My name is Ráed Ballán, I am 24 years old and I was born in Venezuela.
I was raised according to Arab customs. By family tradition, we followed the Islamic religion, in which only Allah is believed as god.

Since my early childhood, my life was very troubled. My mother decided to go back to Arabia to resolve the problems, but the situation only worsened. So we returned to Venezuela.

Due to so much suffering, I became a rebellious young man and left home at age 14. I got into crime. During that time, I tried to fill my void with all the ostentation, and find refuge in drugs and promiscuity.

I suffered from chemical dependency for several years. I used marijuana, cocaine and narghile. I delve so far into crime that I became a “drug trafficker,” carrying several rifles and weapons, and stealing to maintain that standard of living.

During one of these robberies, we were surprised, and it almost cost my life.
My mother saw my suffering and invited me to go to the Universal Church. After much insistence, I accepted the invitation; I was welcomed and received counseling from the pastor.

I started participating in Church meetings, Youth Group and Church projects.
God spoke in such a way with me that I surrendered myself completely.
My life was entirely transformed. I turned away from the addictions, the world of crime, promiscuity, sadness and depression.

I was baptized in water, received the Holy Spirit, and an enormous desire to win souls grew within me.
Today I do the Work of God on the Altar as an auxiliary pastor in Venezuela, rescuing those who are suffering like I was one day.

Ráed Ballán