During the depression in Brazil in 1934 my father left my house and my mother found herself with all the responsibility of the family over her. We were quite poor, my parents had struggled to overcome difficulties and bad times, but our family was united. That is, until my father decided to frequent the "spiritist centers" which caused many arguments and began friction between my parents.
I was six years old when he called my younger brother and me to say, "I'm leaving, and I'll never come back." When I heard my father speak like that, it hurt me deeply. I never saw it again.
We matured quickly trying to help our mother in her struggles by raising four children while working in different jobs, God always guided her on her way. At first we suffered, we did not have what it takes to live a pleasant life. As the years passed, my two older sisters and I were able to help more. While my sisters worked simple jobs, I looked after my youngest brother and elderly grandmother, and at the same time did my school work. When we grew up everything started to change. Now our responsibilities at home had to rotate according to our permanent jobs. Our salaries not only allowed us to survive, but we could help people more in need than ourselves. My mother constantly emphasized the following:
"If we fight, we will win" She was very enthusiastic, faced life as if nothing had changed our circumstances in the past.
Being a devotee of Roman Catholicism, our mother went out of her way to teach us her religion. It's amazing how much he communicated to us in the short time we spent together. I did my best to be faithful to everything I learned. My first communion was at the age of eleven, in the San Antonio Church, located at the top of the mountain in Petrópolis, near Río de Jaineiro. This commemoration moved me, my heart burned to serve God. Meanwhile, I had a serious problem, how could I serve God with my gagging? One day, I locked myself in my room to pray. To my surprise, I did not repeat the Ave Maria; nor bless it; a prayer that was very deep in my heart, but I praised God. I asked him to let me speak like other children, to use my voice and my life to love him forever. God heard me, soon he can speak normally.
Immediately, to serve my teacher better, I began to teach Catechism, the doctrine of the Catholic Church, to the children of the neighborhood and to the factory workers who wanted it. I met with them at lunchtime, using catechism taught them how to stay
strong in your faith, and doing your best for God. He also had the responsibility of taking care of the altar of the Church, cleaning it, putting flowers and decorating it.
Thinking that I could do more, I joined the “Hijas de María”. It was a joy to receive the small blue ribbon which was given to the beginners. Then they gave me the biggest one, and finally the one I was waiting for; the one that gave me the right to call myself "Daughter of Mary." Now I felt that I was ready to serve the Lord.
It was not too late for me to realize that peace eluded me. The main thing that worried me was the thought that at any moment I would have to appear before the Lord to give an account of my soul. For this reason I never got tired of working for God. Meditating on the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, thinking of His great love, demonstrated in His death on the cross, I thought "What can I do to pay for everything that Christ did?" I continued to think that my works were nothing before God. (now I fully understand) “As it is written, there is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks God. They all deviated, together they became useless; there is no one who does good, there is not even one. " (Rom 3: 10-12) Constantly, there was a voice accusing me, saying, "You are a terrible sinner." (As I know now, "there is no righteous man on earth, do good and do not sin. " (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
One Sunday after mass, I stopped to talk with some friends. One of them said: "the best way to serve God is by entering the convent." The others accepted it, I didn't say a word; However, I believed that they were right, a multitude of problems immediately came to mind which would prevent me from entering the convent. I came from a poor family and the dowry consisted of a large sum of money. It was also expected that I had a large trousseau and above all this, there was my color. I was black! The Franciscan Order would not give me the habit, even accepting me. There were so many obstacles! Even if I got the money, my color would still be there. I could not change it, despite all these impossibilities, this began to be my dream, and it gave me the opportunity of some hope, taking me out of disappointment.
To achieve my goal, I prayed the rosary constantly and underwent many penances. I was in the convent, not to receive the habit (which was not possible due to my color), but to learn many things until I was older. When I reach the age to be accepted in another convent, my wish would be fulfilled; I would be a nun so I could serve God better. To get to this point, I had to suffer a lot. I left my mother who I loved deeply, my sisters and brothers, my friends and neighbors who played constantly in my home, it was the highest price I could pay. Anyway, I was satisfied. At the moment, everything seemed beautiful, I was achieving my heart's desire. A new horizon was placed in front of me: problems of my life…. Or rather, of my soul.
“There is a way that seems right to man; but its end is the way of death ”. (Proverbs 14:12)
Shortly before, a surprising observation began to awaken in me. My desire was to serve the Lord, but I found myself serving the creatures more than the Creator. Discipline in the convent was rigorous. Everyone had to get up at 4:30 AM to get everything in order. The tasks were divided, two took the chores in the kitchen, while the others went to pray in the chapel. An hour later, Mass was celebrated, including Communion, with everyone present. At 8:00 AM we concluded our tasks in absolute silence, as it was forbidden to speak. Around 5:00 PM, Mother Superior led a short break. Everything was controlled by her; no one could do anything without her ordering it. The bells rang at 8:00 PM calling us for evening prayer. Now, in an hour, the lights would go out and there was nothing more to wait for the next day and do the same as the day before. As the days, "monotonous", passed in the convent, I convinced myself that my dreams of studying and preparing for service would never be a reality. There was only time to work and pray. Although the Superior allowed us time to study, we felt so tired that we could not retain what we were being taught.
My disappointment increased when some nuns became jealous and envious. They resented the Mother Superior turning her attention to me. Usually, she chose me to be the one to greet her at the station when she returned from a trip. Many surprises were hidden. Two of the nuns became my friends: Sr. Sebastian and Sr. Josefina. The last one was very cultured and had been in the Convent for 12 years. These two were the only ones who trusted me enough to share their feelings. Except for one or two, the other nuns were a mystery to me. Sr. Josefina, who was my best friend, explained to me what was happening in the heart of the convent and in the Roman Church. Hardened by all the experiences there, her disappointment grew as the days passed. Sr. Sebastian shared his feelings: "I can't stand this kind of life, I'm out of it," she murmured. I asked him: "What's wrong with you?" She refused to answer.
