Changed Life, Changed Family

By Kenneth Eagleton

When Tiago was born 15 years ago, he was extremely sick and required oxygen. On his third day, the doctors called in the family and told them the baby was unlikely to make it through the night. However, God worked a miracle, and 40 days later Tiago left the hospital. Due to his shaky start in life, his mother Laudine overprotected him and wouldn’t give him the freedom other children enjoyed.

His Uncle Cláudio and Aunt Glaucia were saved in a Free Will Baptist church in Campinas, Brazil, while Tiago was a young child. His grandmother (Cláudio’s mother), a devout Catholic, said Cláudio’s conversion was the worst day in her life. She gradually changed her mind as she witnessed the changes God made in her son’s life.

As soon as Tiago was old enough, Uncle Cláudio invited him to go to church youth camp. His mother always said no. Finally, at age 15, at the beginning of 2020, just before the COVID-19 epidemic started in Brazil, Tiago’s mother allowed him to go. On the last night of camp, during the bonfire service, Tiago trusted Jesus with his life. He immediately began attending church, is being discipled by his uncle, and will be baptized soon.

Tiago immediately began talking to his family about Jesus. Since he holds a special place in the family, it has been easier for him to gain a hearing. His father and mother began attending church with him, although his father, a truckdriver, is frequently out of town over the weekend.

On Saturday, November 7, the family was involved in a car accident. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt, although all were quite shaken. The next day, Laudine, Tiago’s mother, attended Nova América FWB Church determined to give her life to the Lord. When Pastor Paulo César gave the invitation, she went forward and accepted Jesus as Savior.

The following week, Tiago’s father, Arthur, had a long-distance haul. Yet, he determined to be back by Sunday. He drove 32 hours straight to make it home before Sunday’s service. The pastor called Tiago’s father forward and complimented him in front of the church for having made such an effort. Then he asked Arthur why he wanted to come to church so badly. Arthur stated he wanted to give his heart to Jesus. He did so, even before the sermon. There is rejoicing in Heaven!

Tiago continues to witness to his family, especially two aunts who don’t like to talk about spiritual matters with anyone. But they are listening to Tiago. The family is also praying for Tiago’s grandmother, who initially opposed the family’s involvement in an evangelical church. We hope to see many more family members saved in the months to come.

Praise the Lord for this bold teenage witness and for a Free Will Baptist church witnessing and winning families to the Lord.

About the Writer: Dr. Kenneth Eagleton is director of field partnerships for IM, Inc. Learn more: IMInc.org.