By Rodrigo Sabino da Silva

It was in the midst of the favelas, the sprawling slums of Rio de Janeiro in the midst of violence, poverty and despair that I found new life through the transformative power of the blood of Jesus and it gave me purpose and meaning. My name is Rodrigo Sabino da Silva, and this is my story of overcoming adversity, finding hope in Jesus, and learning what it means to be a beacon of light in one of the darkest places of Brazil. 

I was born and raised in the favelas, where some of the poorest of the poor live. From an early age we faced countless challenges that come with poverty. The favelas is a deep and dark battleground where often the fate of youth hangs in the balance. With heavy drug trafficking, from an early age they face the harsh reality of what the lure of drugs does to them as they gain easy access to  marijuana, cocaine, crack, and ecstasy. It is in these dark places that the yearn to see light, just a small glimmer of hope where all else seems to fade. Yet, it was in the midst of this reality that I encountered the life-changing gospel through a local church’s social project. At the tender age of 13, I experienced the living water that flows from the throne of God. The game of soccer became a metaphor for the gospel in my life, a source of joy and a reminder of the hope found in Christ.

The bright light of Yeshua is ever so needed and the presence of churches to educate, provide a place for social activities, including sports, and share about our true and everlasting hope to combat the darkness of addiction. 

Growing up in the 1990s and 2000s, my generation not only faced the challenges of poverty but also the heavy weight of racism and prejudice. If I merely mentioned to someone where I lived, it often elicited judgment and discrimination from others. However, amidst the struggles, I held on to the promise in Isaiah 41:10. This verse served as a reminder that God’s presence and strength were there with me, regardless of what others thought. 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

At the age of 14, I began working to support myself and contribute to my family’s finances. Though it meant sacrificing a typical adolescence, the experience taught me the value of hard work and resilience. By the grace of God, I was able to balance work and studies, paving the way for future opportunities. Eventually, I went to serve in the Brazilian Air Force, where I faced new challenges but continued to rely on God’s strength and the support of my faith community. During my time in the military, I met my wife, Leilane, and together we built a beautiful family grounded in faith. We became passionate about serving others and being a source of light and hope in our community. Through our involvement in social projects, we work to uplift those who, like us, had experienced the darkness of the favelas.

My journey from the favelas to a life of purpose and faith has been marked by struggles, triumphs, and unwavering hope. Through the grace of God, I found solace in Jesus Christ and discovered the power to overcome obstacles. Today, my mission is to share my testimony, inspire others, and work towards transforming communities like the one I grew up in. May my story serve as a testament to the enduring light of hope that shines even in the darkest of places.