Walking one morning, I discovered that my two friends had left. They had escaped from the convent! I was very disappointed. Now she was alone. The worst happened, when the Superior suspected that I had helped them escape. My protests of innocence fell on deaf ears. She insisted that I felt guilty when circumstances pointed to me. When I got up early to light the fire, which was my obligation, I discovered that the matches which I always found in the drawer of the kitchen table, were not there. I had to go to the infirmary to find some matches. It was forbidden for the nuns to enter the work area of other nuns. While lightly looking for the matches, I was surprised by a nun who accused me of having helped the two who escaped. Because of this, I was separated from the others, and my studies were suspended for a year. As punishment, I was forbidden to talk to the others and they gave me the most difficult jobs like cooking, laundry and taking care of the birds. Many times I worked until dawn to fulfill my responsibilities. There were times when the bell rang calling those who were in bed to start a new day, and I still had not gone to bed. During those terrible days, while working in the laundry, I knelt in front of the crucifix, and cried: "Lord, I am looking for the way but I cannot find it." In my desperation I cried a lot for encouragement and comfort, but it never came. the laundry and the care of the birds. Many times I worked until dawn to fulfill my responsibilities. There were times when the bell rang calling those who were in bed to start a new day, and I still had not gone to bed. During those terrible days, while working in the laundry, I knelt in front of the crucifix and cried: "Lord, I am looking for the way but I cannot find it. In my desperation I cried a lot for encouragement and comfort, but it never came. the laundry and the care of the birds. Many times I worked until dawn to fulfill my responsibilities. There were times when the bell rang calling those who were in bed to start a new day, and I still had not gone to bed. During those terrible days, while working in the laundry, I knelt in front of the crucifix, and cried: "Lord, I am looking for the way but I cannot find it." In my desperation I cried a lot for encouragement and comfort, but it never came. and I cried: "Lord, I'm looking for the way but I can't find it." In my desperation I cried a lot for encouragement and comfort, but it never came. and I cried: "Lord, I'm looking for the way but I can't find it." In my desperation I cried a lot for encouragement and comfort, but it never came.
It was in those terrible days that my mother fell ill and was hospitalized. He sent for me, but they wouldn't let me go. The Superior told me to say a prayer to God, since my life only belonged to Him, and I should not go back. All I could do was pray fervently for my mother's health. One day, one of my sisters showed up at the convent. He told me that I had to go immediately if I wanted to see my mother alive. The Superior gave me two hours. The journey through the village was endless. When I entered my mother's room, she opened her eyes, and looked at me for several seconds. He whispered to me that he didn't think I was going to be in his last moments of life, his eyes closed. It was in the days when I was punished in the convent, but I didn't say anything. My suffering was greater than I could bear. At that moment bitterness engulfed my soul. Here was the person I loved the most in my life. She left this world, going to eternity, and I couldn't do anything for her. With my broken heart, I returned to the convent to continue a life full of work and penance. It was after this that the Mother Superior decided to separate some of the sisters, sending them to different convents. They also sent me to another convent. Despite the severity that was there; I was treated like a human being. They took care of my health and helped me in many ways. But the practice of penance was very cruel. Many times I had to get up at one in the morning, go to the chapel and go through a penance so severe that the nuns were forbidden to speak about it under punishment of mortal sin, even when leaving the convent. This punishment began by praying, followed by the words of the Mother Superior: "Jesus was hit in the face, that is why we must all be hit in the face!" "Jesus was scourged, she would say, that's why all of us must be scourged." “Jesus crawled on his knees, so we must crawl on our knees from one side of the chapel to the other side, until our knees are badly injured or bleeding. For six hours, Jesus was on the cross with his arms open. We too, should keep our arms open and without moving them for an hour, praying the rosary. Remember, this was at 1:00 AM. This penance was for the purpose of getting sinners to salvation, freeing souls from purgatory, and saving our souls. Doing this ritual,
After some time when I had proved my obedience to my superiors, the Mother Superior told me that I could stay in the convent to receive the habit and take my vows. But first, I had to visit my family one last time. When he returned, he could not leave the convent. They gave me a month for this visit, it was the usual.
I made good use of the time, teaching Catechism to some children who were my friends. I also took them to the royal city, Petropolis, and showed them the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima that was built when I was a child. There I met Friar Joseph Pereira de Castro, who had guided me in my spiritual life for many years. After greeting us, I told him that I was in an isolation convent, where if I returned, I would be the rest of my life interceding for the salvation of sinners and the freedom of souls in purgatory. This friar was quite old, dedicated to religion and had a request. He asked me if I wanted to help him open a convent for nuns here in Petropolis. I declined your offer. He went on to explain the city's need for dedicated youth who helped him counter the Protestants, who were visiting and campaigning in the area. This interested me greatly. And that is why I am the missionary, of the Missionary Nuns Foundation. My job was to go up through the villages and go where crowds had built hovels and go further afield teaching the Catechism, working with more fervor those places where the Protestants had begun to work. We helped the poor, we brought them food and clothes. Wherever help was needed, we would go and take out the Protestants. Due to my efforts against these evangelicals, I would sit next to someone who was very ill and would not leave until they died. In this way they could never hear the Word explained from the lips of a believer. I acted according to my ignorance, because I did not know the Bible.
In two months, we managed to surround the city with 42 Catechism centers, where children, youth and adults were taught. The Catholic Church ran a very successful campaign at the time, preventing evangelicals from growing up in the city. Another example of my enthusiasm was the following. I was friends with a poor family of 6 children. One day, the father heard some believers singing in a park. His heart was touched and then he gave his life to the Lord. I was very sad that this happened. I went to his boss, who was a Catholic, and told him what had happened. The boss fired him. Later, I learned that the family was in need. Unfortunately, she was disgusted with him, she had anger. I didn't feel any pity. I thought, "Let the Protestants take care of them" Later I learned that the evangelicals were visiting the inmates in the jails. So I thought, "We are going to jails too." That week, we brought cigarettes and sandwiches to cancel out the effect the believers had made on their visits. The following Sunday, when I was handing out pictures of the saints, I observed the tracts that the believers had left on the tables in the cells. Also a book with a black cover. Knowing what was happening, I asked, "What book is this?" They answered me, "this is the book that the believers left us." I protested, "why ?; this book is diabolical! " "Whoever has this book will have a bad death and the curse of God will come upon him" "Give me these books and I will give you the medal of Our Lady. She will help you. ”We left with all the Bibles and tracts. I was very satisfied burning and breaking the Bibles. But, when we went for the last one, I noticed that the cover was illustrated. There was something written under the illustration. I looked closely and read: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) At that moment, God spoke to me. I felt something strange and incomprehensible. The words said, "Come to me"; But hadn't I done that? I had given myself everything to God. What else did He want me to do? Then a thought came to me, "I am a very strong Catholic", I know my faith. Of course, I can read something from this book. Anyway, my curiosity had arisen. What were these believers preaching to the prisoners? And therefore, for the first time, I started reading the Bible. After a few pages I felt so blessed that I forgot it was the dreaded book of the Protestants. For the moment, remembering the Divine origin of that Bible, my heart almost stopped in amazement. I did not have the courage to destroy it, I preferred to put it in a safe place.
