wife, Bring me my pants! With that important detail attended to, they began their long journey to the mission.

Sergo beamed with joy as they finally walked through our door. Mom, I would like to present Agi Mal, the once most feared and hated witch doctor in all of Haiti.

Agi Mal’s power in the world of voodoo was unparalleled; he had killed thousands through evil curses and human sacrifices. He made himself invisible and transported his spirit or body any place he chose, moving through walls and closed doors at will. For decades, he ruled with the power given to him by Satan … and all of Haiti feared him. Then one fateful day, through the testimony of a young girl and his attempt to take her life, he came face to face with her God, and his life changed forever.

There were so many questions I wanted to ask. We sat and talked for a while, then he said, I have killed people for sixty-two years in Voodoo and now have been an evangelist for twenty-five years. I’m old, but my whole story has yet to be told. Years ago, people came from England to find me and record parts of my life in an interview for CNN, but no one has written it all. It’s a powerful story of God’s victory over my old master, Satan. His breathing was laboured. I’ll stay here for four days and tell it to you chapter by chapter. I wish one day to hold that book in my hands. Could you do that for me?

It’s hard to explain how excited I was, first to meet the famous Haitian legend, then to have him make this request. I took a deep breath and said, Unfortunately, I’m leaving for Canada tomorrow. I promise to return in one week to sit with you and go through your story from the beginning to the end.

He nodded. I will be here. Rising with difficulty from the plastic lawn chair, he moved toward the door then stopped. Turning back, his eyes locked on mine. And by the way, my name is no longer Agi Mal. Now, they call me Frere DoDo. With that, the old man turned and, leaning heavily on his cane, slowly limped out the door, leaving us all in a state of awe and excitement.

An Important Message

to My Readers

This is a story of good versus evil. It is not fiction, but is the true account of a Haitian man’s spiritual journey over the past eighty-eight years. Some parts may be difficult to accept, as, sadly, North American culture seems to have forgotten God, and we generally consider Satan an imaginary figment of Hollywood productions. Haitians laugh at this belief, as Lucifer is a tangible reality and powerful presence in their culture. When one dedicates their life to the devil, Satan possesses body and soul, and is free to do with it whatever he chooses. He can give that person the ability to do the same things he can do—disappear; move about as a spirit; transform into animals, birds, or reptiles; appear to raise people and animals from the dead; or snuff out the life of anyone not under the protection of God Almighty. This may be a challenge for us to believe, but the Bible tells us: Your enemy the devil, the fallen angel prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). God wants us to be able to identify that presence and be ready for spiritual battle. But who is this dangerous enemy?

Lucifer, once the angel of light, God’s most beautiful and powerful creation, is now the Prince of Darkness, father of lies, and source of all evil. Referred to in scripture as The Morning Star, his job in Heaven was to protect the glory of God. Unfortunately, this angel decided he wanted to be more powerful than his creator and authored an insurrection to dethrone Almighty God. He was defeated, and his position of authority was taken away. God cast him from the heavenlies, but his power remains for a time, and his determination to distract, discourage, and destroy God’s Kingdom is treacherous. He works tirelessly and has a multitude of evil helpers to serve him in this endeavour—principalities, powers, and rulers of a very dark world.

You are about to read the story of a man born into generations of sorcerers that worshipped Satan. He worked his dark magic, killing people through the powers of voodoo. Ludovic Bruno, known to all of Haiti as Agi Mal, a great and powerful Prince of Voodoo, was so controlled by Satan he claims to have lost his humanity, to have become an evil spirit himself. Nevertheless, at the age of sixty-two, his world was shaken.

The ex-sorcerer is now redeemed and forgiven, working tirelessly to share his story. Agi Mal, along with many in Haiti, rejoices in his transformation and shares his testimony at every opportunity. He invites you to read this story, and prays you will be encouraged, as time after time, good is victorious over evil.

Jesus said, The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).

The apostle Paul said, At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10).

With this in mind, read on, my friends, and rejoice in this amazing story of redemption.

Acknowledgements

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I’m quite sure it takes much more than that to tell a really good story, especially one like this, and I’ve had the best. I am so grateful for the help of my friend and mentor, Judi Peers, who walked by my side through this journey, supplying much appreciated energy and enthusiasm, and greatly needed counsel and critiquing.

TJ, my son, your spiritual discernment, insight, and suggestions pushed this story to be better, encouraging me to always consider what the Word of God has to say, and to the best of my ability, to write in that truth.

To my husband, Gord: Your patience knows no bounds. I’m especially sorry for all the dinners of cheese and crackers when the pressure was on and the endless final touches had to be completed. Love you, baby.

Thank you to my dear friend, Frere DoDo. You have suffered much in the reliving and retelling of your incredible story. I watched your face as the past came raging back, bringing with it tears of sadness and repentance through the valleys, and I listened to your songs of praise lifted to God in times of rejoicing. This journey with you has been amazing, moving, and life- changing. I will never forget it.

Sergo Degraff, you found him for me! Thank you. I adore your loyalty and perseverance.

To our wonderful adopted son, Wouillio: Your translation and continuous help with answers to difficult questions made this much easier. I am so grateful.

