In the quiet of the night, in a moment of despair, João de Oliveira*, a self-proclaimed atheist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stumbled across a video about Jesus that would change his life forever. 

João’s life seemed perfect, however, he concealed an inner turmoil that led him to feel that all hope was lost. Living in a city like Rio de Janeiro is challenging for those looking for their spiritual identity among the array of religious traditions present. 

In his darkest hour, contemplating suicide, João found himself questioning the very existence of God.

He begged for a sign, or any indication that a loving God truly existed.

He was answered in a form he could never have anticipated—a video from CV Outreach, an initiative of CV. 

The evangelistic video led João to a CV Outreach page that connected him with a pastor from his town. From there, they exchanged messages that helped him understand the gospel and the unconditional love found in following Jesus.

For the first time in years, he found himself speaking to God, not with scepticism, but with the beginnings of faith.

From the depths of atheism he moved to a place of belief and communication with Christ.

His testimony reveals that hope can be found even in the most unexpected places and that God’s love can reach those who often seem the furthest away.