One priority that I would never give up would be teaching Catechism to children. Every time I looked out the window of my classroom, I saw a boy with blond hair and blue eyes, passing by. His name was Helio. He would be at least 10 years old. I knew that his parents were evangelicals. Looking at him, I always thought that he would be a great priest, so smart and so respectful. Imagine, if the parents accepted the doctrine of the Catholic Church, and became Catholic, and their son decided to prepare for the priesthood? One day when he was passing by my classroom, I called him, "Helio, would you like to study Catechism with the other children?" His response was, "I will ask my mother and if she lets me, I will come." He went home, and, to my surprise, came back, came in, and sat down. The lesson was about Mary, and the power that she has. I explained: “Everything we want, we must ask Maria, she has a lot of influence. We go to Christ through her. " The boy raised his hand, and asked: "Teacher, where is it written in the Bible that we go to Christ through Mary?" I was very embarrassed because I did not know the Bible. Today the Bible is read in convents, but in those days we did not know anything about the Bible. When the boy asked me that question, it was very humiliating for me. I replied that the answer was in the Catechism, later, after class, I would talk to him for a longer time. I continued my class teaching the value of asking holy things; that the saints can help us by bringing our requests to God. The boy interrupted me again. "Teacher,
This young man had extensive knowledge of the Scriptures. If only parents could teach their children the Scriptures, so they could understand the Bible as this child does! "The wise will hear, and knowledge will increase, and the understanding will acquire advice." (Proverbs 1: 5)
After he continued to attend my classes, I never again gave the lessons in peace. He had questions after questions, but he did everything with respect and wisdom. Helio studied and memorized the Catechism, and continued to attend his church. If I was upset to have him in my class, the more confused I felt after he left. I was not prepared to believe the images. I couldn't believe that asking the saints for something meant that they could intercede with God for me. The way the boy had explained it, I had to go directly to God, instead of asking Mary or the saints. He was just a kid, but he knew what he was doing. When Helio's mother let him go to my class, she was sending a missionary, because this mother had prepared her son to talk about Jesus. Even though he was so young he was the first missionary in my life. I thanked God for this child. (Ten years before my conversion, I revisited Helio's church. Now he was married, and actively participating in the church. We had a very pleasant time of fellowship.)
I went back to Catechism classes, but there was no peace in my heart to continue. It seemed like a good opportunity to speak with the Bishop of Petropolis, to see if he could help me. I felt so sinful that I couldn't take communion. Explaining my situation to the Bishop, he gave me a special rosary, telling me to pray constantly on the rosary, so that God would strengthen me and bless me. The Pope had blessed this rosary in 1950, he did not know anyone so lucky as to have one like it. I made promises to all the saints, asking them to remove from me the heavy burden that was within me. I finished the rosary, making so many promises that I don't remember. However, when I kneel in front of the images of the saints, they seem cold and dead to me. No matter how much I pray to them
Once again I asked the Bishop and some religious for help, but there was nothing they could do. Due to the intensity of my despair, I had no peace or rest for my soul. I decided to follow the example of my two friends, I left the convent. There was great personal indecision in me and terrible suffering before I realized that I had to go.
When I got close to Rio de Janeiro, nobody wanted to give me a job, they didn't know me. When they asked me for my last address, I couldn't give it to them, for fear that the Convent would find out where I was. One day, passing in front of the church of Santa Teresa, I decided to enter. I always thought she was a powerful Saint. I knelt down, but instead of praying asking, my prayer went directly to God. I asked him to show me the way, and to provide me with a place to stay. I left the church, I was thirsty and hungry, I remembered that I only had money for the bus. I stood in front of a cafeteria where people ate and drank. Just looking was what was satisfying for the moment. The cafeteria manager came up to me and asked if I was hungry, or if I wanted something cold. Knowing that I had no money Do not you answer him. She was not used to talking to men on the street. In the convent we had been warned not to approach, speak or look at the men. But as if he had perceived my situation, this gentleman left, entered the building, when he returned he was bringing a sandwich with a glass of juice. As soon as he left, I ate it all.
I walked for a while, stopped in front of a house and asked for water. The lady who came to the door was elderly and was very kind to me. He told me to protect myself from the sun, which I appreciated. He brought me the water and also a cup of coffee. What a feast! It was already starting to get dark when I was getting ready to leave, she asked me where I was going. I stopped for a moment without knowing what to answer. Realizing my problem, I told the lady my whole story, as she inspired confidence in me. She invited me to stay at her home with her and her 17-year-old grandson, until I got a job. I was very grateful to God for hearing my prayers and directing my steps. The next day, I started looking for work. For a moment I knew something was wrong. People kept looking at my clothes, I thought maybe that was the reason for not getting a job. I returned to my temporary home, I saw a group of young women talking on the sidewalk. I approached them and asked if they knew a place where I could find work. They answered me, "Why?" "Buy a newspaper and look in the classifieds." How can I find the classifieds? "I didn't know what they were talking about." When they realized my ignorance in the city, they started laughing until they couldn't. But while they made fun of me, they helped me cut an article where help was needed. "How can I find the classifieds? "I didn't know what they were talking about." When they realized my ignorance in the city, they started laughing until they couldn't. But while they made fun of me, they helped me cut an article where help was needed. "How can I find the classifieds? "I didn't know what they were talking about." When they realized my ignorance in the city, they started laughing until they couldn't. But while they made fun of me, they helped me cut an article where help was needed.
I immediately went to the place but they had already filled the vacancy. Very disappointed, I went home. Someone suggested that I should wear another style of clothing, emphasizing that the one I was wearing seemed to me like someone who had fled a convent. I accepted the challenge! She was hopeful that wearing different clothes would have better luck getting a job. Passing in front of a cemetery, I understood that those clothes were not the best yet. Two young women were talking as I passed by and I heard them say that I looked like a dead woman walking. Be that as it may, that day they gave me a job as an assistant in a private school for children. The funny thing is that although I did not have the necessary requirements for the job, they accepted me. They needed someone who could speak English and I didn't know any English. I was very well received by the school, I was paid a good salary with meals included, and the principal provided me with a place to sleep. Even though I liked the job, the morale in the place was not acceptable. The main one was "spiritist." Thinking about what happened to my father, I didn't want to know anything about this sect.
On my day off, while I was waiting for the bus, a lady approached me and asked me if I knew anyone who wanted to work as a governess for her niece. I replied, "I'm sorry, I don't know anyone who can help you." Then he stared at me and said; “Could you help her for just 15 days? My niece is moving, she has five children and it is actually a lot to herself. " I accepted the offer and went to meet my new boss. If I had wanted to be of help, this was the right place. One of the children had gone to visit his grandparents in Itajubá. There he had fallen from a horse and died. The family postponed the move. The parents immediately went to their parents' town and the house was left in my care, along with the rest of the children. Once they came back I didn't have the courage to leave them
One Sunday, on the way to the church, I came face to face with a religious acquaintance from my town Petrópolis. He criticized me severely, told me that I had done something very stupid when I abandoned my vows and had left town without saying it. I replied that I hadn't done anything stupid, but that I had left because I thought it was necessary. She took my address, and a few days later, the priest visited me. He brought me a message of peace, recommending that I return to the convent where I would be received with open arms. I explained to the priest that it would be a mistake to leave the family (where I worked) when they needed it most, but that I would return to the convent as soon as possible, because I was convinced that I had made a big mistake. However, God has other plans for me.
