Dear Bishop Macedo,

The morning of October 16^th marked my life.

When I heard that you were personally coming to our prison to hand out your new book “Nothing to Lose” (in the process of being translated to English), I confess that I didn’t believe it…

Bishop Macedo is going to come to a place like this?

Such an important leader is going to be among the most rejected people in this world?

That was when, at about 10am, I saw you coming through the gates of the prison courtyard.

My heart began beating quickly!

Not because I idolize you, but because I thought of what it meant for us, who are considered “society’s garbage”.

During 15 years, I lived in a world of crime. I’ve done so many wrong things that I am ashamed to tell you about them. I am ashamed of myself.

Four years ago, while serving my time, I decided to give my life to Jesus. It has been a struggle, but I want to be born of God.

The stories of abandonment multiply when we are in jail. Many of the inmates have been rejected by their girlfriends, wives, children, fathers and mothers.

Most of them have even stopped receiving visitors. Nobody. Can you imagine such pain?

But you, without even knowing us, came to visit and handed out your book. There are no words to express my gratitude.

Now, we are determined to spread these books throughout this prison.

We are going to spread “Nothing to Lose” through every cell block, even in “solitary”, where the prisoners are punished by being isolated from everyone else.

I already have my “weapons of faith” in hand: dozens of copies of the biography, which were donated by church volunteers.

I will never forget when you held our hands and prayed for us.

A phrase you said touched me in a special way: “If nobody wants you out there, we, from the Universal Church, do!”

I also want the Universal Church. I want God.

I want to turn the tables. I want to start all over again.

Today, God and your visit renewed my strength to continue in this path.

Dirceu Aparecido de Oliveira, 33, sentenced to 24 years in prison, Pinheiros Detention Center (São Paulo – Brazil)