Saturday, 7th March, 2026
Bible Reading: Job 8:7
Memory Verse: But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV)
A remarkable man named Joseph Gabe Sonnier has proven that perseverance and purpose can truly change a life. After spending 27 years working as a janitor at a school in Louisiana, he rose to become the principal of that very same institution.
Gabe’s journey began in 1985, when he took a custodial job at Port Barre Elementary School to help support his family following his parents’ separation. To make ends meet, he also worked in construction, grocery stores, and sawmills.
Though he initially planned to stay in the janitorial role for just a few years, life had other plans. “When I first started, I thought I’d work 5-10 years as a janitor and then move on,” he recalled.
Everything shifted when the school’s principal at the time, Westley Jones, had a heart-to-heart conversation with Gabe. “Being a janitor is a good and honest job,” Jones told him.
“But I see more in you. You’d make a great educator. I’d rather see you grading papers than picking them up.” That encouragement became the spark Gabe needed. He made the courageous decision to return to school while still working full time as a janitor.
Balancing work and study was no easy feat. Gabe often studied during breaks, late nights, and weekends. But his dedication paid off:
2006 – Earned an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University Eunice
2008 – Completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from University of Louisiana.
Later, he earned a Master’s Degree in Science and Education. His hard work led him to become a teacher, and in 2013, he was appointed Principal of Port Barre Elementary School, the very school where he once mopped the floors.
“Who would have thought, 33 years ago when I first stepped onto this campus, that I would one day lead this school?” he said.
Gabe’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. His transformation from janitor to principal has inspired countless others, including school staff who’ve since pursued higher education themselves.
“Don’t let your current situation define your future,” Gabe advises. “It’s not where you start—it’s how you finish.”
Quote: Don’t let your current situation define your future. It’s not about where or how you start, it’s how you finish – Joseph Gabe Sonnier
Prophetic Decree: Powers tying you down shall be wasted, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. I receive the humility to start small but a holy discontentment to remain same, in Jesus name.
2. O Lord, bring me favour before men who would provoke me to superior performance, in Jesus name.
3. I receive grace to balance work with studies if this is what will move my life forward, in Jesus name.
4. Rekindle the passion of my dreams and hope, in Jesus name.
5. O Lord, give me a testimony that will draw men to the transformation power in your name, in Jesus name.
6. I received grace to be patient with God and to be patient with my transformation, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Numbers 28-30