Days later, an evangelical lady called to give me a gift: a Bible. Cautiously I picked up the Bible, sure that this was one of the books the priest had on his list of those we shouldn't read. I put it in my bedroom, but didn't touch it until 8 days later. I prayed that God would forgive me for accepting that Bible. After 8 days, the lady came back, and asked me if I had started to read it. I begged him to take it away. Being a Roman Catholic, she couldn't have a Bible. After I told her all of this, she insisted that I go to her church. "Only if you come to find me and then bring me home", that was my reply. If I thought this was going to upset her, I was wrong. I noticed that in their church, they sang hymns, and the atmosphere was very different from what I was used to. After the message the Pastor made an invitation saying that if the people did not accept Jesus Christ that night, they would go to hell. I laughed at what the Pastor said, and thought, I will never accept an invitation like that. This Pastor did not understand that I was a Roman Catholic; and that I would never leave my faith, nor would I change to another religion. As promised, the lady took me to my house. When she insisted that I return to her church another time, I made it clear that I was not interested; because I was Roman Catholic, and that I would never convert to another religion. nor would I change to another religion. As promised, the lady took me to my house. When she insisted that I return to her church another time, I made it clear that I was not interested; because I was Roman Catholic, and that I would never convert to another religion. nor would I change to another religion. As promised, the lady took me to my house. When she insisted that I return to her church another time, I made it clear that I was not interested; because I was Roman Catholic, and that I would never convert to another religion.
A young man, selling books, knocked on doors on my street. I became one of his clients. One day, he was only selling Catholic Bibles. That is how I acquired the first Catholic Bible. My idea was that reading it carefully would help me fight the Protestants, who, according to my opinion, were invading the entire world. That night, with all the day's work in front of me, I began to read the Bible that I had bought. I read, until dawn. I felt like I was eating a great feast, I was starving for God's Word. For the first time I discovered true joy! Days later, the priest returned to visit me, and commented that my appearance had changed for the better. I did not agree more, and enthusiastically shared that the source of my joy came from reading the Holy Scriptures. His tone changed, because he had said that the Bible could not be read without having a priest interpret it. "There is a danger of mental confusion when reading the Bible for yourself," he emphasized soberly. I argued that I had not found anything difficult, he advised me to stop reading it, as I could not interpret it. He knew that I was going to Itajubá with the family. He did not like this either, but knowing that he would return to Petropolis in two months, he thought that everything would be fine. If only he had known! God was guiding my steps, gently leading me to meet the Lord Jesus Christ. I argued that I had not found anything difficult, he advised me to stop reading it, as I could not interpret it. He knew that I was going to Itajubá with the family. He did not like this either, but knowing that he would return to Petropolis in two months, he thought that everything would be fine. If only he had known! God was guiding my steps, gently leading me to meet the Lord Jesus Christ. I argued that I had not found anything difficult, he advised me to stop reading it, as I could not interpret it. He knew that I was going to Itajubá with the family. He did not like this either, but knowing that he would return to Petropolis in two months, he thought that everything would be fine. If only he had known! God was guiding my steps, gently leading me to meet the Lord Jesus Christ.
Whether or not I can read the Bible, it has me perplexed. One night depression covered me. I left home, visited some churches, and talked with some friends. When I returned, I felt the urge to read the forgotten book, which had been in storage for some time. What does it matter if I read this Bible? It is the Catholic Bible, that of my religion. "I must read it to see what it says!"
It was three in the morning when I finished reading it. Once again my spirit was overflowing with joy. After this day, I didn't stop reading the Word of God! I read up to chapter 20 of Exodus, where he talks about images. What a surprise! I was always against Protestants for what they said about the images, but now I was reading the same thing in my Catholic Bible. “You shall not make for yourself an image, or any likeness of what is in heaven above, or on earth below, or in the waters under the earth. You will not bow down to them, nor honor them; because I am Jehovah your God, strong, jealous, who visit the wickedness of the parents on the children until the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. " (Exodus 20: 4-5). At the next mass I attended, I showed the passage to the priest of the chapel, He told me that the Bible in my hands was not the true one. I showed him the page where it said who were the ones who had published my Catholic Bible. He argued that it was only in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament you can have images. The priest left me with some doubts. He had no knowledge on this subject, so he had to study harder, to learn more.
Arriving in Itajubá, I communicated with people who were part of the Catholic Church. They were “Daughters of Mary”, the ladies who participated in the prayer group, and the single young women from the working group. I have to do something. Not only must I be idealistic, so I started teaching Catechism to the children. Once, I asked the Daughters of Mary "Are there many Protestants in this city of Itajubá?" They answered affirmatively. "Do you know that we have many Protestants in my city of Petropolis?" But, in two months we founded 42 Catechism centers and invaded the place and removed them from the places of worship. " I added that we persecute them even in prisons, giving small stamps of the saints, more food to the prisoners ”.
