“Sacrifice results in victory because of faith and
determination.” - Bishop Edir Macedo in Change Your Life Through Your Sacrifice
I am not the
SAME PERSON ANYMORE
Before Ester Rogeiro came to the church, her life was shaken by an incident
that took place in her childhood. As she grew older, she found herself in other
harmful situations. Today, she shares her story with us.
“Who would have thought that those
who were close to me would have put
me in jeopardy? I was introduced to
pornography by my male and female
cousins at the age of nine and from
the age of ten, I was sexually abused
by my male cousin. Further to this, I also
became sexually involved with other
girls, at the age of ten. Over time, I
become heavily addicted to sex.
I grew up being abused, sexually,
verbally and physically, and this led to
me hating my dad. I would blame him
for everything that happened to me. I
desired his death; I wanted him to die
because he did not give me the care
and attention I needed. The lack of
attention at home led to me sleeping
around with older men.
Instead of shying away from the
abuse, I used it to my advantage.
Though I was empty and though I felt
dirty, some of the things that I did were
simply to fulfil a void, but they never
did— a negative thing can’t replace
another negative thing.
Sometimes, I hardly recognised myself.
I used men in the same way the person
who abused me used me and, I loved
it. However, I was never satisfied. I even
got into relationships with married men
— that’s how bad I was hurting. Further
to this, I began drinking alcohol to fill
the void.
As a result of constant disappointment
and arguments with my parents, I
began taking medication, with the
intention of killing myself.
I was empty, unhappy and I did not
value myself at all. I would cry before
going to bed, and there were times I
wouldn’t sleep at all. Before knowing
God, I thought everything that was
happening to me was normal.
Because of the life I was living, my
dad didn’t want me to live at home
anymore so, I got moved to Paris
and things got worse. I even got
into a relationship where I ended up
being abused.
When I arrived in the UK, things didn’t
get any better. I realised how
unhappy I was. I had no friends, no
one to talk to and, I would hate
being on my own; all I would do
is cry.
However, someone invited me to
the church and the Campaign
was announced a few months
later. This was when everything
changed; I put everything I
learnt into practice.
When I came to church, it
was hard for me because
I didn’t speak English
very well. However, as
time passed, I no longer
used this as an excuse.
I prayed to God in my
language asking Him
to help me because I
was very low, and I knew
this wasn’t how life was
meant to be.
Although I did not have
much financially, I placed
my life on the altar. I did
things I had never done
before because I wanted a
total transformation.
That same week my deliverance
began: my constant headaches
were gone, I was sleeping well, I
forgave my parents and decided to
get baptised. Since then my life has
never been the same. I am a happy
person today.
God answered my sacrifice and
today I am totally different; the way
I think and the way I am is not the
same as before. I no longer seek
sexual activities from the opposite
sex nor with the same sex to fulfil a void.
I love myself. I am not that same person
anymore. I am fulfilled.”
Ester Rogeiro
uckg.org|13
uckg.org|13