Jesus, You and I have spent a lot of time together over the writing of this story. Thank you for Your protection, Your guidance, Your faithfulness, Your presence, and Your victory over Satan. You really do make everything good in Your time. I love You.

Chapter

One

Carrefour Beach, Haiti

June 22, 1989

3:00 p.m.

His expensive leather sandals slapped the sand with his quick steps. The piercing Haitian sun was sucking the life out of Agi Mal, yet he hurried through the dusty town of Carrefour. The popular beach wasn’t far now, just across the heavily travelled highway, and he could almost feel the reprieve he would enjoy in the clear, turquoise water. It had been an exhausting day. The voodoo ceremony he had performed that morning ended with the sacrifice of his last woman and their one-week old child. He was always surprised at his lack of remorse. They still lay dead on his floor at home, but he had left instructions for them to be taken to the temple for further ritual. It was his sudden need for a swim that propelled him from the sweltering house to the ocean.

He was moved not only by the water calling to him, but by the chance to look for more beautiful women. A fleeting smile creased his gaunt face. They were always drawn to him through his magic, and like mindless puppets, they followed him home. Soon, by his own hand, they would be dead. I have to do it! I have no choice. I must keep killing to stay alive!

It was a steep price to pay for being the most powerful man in Haiti, the greatest wizard, a mighty witch doctor and sorcerer of unparalleled strength, but so be it. There were always more women. There had been many girls over the years—young ones, ordinary ones, beautiful ones—willingly coming to him as though answering a silent call and offering themselves as sex slaves to his voracious appetite. After using them up, he had to sacrifice their lives, as well as the lives of the babies he had fathered, to his Father. It was a necessary exchange, not just for fame, fortune, and power, but also for his life. Father Satan had been generous, but at a terrible cost.

A dilapidated hutt stood alone to one side of the rocky beach path, walls woven from dried palm fronds, already grey from the bleaching sun. A roof of rusty corrugated metal reflected the heat in translucent, rippling waves. The sad structure screamed poverty, and Agi Mal curled his lip in disgust. His massive wealth had created arrogance, and now the squalor of his fellow countrymen sickened him. They are all so pathetic, he thought to himself.

His eye caught movement in the yard by the house. A young girl sat on a semi-broken chair, her hair being combed and twisted into a myriad of braids—colourful bobbles marking the ends of each one. She was pretty, but the one he could not take his eyes off stood behind her, working the intricate pattern into her friend’s hair. She was breathtaking, as inviting as a cool, curvy bottle of coke. He felt a familiar stirring as he stared openly. Her dark curls were pulled back, framing a smooth, cocoa complexion and almond-shaped eyes. There was something else special about this girl. He just couldn’t put his finger on it.

Unaware of his presence, the girls chatted quietly.

The man expelled a long breath. She will be mine before the end of the day, he muttered. He stepped closer and cleared his throat. Bonswa, ladies.

The girls looked up and smiled. Bonswa, Messier.

The day is hot, and the water is cool. Would you care to join me for a swim?

The one standing paused her braiding. Thank you, sir, but we’re busy working and talking about Jesus, God’s Son and our Redeemer. Do you know Him?

A sour bile rose in Agi Mal’s throat as his smile melted. His ebony eyes narrowed. I know of Him, he hissed. You are a fool to follow that spirit. My Father’s spirit is greater. He squared his shoulders and threw his arms in the air. Look at me. I am rich. I am powerful, and I am famous. My shoes are made of Italian leather, and you … you have worn-out slippers! His laugh was condescending. My clothing is from the finest tailor, and you wear only rags. He spat in the dirt close to her dust-covered feet. I have many beautiful homes, and you sleep in this pathetic shack. What has Jesus done for you? Nothing. No God worth anything would leave you like this. He ended his rant and dropped his arms to his side. With a suggestive look, the man immediately sweetened his tone. Come with me. I have a large house and a lot of money. I can give you better clothes and more shoes than you have ever seen. You will eat meat every day and sleep in a bed lined with roses. His smile was vacant of warmth.

The girl’s dark eyes held his with a strength that surprised him. I don’t know who you are, sir, she spoke gently, but I know who Jesus is. He loves me more than anyone else ever could. Her beautiful face became radiant. He died for me on a cross, but came back to life, and His spirit now lives in me. My sins are all forgiven, and He is going to take me to Heaven when my life here is over. She shook her head. I don’t want any of those things you are offering. Jesus will provide all I need. She looked deeper into Agi Mal’s eyes until he wanted to squirm. Jesus loves you too, sir. He would forgive your sins if you asked Him. She paused for a moment. I don’t want you to give me anything, but I have something to give you. She disappeared into her home before he could respond and returned quickly. Her outstretched hand held a Bible, worn and tattered with use. I want to give you this. My mother gave it to me, and if you read it, it could change your life.

Agi Mal boiled with rage. How dare she preach at him and offer him this offensive book! The only good it would do him would be to start a ceremonial fire. His face turned hard and his voice became a growl. I don’t want anything to do with your Jesus, or that *%!# book! I serve another. His sweating hands clenched into fists at his side. "Don’t say anything more to me, or you’ll be sorry we