‘The best day of my life’

SÃO PAULO, Brazil — “When I was 18 months old I fell down a gully and fractured my pelvis. My family was too poor to pay for proper treatment and so my injuries persisted, leaving me unable to walk. I spent many years of my childhood bedridden and alone in my room, and I developed many complexes.

Some years later, I underwent surgery to straighten my legs and was given a pair of orthopaedic devices and crutches to help me walk.

Rebellious

But the years of being confined to my bed had left their mark and, now in my teens, I became rebellious and full of hatred. I had no friends and turned my back on everybody, including God.

Full of self-loathing I began smoking and drinking to help me forget about my problems. But as soon as the alcohol wore off I felt even worse.

At the age of 13 I began using drugs and I would often be found lying totally drugged or unconscious in the gutter. After many falls, caused by drug-induced stupors, my orthopaedic equipment broke and I could not afford to replace it.

Unable to walk, I found myself imprisoned in my room once again until I was given a wheelchair. By now, however, I had reached my lowest point and tried to commit suicide. I was put on anti-depressants, but, with no access to drugs or alcohol, I became addicted to this medication.

When I turned 17 I was given new orthopaedic equipment but tests revealed serious problems in my legs and I had to undergo extensive surgery and spent many months in hospital. While I was in hospital I was given a Bible, which I read out of boredom.

I read it often until someone at the hospital told me it would drive me insane, and she gave me literature about her religion.

“At one point the pastor read these words from Mark 9:46: “You would be better off to go into life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. When I heard that I began weeping. That was the best day of my life...”

When I was released from hospital I quickly fell into my old habits and soon found myself involved in crime, including drug dealing. One day I drank too much and was found lying in a drunken coma. I was taken to hospital and when I regained consciousness, I was surrounded by a group of evangelists.

The evangelists, who visited the hospital weekly, spent much time talking to me and invited me to attend a service, which was held in the hospital courtyard.

Resisted

At first I resisted but eventually agreed and listened to the prayers and testimonies in silence. At one point the pastor read these words from Mark 9:46: “You would be better off to go into life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.” (CEV)

When I heard that I began weeping. That was the best day of my life because I responded to the pastor’s invitation to give my life to Jesus. Today I am 25 years old and I am a deacon of the Assemblies of God church. I can truly say that the Word of God changed my life.” (WR 361/32 - 7/8.01)