Brazil's Worst Murderer Meets Jesus Behind Bars

No matter what our crime, Jesus still forgives, redeems, and gives us purpose. May we remember that as we consider the spiritual needs of those who are incarcerated.

Decades ago, Florisvaldo Oliveida was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of more than 50 people in Brazil. In his cell, Oliveida had only a few hours of light each day, was fed through a slot in the door, and had no contact with others.

Despair and hopelessness set in. The gravity of his crimes gnawed at him day and night. He had defiantly refused to repent in court. Now he regretted his poor decisions.

But one day, God gave two Christian women favor with the prison warden to visit Oliveida and give him a Bible and a Light for the Lost tract. “God loves you with an everlasting love,” they told him. “And He has sent us to give you these.” The Bible and the tract changed Oliveida's life. After weeks of study, he decided to trust in Jesus and accept salvation.

In the years following, Oliveida was allowed to preach the gospel freely in the prison. Hundreds of men came to Christ through Oliveida’s ministry!

Today, Light for the Lost partners with chaplains and missionaries who work inside hundreds of jails and prisons worldwide. This issue honors them for their faithful and compassionate ministry to prisoners everywhere.

I am so glad that Jesus still offers mercy and forgiveness to prisoners, regardless their crime and sin. Every person behind bars at this moment is a potential Oliveida! If you feel so moved, you may designate an offering today to help missionaries and chaplains reach prisoners for Christ.

Click here to be directed to the “Spotlight feature” giving page, where you may contribute. Thank you for helping LFTL meet the spiritual needs of prisoners everywhere.