Good morning Bishop Sergio!

First of all, I would like to thank God for having mercy on me and allowing me to listen to the message you brought us, because I was exactly like you described: in Church, but far from God.

I’ve been a member of The Universal Church for 16 years. I was an assistant for 11 years, but I asked the pastor if I could hand in my uniform. At first, things were going well because, by the mercy of God, I never left the Church. I decided to be a blessed member. This is where that feeling of well-being comes in. The devil was whispering in my ear, making me believe that just because I remained in Church, I was all right with God, but the reality was much different.

There was a constant struggle within me every day. I would go to Church, but I went in hollow and came out empty, I rarely cried in the presence of God. It was just like you said in the meeting: people (assistants from my time and even pastors) from my Church, who knew me, never asked how I was spiritually – perhaps because they saw that I continued going to Church, even though I was no longer in the Work of God. But only God and I knew how I felt.

For the past couple of days, I have been trying to fast and do purposes, but I must confess that it has been very difficult, but today, Bishop, I believe it was God who brought you here to speak to me, because you said everything I needed to hear.

During all these years that I have been in Church, I never went forward when the pastor or bishop called us to the altar. Today I see that it was because of my pride. How could I go to the front? What would people think about me? But this meeting was different. When you called us forward, I felt an impulse. I did not think twice, and there I was, at the feet of Jesus with tears pouring out of my eyes, asking Him for mercy and forgiveness for having fallen away from His presence. At that moment, what I wanted most was to have a real and true encounter with God, to live for Christ.

It was very strong, Bishop. I could barely speak because I was crying so much. But it was not because of an emotion. I felt God there, right next to me, welcoming me and telling me that He was with me. When you began the strong prayer, the devil came with all his strength and tried to put doubt in my heart, telling me that God did not want me and that He hadn’t forgiven me, but I believed in the surrender I had just presented to God minutes before and I told the devil, “you are no longer allowed in my life, you will never touch my life again, because now it belongs to God!”

I left the meeting feeling like I was on cloud nine, and I came back at 5Pm to realize my blessing for that day: I was baptized, I placed my life 100% on the Altar, in the hands of God. I sought God with all of my strength during the 6Pm meeting. And now, Bishop, as I am writing this email to you, I can say that today I WAS BORN OF GOD, I became His Daughter and I am no longer just His creation.

And very soon, I’ll be back in the war, wearing my armor and letting God use me as He wants.

Thank you, Bishop Sergio, may God use you and bless you and your family every day.

Sincerely!

Giselle