We started organizing a theater for young people. There was a Catholic seamstress who made the costumes for the presentations. One day when I was reviewing what I was doing, I commented on a party that I had to organize that month, and other responsibilities that I did not know if I could achieve them all. There were two young men who offered to help me in whatever way I wanted. When they left, I asked the seamstress who they were. She replied "Why? They are both evangelical." At first I was horrified. Imagine receiving help from evangelical women! But later I was convinced that it might be easier for them to convert to the Roman Catholic faith. The young women were members of the Presbyterian Church of Itajubá. How they worked! They helped me with banners and cleaning. My surprise was that they offered to help the party with whatever was needed. When the party ended, I went to them and congratulated them and told them how impressed I was with their work and attitude. I said: "please come to me when you need something." Two months later, I ran to one of them that was in the market. "Miss Carmen, you are the person I wanted to see!" Daya said. "We are going to have a party for the young women in our church." As he spoke, he looked at me looking to see in my face if I was going to refuse them. "Marcia and I want you to come!" Will you please? I asked him if the party was going to be inside the church. Daya told me it would be in a room that they used for those activities. My next stop was to see my priest; I asked him if it would be okay to go to the party. He told me to go. However, be very careful! “Those protesters are like a roof pouring in: drop, drop, drop, until everything is wet. Don't stay longer than ten or fifteen minutes, and then you say goodbye. "
She came to me, took my hand and said, "welcome, welcome to our meeting." I hope this is not the last visit, I hope that you will be with us many more times ”. I noticed the joy on his face, which made a great impression on me. From the beginning I liked that lady. I thought about not paying much attention to these Protestants. It will not be very convenient to get too close to evangelical believers. As soon as she left, I asked those who invited me: "Who is that lady?" They answered, that is our Pastor's wife. " I didn't say anything, but I thought, poor thing, "of all, she is the worst sinner." After a while, he returned with an invitation. "Miss Carmen, why don't you visit me next Wednesday?" We can have coffee and cookies. "I learned a new recipe, and I would like you to try it ”. I didn't know what to say, I mumbled about how much work I had to do, but she insisted. “You know that sometimes we have to quit work and visit our friends. Come on! I felt a friend of this lady. She had broken my resistance, and had conquered me with her kindness. The power of his words were on my understanding. This had never happened to me before. But, I thought, “If I become friends with this lady, the day may come when she converts to the Roman Catholic faith and I will bring part of her church with her. On Wednesday I went to the Blanche Licio house. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. I mumbled about how much work I had to do, but she insisted. “You know that sometimes we have to quit work and visit our friends. Come on! I felt a friend of this lady. She had broken my resistance, and had conquered me with her kindness. The power of his words were on my understanding. This had not happened to me before. But, I thought, “If I become friends with this lady, the day may come when she converts to the Roman Catholic faith and I will bring part of her church with her. On Wednesday I went to the Blanche Licio house. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. I mumbled about how much work I had to do, but she insisted. “You know that sometimes we have to quit work and visit our friends. Come on! I felt a friend of this lady. She had broken my resistance, and had conquered me with her kindness. The power of his words were on my understanding. This had not happened to me before. But, I thought, “If I become friends with this lady, the day might come when she converts to the Roman Catholic faith and I will bring part of her church with her. On Wednesday I went to the Blanche Licio house. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. “You know that sometimes we have to quit work and visit our friends. Come on! I felt a friend of this lady. She had broken my resistance, and had conquered me with her kindness. The power of his words were on my understanding. This had never happened to me before. But, I thought, “If I become friends with this lady, the day might come when she converts to the Roman Catholic faith and I will bring part of her church with her. On Wednesday I went to the Blanche Licio house. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. “You know that sometimes we have to quit work and visit our friends. Come on! I felt a friend of this lady. She had broken my resistance, and had conquered me with her kindness. The power of his words were on my understanding. This had not happened to me before. But, I thought, “If I become friends with this lady, the day might come when she converts to the Roman Catholic faith and I will bring part of her church with her. On Wednesday I went to the Blanche Licio house. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. The power of his words were on my understanding. This had not happened to me before. But, I thought, “If I become friends with this lady, the day may come when she converts to the Roman Catholic faith and I will bring part of her church with her. On Wednesday I went to the Blanche Licio house. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. The power of his words were on my understanding. This had not happened to me before. But, I thought, “If I become friends with this lady, the day might come when she converts to the Roman Catholic faith and I will bring part of her church with her. On Wednesday I went to the Blanche Licio house. Along the way, I pondered what to say and what not to say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts. On the way I pondered what I was going to say and what I should not say. Without knowledge in Scripture, it is difficult to feel safe expressing your religious thoughts.
Arriving at the home of the Pastor's wife, which was next to the temple, I had the realization that it was the first time I had visited the home of an evangelical Pastor! The coffee and cookies were delicious, but she never spoke of religion. We talk about many things. She told me about her daughters, and her studies, her work in the church, about the weather, everything; less of religion. After that day, I continued to visit the pastoral home for coffee and cookies. There were times when we didn't eat anything, we just talked. Our conversation was varied, never referring to religion. Surprisingly, I was the one who introduced the subject saying that I wanted to read the Bible, and that I would appreciate different biblical quotes. Blanche said, "Okay, now let's read the Bible." I didn't wait to say that I hadn't brought my Bible and that I was only reading from my Bible. "I suggested that next time I would bring my Bible and we would compare the texts and read together." "This sounds like a good idea!"
The next week I came back with my Bible. The first thing we read was the Gospel of Luke. I loved that reading! She was very patient, she never criticized, she didn't insult, she always treated me with respect. Since she never argued about the questions, I started to think, "why is she keeping so quiet?" It must be that the Protestants know how well prepared I am in my religion, and that I have all the answers. It must be that she's afraid of me! I am the one who will ask all the questions! I will put it against the wall ”.
The priest in my chapel knew that I was going to the home of the Protestant Pastor. I told him that we were talking about the Bible and that I was trying to convert that Pastor's wife for our faith. He was very concerned and began to teach Bible classes every Tuesday at the temple. Many Mariana "Daughters of Mary" came. We asked him very difficult questions about Exodus 20, and John 14. In an instant, I asked the priest if in the Bible it says that Jesus said: “that it was the Way, the Truth and the Life that no man comes to the Father except through My, ”why then do we go to the Father through the saints? Why not through Jesus? On many occasions we stayed in debate with the priest until midnight, he did not have the answers for us, but Blanche did. She was the wife of Pastor Mario Lucio of the First Presbyterian Church, she knew what to say because she knew the Bible. Her answers were directly from the Word of God.
The next time we met, I said quite firmly, Blanche, today I came, not just for coffee and cookies, "I want to ask you some questions!" She looked at me in surprise and replied, “Okay, start. If I don't know the answer, we will look it up in the Bible, or my husband will help us ”. You don't have to rush, I said immediately. These are easy questions. I was laughing to myself, thinking: "This time it will be difficult for him to answer the questions!" I studied my first question before asking "What is the difference between the Catholic and Protestant Church?" She replied, actually it is a small difference. (A little difference? I thought). You have someone in charge, don't you? "Oh yes, I replied. We have a wonderful leader. Our leader is the Pope! He lives in the most majestic palace this world can offer, he wears a golden crown on his head, and he is the head of the Catholic Church. I am ready to fight, and if necessary, die for him, so that he can be better known in the world and his power grow more and more. " After hearing what I was saying, she told me the following. "It's like I told you, the difference is very small," and I noticed tears in her eyes. “We who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ also have someone in charge. Our leader does not have a golden crown on his head, because the crown that man offered to Him was made of thorns. Silence filled the room. There was nothing to say. From that moment on, I began to envy the believers. "So, I thought: the head of Christians is Jesus Christ, the one who died on the cross for us." But He is the one I have always wanted to serve. So, I cannot be angry with Mrs. Blanche, because I, Carmen da Mota is the one who says that the Pope is my leader! That day, I didn't want to talk to the Pastor's wife anymore. I felt beaten! Returning home, those words echoed in my ears, "My leader is Christ, my leader does not have a crown of gold, but of thorns." No matter where I went, those words burned my heart. I saw very clearly the difference between Mrs. Blanche's leader and my own. It was not a small difference. "My leader is Christ, my leader does not have a crown of gold, but of thorns." No matter where I went, those words burned my heart. I saw very clearly the difference between Mrs. Blanche's leader and my own. It was not a small difference. "My leader is Christ, my leader does not have a crown of gold, but of thorns." No matter where I went, those words burned my heart. I saw very clearly the difference between Mrs. Blanche's leader and my own. It was not a small difference.
Another Wednesday, I came back with more questions. Blanche, why don't Protestants like the Virgin Mary? They say she is not a virgin, and they also say she had more children. His reply came directly to me. Before answering that question, I want to ask you one. Does a married woman lose her sanctity if she has many children? The answer must be "yes or no!"
