The first Church in Bahia-Brazil was on Brick Street, in Salvador. I remember how people came longing to know the God that was being announced on TV.

The space was small, and almost always had more people outside than it did inside. Bishop Paulo Roberto Guimaraes was responsible for the Work, and I helped him. The work was pretty intense.

I remember that after counseling and doing meetings all day long, there would be no room for concerns at night: sleep came quickly, despite the place, which would eventually get invaded by addicts and prostitutes, knocking on the doors causing loud noises to invade the basement. However, one night, I woke up feeling troubled about something and got up. When I turned on the lights, I saw that the floor was covered with cockroaches – it was 100 degrees.

I faced the fan directly at me and covered myself with the sheets, but I couldn’t, I just couldn’t sleep.

Then, I decided to take the mattress and sleep on the altar. It was a good idea, until I heard a strange noise, like a race. I got up, turned on the lights and saw the biggest rats I have ever seen in my life. I’ll never forget how big they were. But I went back to bed. I stayed there for a couple of months.

I remember that many times pastors arrived from Rio de Janeiro, and within two weeks, they would say that it was impossible to stay there in those conditions. Others gave an excuse and went back. I was alone for a long time.

Today, the situation is different. The Church grew, it has acquired many temples, we have one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Brazil, and here I am again after 28 years.

Reflecting back on it all, I’m sure that what sustained me during those rough times was my faith in the Word of God. We didn’t have the material abundance we have today, there was no Internet, but the little we received was treated as precious manna. I remember how Paulo did strong a movement of miracles, but he always had a word to nourish those who came.

Miracles are undoubtedly important, because if they weren’t we would not have received the express order from the Lord Jesus to heal the sick and cast out demons.

On Sunday, which was my first meeting here in Salvador, many miracles happened, people were healed on the spot, we had spectacular testimonies during the 9:30am meeting; nevertheless, we made me really happy was when I asked who was from the time when the Church was still on Brick Street. I called them forward to the altar. They told me stories about how they faced hell, but never abandoned the faith.

I prayed for them and asked them to extend their hands towards the other 7,000, so that they could also be blessed and remain firm.

Hell puts a lot of pressure on everyone. The pastors who were not able to take the pressure of that rough start and left the Work of God saw extraordinary miracles. They saw multitudes being healed and delivered. However, what really sustains and helps a person remain firm is the value he gives the spiritual nourishment he receives. This is the faith that overcomes the world.