ENGLISH

‘A few weeks ago, I never would have imagined myself standing in an auditorium full of people sharing my story. I did it so that others who felt as helpless as I did—irrespective of their battles—could also receive hope to keep going.

When doctors told me that there was nothing they could do to save my foot, it was hard to take. Things got so bad that a little over a week ago, I could see my tendons in the open wound, and yet, here I stand – pain-free – sharing my journey with others. Coming to that realisation when I addressed everyone, I simply couldn’t hold my tears.’

Felisbela Amparo’s inspiring story began when what she describes as an uncomfortable burn-like boil developed on her foot. At first, it didn’t seem so bad but when it began to spread, alarm bells began to ring.

‘The ‘boil’ turned out to be a foot ulcer. Doctors managed to drain it but the wound wouldn’t close. They attempted a skin graft (surgical procedure where a piece of healthy skin is transplanted to a new site on a patient’s body) but the wound kept on widening. Nobody could determine what was causing this so, amputation seemed to be the only option.

By this time, Felisbela was in a lot of pain. She struggled to walk, could no longer wear shoes on the infected foot and would often have high fevers. This nine-month agony came to a miraculous end, after the event, the Day of Power.

‘I couldn’t accept my condition. My faith wouldn’t allow it. I believed that somehow, God would be able to help me. When I heard about the Day of Power, it was like an answered prayer. I wasn’t able to attend because of my foot but I asked my daughter and grandson to go on my behalf and pray for me which they did. They also brought me back a small bottle of oil which had been blessed.

It might sound crazy to others but I used the oil on my foot because it gave me the peace and assurance that everything would be okay. Day by day, the wound started closing on its own! Two weeks after the Day of Power, the wound had closed completely and I was back on my feet, pain-free. I couldn’t believe it.

I was so overjoyed that I had to share what happened with me with everyone who may have been feeling like me. When big problems arise, it’s easy to feel like the situation is irreversible and you are powerless to do anything about it. Don’t give up on yourself. My faith gave me an inner power that didn’t accept the situation. It gave me hope. I don’t know how to explain it but when I placed my faith in God, everything changed! It’s nothing short of a miracle!’

Felisbela Amparo

Click here to see the full image. Due to the sensitive nature of the image, discretion is advised.

* The UCKG HelpCentre’s spiritual advice is to be seen as a complement to the scientififically-proven treatment you may be receiving. The UCKG HelpCentre does not claim to heal people but believes that God can through the power of faith. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

What children see around them while growing up can either influence them in a positive or negative way. In Paulo Cabral’s case, he began to imitate the things he witnessed as a child, which added nothing but a huge negative impact on him.

‘Introduced to alcohol and sexual activities at an early age. Has a lot of anger bottled up inside. Is hooked on women, pornography and alcohol. Sleeps around and goes out to night clubs with friends. Is very proud and thinks he knows everything. This was my “hidden profile” when I started a relationship.

We moved in together, but my lifestyle hadn’t changed at all. She soon found out about my real me, which led us to face many problems in the relationship. We would constantly argue to the point that my relationship became hell. I couldn’t take it anymore and eventually it all came to an end.

To me that had been the worst moment of my life. I became very sad and felt like giving up on everything. However, deep inside I knew I needed to change.

I had heard about the Universal Church on TV and as I was walking down the road on a Friday, I happened to pass by the church and something within me told me to go inside. I stayed for the service that day, and I left there already feeling different on the inside.

I continued to attend the weekly meetings, and I learned to challenge myself to do something different by using my faith, believing that God would also do something different in my life. I wanted to let go of the “hidden profile” and change my life around. However, I knew that God couldn’t do that for me. I had to decide to quit that lifestyle.

For me, the main challenge was to give up everything that I had been doing that I knew wasn’t benefitting me. Doubts like, “You can’t do it, stop trying, give up” came to my mind. Nevertheless, I decided to go against myself and those thoughts, and I persevered.

Today, I can say with confidence that I have a new profile – I am happy and free. I have peace inside of me. I no longer try to fulfil myself with other things because I depend on God and He is my fulfilment. He gives me the strength to overcome each battle that comes my way.

I also attended the Love Therapy sessions, which helped me heal myself from my past relationship. There, I learned the true values of a relationship and how to love intelligently. Now I am engaged to someone who has the same faith as me. We are truly happy together and looking forward to the future!

If you relate to my story or you are facing any hardship, I advise you to give the Universal Church a try. Trust your life to God, and I am sure you won’t regret it.’

Paulo Cabral