My name is Joao Victor.

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I was born in Brazil in Fortaleza. I had already been born at five months and there was little chance that I would still be alive, but luckily it turned out well. After four months of intensive care I was allowed to leave the hospital. In the early years of my life, my parents separated. I lived with my mother with my grandmother and unfortunately the relationship with my biological father has not been restored.

Around the age of 3/4, my mother left her home country and left for Europe to build a new life for her and me. In the meantime I stayed with my grandmother until I was 8 years old. A lot has happened in those years. I have been sexually abused and physically abused. I didn't go to school and I was barely raised. When I was 9 years old, my mother brought me to the Netherlands and I came to live with my stepfather. I was a damaged child, my parents had trouble with me and sent me to a boarding school. After a few years in the boarding school I was reunited with my mother and stepfather and we went to live in Curaçao. After living there for a year, I moved in with my father's mother and celebrated my 14th birthday there.

In the next two years I was sent to primary school because of my learning disability. During that period I came into contact with wrong friends and I lost myself to alcohol, smoking and drugs. At that time I didn't know how to feel. I felt abandoned and unloved. I always looked for love, but couldn't find it. Ever since I was 13, I sometimes thought about suicide. I tried everything to give my life a better direction, but nothing worked.

But, in 2017 I came into contact with Jesus! I did not immediately understand everything about Him, but deep in my heart I heard God's voice. One day it was so clear: I heard a small voice in my heart saying, "Go to church tomorrow." I was a little startled by His voice, but I obeyed that voice and went to church the next day. The sermon seemed meant for me! At the end of the service, a person was asked to give his or her life to Jesus. At first I wondered if God was interested in my life. Who would want my life? I decided to give everything I was and everything I had to Jesus. I found Jesus under much emotion and tears. I raised my hand and walked forward. There I prayed: I give my heart to You Lord, I repent of my sin and I will serve You from this day forward. I experienced that God set me free!

All my life I searched for what I had now found. I felt so happy and liberated. My shame, guilt and insecurity had completely faded. I felt loved and wanted. After all, that's all I've been looking for all my life. His love made my life alive again! After the first service at De Deur I got the feeling from the Lord that this was my place. I am now 21 years old and my Lord has given me a lot of love, patience and opportunity. He gave me the opportunity for a nice training. My relationship with my parents is much better now! My family has changed. They are now also going to The Door in Ede and my Lord is teaching me more and more to live more justly, and fortunately God is merciful and patient, because I am no longer perfect.

I am liberated and I know that God is the one and only answer for life, He is the Source of Life. He is the Truth! Jesus loves you. Look for Him and you will find Him!  

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