Prison inmates from Inspector José Drummond Prison in Belo Horizonte had a special morning on Tuesday the 13th, as they attended the launch of the biography “Nothing to Lose”, the first of three volumes that record the life of Bishop Macedo, leader and founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.

Co-authored by the vice-president of journalism at Brazil’s Record TV, Douglas Tavolaro, this book is the first to be mass distributed within the prison system of Brazil.

“Struggles and victories of Edir Macedo that have never been told before, with a detailed account of the days he spent in prison, will now help prison inmates,” said Bishop Mauro Celso, who has worked with inmates in Minas for 6 years.

“They were looking forward to the book because they are familiar with our work and believe in Edir Macedo. In reading it, they will have positive things to think about, will feel better and will have more faith – which is extemely important in their situation,” said Mauro Celso.

A warm welcome

When the outreach team arrived, inmates were already gathered in the courtyard of ward 3 and frequently interrupted the encouraging words of Mauro Celso with applause. Men who had committed various types of crimes were encouraged to believe in significant change for their lives.

Inmates eagerly flipped through the pages of the book as it was distributed by the team. “I believe I’ll find wisdom and faith through the words of Edir Macedo” said Warlley Vilario, 29, who had been sentenced for blowing up ATM machines in Belo Horizonte.

Robson dos Santos, 26, cried as he talked of his anticipation. “It’s a victory for us. I’m an admirer of the bishop, and when I read that the book would be distributed in prisons I was so excited that I wrote a letter to Bishop Celso asking if we would get it here. Robson told us of how he turned himself in to the police after he had come to understand how wrong he had been. “The word of faith helps us. It shows us that there’s a second chance for everyone,” he said.

Action in prisons

Detainees from a different ward also received the book and talked about the church’s work in prison. “They help us a lot. There’s a lot of irritation and anger here, but with the word of faith we are much calmer. The book will help us overcome one more hurdle,” said João Silva, incarcerated for two and half years for violent criminal acts.

Jose da Silva, 48, is serving 70 years and revealed that his life has changed. “I wasn’t interested in the church when I was on the outside. I came to know God here. Meeting Bishop Celso changed my life. I’m going to read the book. I believe in change. I’m a different person today”, he said.

“I was desperate when I was put in here. I had no life. I didn’t believe in anything. But I heard things that helped me and will help others. Every human being has to have a purpose, and today I have mine, “said Douglas da Silva Rodrigues, 28, who has served 3 out of the 17 years given to him for drug trafficking.

Recovery of the sentenced

Government officials attended the event and thanked the church. Andre Mourão, superintendent of Prison Security, said the work of the Universal Church is crucial in reforming the inmates. According to him, the book is a practical way to prove that change is possible. “The help of the church in prisons is very important. Through their work prisoners become less violent. Inmates are looking for security, and God becomes their security. From reading books like this, they gain understanding, start to understand their past mistakes, are able to change, and some even give their lives to God, “Mourão explained.

Inspector José Drummond Prison now has 1,640 inmates, divided into 16 wards. Its general director, Tadeu Ribeiro, points out that the work of the church not only reaches inmates, but prison guards and inmates’ families. Once they have access to spiritual help, it can only get better.

Mauro Celso reminded us that the distribution of 400 copies of “Nothing to Lose” is just the first in Minas. This will be repeated all over the state. “In these six years of work 2800 inmates have been baptized in water, proving that we are on the right track,” concluded Bishop.

Sales Success

Current figures reveal that we have a new best selling book in Brazil. Close to a month after its release, “Nothing to Lose” became the top selling book of 2012.

The book has lead the Brazilian bestsellers lists for 6 consecutive weeks. Since the launch of the book, PublishNews, a thermometer of the publishing market, recorded that 74,302 books had been sold. That makes it one of the most successful launches in recent years.

Edir Macedo’s book topped “Steve Jobs – The Biography”, which sold 55,130 copies this year.

Source: Gledson Leão – From the Portal HD / Images: Samuel Costa