I started to think about this again. In the beginning, I believed that I could answer any question that believers asked me about my religion, but it is not as easy as it seems. If I say that a married woman loses sanctity by having many children, I will be wrong. If I say no, then I agree with the believers. Finally, I answered negatively. She continued, “Look, you have a Bible in your hands and you don't know it very well. Open your Bible to Mark, chapter 6, verse 3, where we will find the answer to your question. “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary the brother of James, Joseph, and Judas, and Simon? And aren't your brothers here with us? " I was surprised to read name after name, and at the end it said, aren't your brothers here with us? I was disappointed, she continued, "I want to ask you another question, do you know the commandment of Mary?" Mrs. Blanche had never asked me a question, and I didn't want to fail the next one. "Let's see, ah yes, I know the ten commandments, I know the seven sacraments and I obey them all." She went back to her question, and said, “It's neither of those. I ask you about the commandment of Mary. You who are devoted to her must know her commandment, don't you think? I had no idea what to answer. It was the most humiliating thing for me, having to answer the Pastor's wife that she did not know the commandment of Mary. She opened the Bible to the book of John, chapter 2, verse 5, and showed me what Mary had said: "Whatever He asks you to do, do it." Carmen, we Christians obey that commandment. Mary told us to do everything Jesus told us to do. So we try to do whatever Jesus tells us to do.
I was tremendously impressed by these latest events. To avoid total defeat, I risked another question: Tell me, a sincere Catholic, can he be saved? I am talking about the Catholic who attends Mass, obeys all the rules of the Church, suffers many penances; when this person dies, does that person go directly to heaven? " Blanche closed her eyes for a moment, stared into mine and said firmly. “Be careful Carmen, religion doesn't save anyone. Christ is the only one who saves! "
Again, he had nothing to say. I thought she was going to tell me that only her religion can save, but she presented Christ as the only solution for my sins. I couldn't contradict her either. However, not wishing for her to have the final victory, as soon as I stood up to leave, I firmly declared, as I knew how to do, "I will continue to be a Roman Catholic!" and I left. Only I knew the state of my heart at that moment. As I walked home, I thought, "Religion doesn't save anyone, Christ is the only one who saves!" Those words repeated over and over in my mind, wherever I went. She was engaged in an active fight with God.
A theatrical presentation was planned in the Catholic city of Aparecida del Norte, the Mecca of Brazil. Twenty-five youth and children would take part. Our goal was to bring money to the poor. I thought this was what I needed to calm my nerves and put my problems out of my mind. We rented a special bus, but even there, my Bible was open and I read it at all free times. A very courteous young man who belonged to our group thought it strange to see me reading the Bible. We talked about the Bible for a while, and he concluded that it was a good idea for him to read it. "You know something, he admitted, I must read the Bible too!" After arriving at our destination, the young man seemed to have disappeared. Some weeks later, someone commented that he had recently been converted. Unknown to me I too came very close to believing Christ as my Savior - God was preparing everything for this purpose. "Because God is the one who produces in us both wanting and doing, by his good will." (Phil. 2:13).
The next step was when I visited Blanche Licio's home. I shared that I was thinking of moving to another city. “I'm not going to stay here in Itajubá; I have no peace in this place ”. She looked at me and there were tears in her eyes, "Carmen, be careful!" God can greatly bless those who study His Word and obey it, but He can also grapple with those who refuse it. At that moment, I asked him, “What does that biblical text mean that says,“ Whoever says any Word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven ”. (Luke 12:10; Matthew 12: 31,32) She replied, that verse is for those who know the truth and refuse it. “It means that they resist the Holy Spirit.
That night when I got home, Zilah, the mother of the children I take care of, asked me for a favor. Her husband had gone on a trip, she was expecting a baby soon, she asked me if she could sleep at her house. That way he would be company for her, and also help her if she needed help. First, I went to my apartment to see if everything was in order. Looking around I saw everything that I considered important in this world. The colored costumes used in the theater by youth and children were hooked into place. There was a very large bookcase there, full of books about the lives of various saints that I loved, plus all the images of the saints of the Catholic Church. I thought, if I ever become a believer, I will have to give up all this. "My puppy, only 4 months old, I gave him food and water,
As I got up at one in the morning, Zilah was calling me. “Carmen, Carmen, come quickly! Look!" I ran to the window. The flames reached up to the black sky, and what happened was that my apartment quickly became columns embraced by fire. My books, rosaries, costumes and the images of my beloved saints were all devoured by fire. Only one thing escaped - my Bible, which I had kept to read. I had nothing except the Bible and my life, which had been protected by His divine plan, which I had ignored until that moment.
It was then that I recognized the great love of the Lord Jesus Christ, which had called me for so many years. Finally, my eyes were opened to the light… His light! Now I understand that Christ died for my sins on the cross, and I needed to trust Him for my salvation. “Who himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we, being dead to sins, might live to righteousness; and by whose wound you were healed ”. (1 Peter 2:24) As I looked at the destruction of those objects that kept me in the past, I again heard the invitation made to me many years ago: "Come to me, all who are toiled and tired, and I will give you rest." . It was in front of the flames that my heart belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave me a new life in Him. “For by grace you are saved through faith; and this not from you, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9) It is my desire to serve Him fully until He calls me to dwell with Him, now it is possible by His sufficient and undeserved grace.
I had forgotten everything around me, my contact with God was intimate and real. I forgot even the fire. He could talk to God! I could recognize His presence! I was pondering this when Zilah interrupted my thoughts. “Carmen, we are going to put out the fire! Oh yes, the fire! " After everything was under control, I went back to my bed, but not to sleep. My heart was full of love, joy, and peace. Yes, I had the peace that I had sought for so many years, and never found, until now! "For He is our peace ..." (Ephesians 2:14)
The next day Blanche and I were together. However, my pride was so great that although I had told her all about the fire, she knew nothing about my salvation in Christ Jesus. It was very humbling to confess my faith in Christ alone. Last afternoon, I had declared my allegiance to my religion; adding that I would never forget my Catholic religion. As we spent more time together, it was impossible to hide the truth from the Pastor's beloved wife. Then I said, “Last night, something special happened. I trusted the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation. I am a believer, ready to stick with you for the Gospel! "
How glorious it was for Blanche to hear those words! But I had to humiliate myself even more, asking him not to tell anyone! The day the Catholics found out, I argued; it will be the beginning of persecution and trouble.
I continued teaching Catechism classes, attending Mass and working with the “Daughters of Mary”. But the Bible was my constant companion.
One day, a Mariano brother asked me why I did not bring the missal to accompany the mass. It was at that moment that I realized that I could not walk between Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. I knew what the Bible taught! So, I began attending the evangelical meetings at the Pastor's house. I would sit in an interior room where I could not be seen, but could hear all the Service. If someone had seen me, it would have caused unnecessary agitation among my friends and acquaintances. Although I thought I should openly declare that I was a believer, it was far from me to do so, at the time.
