From the Streets to the Mission Fields

Joao's early years were marked by loss and hardship. After his father died when he was just 11, he was adopted by a violent drug dealer. By age 13, he had broken free from that dangerous home—but with nowhere to turn, he ended up living on the streets of Brazil.

Food, drugs, and cheap hotel rooms became his survival.

One night, in one of those hotels, Joao found a New Testament placed by The Gideons. As he opened its pages, something extraordinary happened: for the first time in years, he felt peace. He later said, "Reading that New Testament eased my pain more than drugs."

Not long after, during a rainstorm, he cried out, "God, can You be my Father? That's all I need."  Joao was soon connected with a local church, where he learned more about the Gospel and received Christ as his Savior and Heavenly Father.

Today, the boy once trapped by fear, loss, and addiction is now a missionary, a theology professor, and a pastor. He preaches the Gospel throughout Brazil—sharing the same hope that transformed his life.

Because of faithful giving, God's Word brought peace to a broken young man and raised up a bold witness for Christ.