While in town, my friends ran to me and inevitably the conversation went like this: “Carmen, you are so different!”. "Everyone says you are a Christian!" It was then, when I lost all courage, and I replied: “No, I am not a Christian. I am a Roman Catholic. ”This was followed by deep sorrow. Why didn't I have the courage to confess that I was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ?
It so happened that two Christian friends were going to teach a group of children Bible stories and I went with them. We were almost in sight of the children, when they came running towards us, they came over me and
they hugged me. I realized that it was the group of children to whom I had taught Catechism. The worst of the case was that one of the mothers recognized me and said, “So what is being said in town is true! You have converted to Protestantism! In front of my eyes I see her with these two evangelical ladies. So it is true! You are a believer! "
I could hardly speak. My heart was in my throat. I faintly said, "Of course not, I am friends with these ladies, because I have understood that they are not as bad as I thought! But in no way am I a Christian! " "And whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:33) Those words were almost in my mouth, when anguish and remorse came over me. Once again, I had denied the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Returning to my two companions, I begged them, “Please continue without me. I must return to the home of the lady who just spoke to me.
She was still in the yard, and I ran over to her. "I want to apologize for having lied to you." She gaped said, "Did you lie?" “Yes”, I replied, the whole town comments on my conversion to the Gospel. Well, so far, I have lied to all of you saying that I am not a Christian. But, the truth is that I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, He is my Savior. It is my desire to proclaim His name to every creature on earth ”.
No one could be a better medium to spread the news than that lady. She was the town gossip. But how relaxed I felt having made that confession. My joy had no barriers that day, since it was the first time that I was able to share my testimony, speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The news spread through the town like a flame of fire. My friends the "Daughters of Mary" came to visit me. Many of them hugged me crying, promised to pray for me so that I would return to the Catholic Church. But, my only answer was, “Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father, if it is not for Me ”. Well, if Jesus is the Way, who will I go to but Him? I am happy to be of Christ. She would repeat that verse over and over again, to show them that she really was a believer in Jesus Christ.
The problems that I knew would arise began. There were people who rejected me when they met me on the street. The Catholic Church called a meeting at 8:00 PM and I was their reason. It wasn't easy, but I attended. My plan was to get there early. I was hoping to sit somewhere far from the meeting, but I couldn't make it. I had to sit in front, as there were many people. Everyone was perplexed looking at me. Finally they called me to the platform where they asked me several questions. My answer was, John 14: 6 "I am the way, the truth and the life." There was no one to follow, for me it was only Jesus Christ. That was a great opportunity to give my testimony, in front of all the friends that I had left behind.
Perhaps it seems easy to leave everything for Christ, but humanly speaking, it is not. Most of my friends were Roman Catholics. It was the young people, the girls "Hijas de María", those who belonged to the theater group, the group that prepared the clothes, the children from my Catesism class; the ladies who prayed, and others, who belonged to the church. I have always been a social person; i love those people. But now, it is necessary to leave them, because Christ has called me. He is the important one to me. He has begun to be the owner of my life. Now, my life does not belong to me, it is His. "Knowing that you were rescued from your way of living which you received from your parents, not with corruptible things, such as gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ." (1Peter 1: 18-19a) It was necessary to confess it so that Christ would be glorified. In the midst of struggles, suffering and contempt, God used His Word to touch the lives of the Marianist brothers who had studied the Bible with me. They too accepted Christ as their Savior and began to be faithful believers in Jesus Christ. I praise the Lord for all that He has done for His honor and glory.
A wonderful thing that God did happened with a lady that I cared for, who was paralyzed. She had not been able to get out of bed for many years. He was always by her side to help her, and keep her from accepting the Word. But after I was converted, I went home with other believers. And I said, "I don't know how to explain the Word of God yet, please talk to it." Then, I said to the lady, "I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior, and I will follow him with all my heart." The lady opened her eyes, heard God's Word with joy, and accepted Christ as well. It wasn't long before he entered eternity. Thank our God, she was saved before she left this land.
The next day I met the president of the “Hijas de María”. She had managed that office for many years. Now she was married, she was a nurse at the General Hospital Piedad in Itabujá, and faithful to the Catholic Church. Speaking of spiritual things in relation to the Scriptures, she showed interest, and said, “Carmen, I don't have time at the moment, but come to my house tonight at 8:00 PM when we can talk with the whole family present; (She had a daughter and two sons, in addition to her husband). That night finally on my way. It was difficult to keep an agenda, because wherever I went, people would stop me on the street, wanting to know why I had left the Catholic Church and causing so much trouble. But thank God I was on time. The whole family was sitting around the table waiting for me. We started talking about the Bible. It was really wonderful! We talk from 8:00 PM to midnight. All my doubts and theirs were cleared up regarding the Word of God. They started going to the Evangelical Church and months later they were baptized. Because of what had happened, the people who passed me despised me. However, God once again intervened on my behalf.
I went to speak with Pastor Mario, Blanche's husband, and I told him: “Pastor, one day you said that you would be willing to help a dedicated person, someone from your congregation, who decided to go to study at a Bible school. At that time I was resentful, when I had not thought to leave the Catholic Church. But now I want you to send me to that school. "
And so it was that Pastor Mario, Blanche, and I made our way to Bible school. I was introduced to the founder and president, Paul Guiley and his wife, Viola. They welcomed me. "You won't have many problems here." The Lord will help you! Carmen, we are prepared for anything you want. Pastor Guiley took my fear away.
I can admit that even in the Evangelical School, I have struggles and problems due to little experience and because I am a recent convert to Christianity. But raised before the Lord in prayer for the believers in my church I have overcome in Christ, and I finished the course. Paul and Viola Guiley were used greatly by God in shaping my spiritual life.
In June 1962, Pastor Paul and Viola left school, along with another couple, Artemio and Neta Alexandrina, and seven other students besides me. We went to the State of Paraná in order to build a Bible school. I can't tell you everything, but we had to dig our own wells, find wood for the fire, and make a stove out of rocks where we cooked outside for a year. We grow our own food, rice, beans, potatoes, vegetables, etc. In addition, we had four hours of Bible study in the mornings, and I work at home after coming from the field in the afternoons. We gladly did all this because "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)
The Evangelical School still serves the Lord in its original location in
Eldorado, Paraná, and is called Maranatha. The training we received was truly wonderful because it included not only Bible studies, but also studies for a practical Christian life. A lot of emphasis was placed on intimate development with God and we took time to just be with Him in prayer. We all learned the principle of "living by faith."
Once again I had to leave the friends with whom I fought and worked, studied and prayed. My first two years were spent in Peniel, and the last two in Paraná, where I graduated from Maranatha. That life of friendship and setbacks left an indelible mark.
Now is the time to face the future, going into the world to spread God's message for salvation in Christ Jesus alone. Travel to
Sao Carlos where I gave my testimony and helped with the camp program. It was there that I met Pastor John Stucky, his wife Bea, and their two daughters, Janet and Judy. This couple invited me to stay with them for six months to help in the work of the evangelization church.
As always, I love evangelism. I accepted his invitation and moved into his home. Every day I would get up early, have breakfast, grab my bag of Bibles and tracts, and go to distribute literature around the city and its neighborhood. I spoke with people interested in the Lord Jesus Christ and salvation. Usually, I would come back a little late, sometimes at 8:00 PM. One morning as I was getting ready to leave, Pastor John called me into his office and asked, “Carmen, are you spending time reading the Word? and praying? " I thought for a moment, and then I honestly replied, "very little." He continued, "You better stay home in the morning reading the Bible, praying, resting, and then use the afternoon for evangelism." I considered the idea, went to my room,
When I left the house, it was 2:00 PM "Today is practically lost," I muttered. I don't have time to be idle! My faith, from God's point of view, was small. I began to distribute tracts. Then I went to a place where I had not been before and brought more tracts. I knocked on the door of a house. The lady who answered, immediately told me, “I don't want to hear anything you want to say to me,“ I am Roman Catholic ”. "I was also a Roman Catholic, I replied, I have your church's Bible here, would you like to see it?" She opened the door and let me in. The next three hours we spent talking about the Word of God, it was wonderful! She promised that that night she would be in the church service, she and her family. So it was! He never stopped going to church. Some months later
It is wonderful how we can learn the lessons that God has for us. The day that I thought I had wasted, not having the time to work for Christ, was the day that the Lord used me to lead others to Him. I praise God for the lives of these missionaries, that He put in my life. His enthusiasm has helped me grow stronger spiritually, so that I can be more useful in the cause of Christ.
The six months in Sao Carlos have flown by. It was time to go somewhere else. I first decided to be baptized by immersion. Pastor John Stucky baptized me with his daughter Judy, at the Sao Carlos camp. That was also a wonderful day. Now, with my bags ready, I began to travel through Brazil, bearing my testimony and teaching the Word of God. After three years, the Lord prepared my way according to His will, and led me to the vast city of
Sao Paulo in the South of Brazil.
There were two definite reasons for me to be there. One was to continue my work of evangelization; and take care of my health. This is how I met Dr. Shedd's family. They took me to the Christian bookstore in
Sao Paulo, “El Lector Cristiano”, directed by Pastor Richard Denham. This servant of God welcomed me, taught me to do the job and gave me a lot of enthusiasm. One of the things that impressed me greatly about Pastor Richard was the way he evangelized. He always had a smile on his face, and he treated people with compassion and respect.
In 1968, another missionary family came to live in Sao Paulo: Earl Mets and his wife Jo Ann and their three children, Diane, Susan and Steven. At that time, I was living in an apartment with a friend. They invited me to live in their home to help them in evangelization. They wanted to start a church in their home. I became a member of this family. We worked together for many years, evangelizing and teaching the Word of God.
They returned to the United States in 1971 to report to their church and I went too. My goal was to share my testimony of how Christ led me out of "religion" so that others could learn about the power of God.
During that year in the United States, we traveled a lot. I gave my testimony which was translated in the churches and camps, where we always taught the Word of God. I often heard that there was a lot of racism in the United States. It was the second time I had visited him and they had always treated me well. At all times they accepted me warmly and with respect. I thank God for every American who made me feel at home while sharing God's Word.
We returned to Brazil in 1972 and I continued teaching the Word and preparing people for the service of God. For 28 years this has been my labor of love. Once in a while I travel and have spoken in some churches and meetings, but most of the time I spend in Sao Paulo.
Someone will have thought. "And where is your family?" I thank God that my family is fine. When I was saved, and my family knew it, they were sad and upset. They accused me of having abandoned their religion, forgetting the Lady of Fatima. "How did you do it, they asked me?" I asked for prayer for them so that God would touch their hearts. The first to meet the Lord was my older sister, María, and my niece Vera Lucía. Next was my sister Sylvia who was very involved in spiritism. I think she was looking for something that would satisfy her heart. Once he heard the Word of God, and went through difficulties and spiritual battles, he also accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. Sylvia was baptized and served the Lord for many years until she became very ill with cancer. 8 years ago the Lord called her to dwell with Him.
I am so thankful that my nephew and niece only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior when they are young. Later his mother, Aidae, my sister-in-law, and my youngest brother, Sebastian, have also believed only in Christ and have been saved. My whole family is in the Lord, at the foot of the Cross, serving Christ.
I don't know if you have noticed that in this short testimonial, there is an apparent insecurity in my life. Always asking the priest what to do and what not to do. This is normal, after having spent so many years in the convent where the Superior always said: “I am the only one who can think, the only one who decides and no one else; shut up, I'm the only one speaking here. " We literally stop thinking. As time passed, our minds were washed and it was impossible to make our own decisions.
Leaving the convent into the world was not easy, because generally there was a lot of evil around us. People deceived us and we believed what they told us. There was so much insecurity in us that it was very difficult for us to face the world again. That is why many times I find myself thinking, “Should I go back?… Should I go back? I wanted to fly from the world; the convent was not good, but in the world, I was like a bird with broken wings, who could not fly by myself. Insecurity is very common for those who leave the convent.
One day I went to the doctor and sat next to a psychologist. We started talking, and I began to tell him my testimony. He was interested, and he asked me, "Have you tried to find a psychiatrist or psychologist to help you?" I replied, "No, I have not tried to find any of them." He asked: "But how do you solve your problems?" I replied, "Only Christ and His Word make me succeed." He was truly impressed.
One day, working in the bookstore "The Christian Reader" a nun arrived. He told me that he had read my life story in a little book, "Searching." It touched her heart and she begged me to help her leave the convent as well. After discussing it with the missionary, Earl Mets, he opened his home for her to stay there for a time. I made the necessary plans and went to help the nun. The situation was not easy. But thank goodness I managed to bring her home. You cannot imagine the great insecurity that was in her. Ruth had entered the convent at the age of 20, and left when she was 57. During the 37 years in the convent she taught seven subjects, but she did not have the necessary tolerance. His self-esteem was fragile and psychologically affected. Only God could help her. After many battles, Ruth accepted Jesus as her Savior, for which we thank God. We went together to speak about the Lord Jesus Christ to different churches. Then I traveled to various places just like her, and we lost contact. I can only thank God that another soul was brought out of darkness and raised to the glorious light of Christ.
Here you have read a summary of the critical parts of my life and what the Lord did for me. If you truly seek Him, He will do the same for you! Take refuge in these Words of Christ: "Come to me, everyone who is burdened and weary, and I will give you rest."
[Source: https://bereanbeacon.org/es/la-providencia-llamada-de-dios-por-fuego/]
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