Beggar preaches in church

One Sunday morning, an evangelical church in Lagoa da Italianinha was taken by surprise when they learned who would be preaching. Pastor André called upon Gabriella, a homeless woman known for preaching on the streets, a former socialite who became a Christian after losing everything.

Although he offered Gabriella new clothes, she refused. Gabriella said:

- God isn't concerned with appearances, but with the heart. I'll go like this, dirty and barefoot, just to see the people's reaction.

When André called Gabriella to the pulpit, the people present were perplexed. One woman said:

- Pastor, how can you invite a homeless woman to preach? What does she have to teach us?

- Much more than you imagine.

Gabriella said in her sermon:

"I know you're all shocked because you expected someone well-dressed to bring the Word. That's your problem. Thinking that clothes mean something." Yes, I am a beggar. I sleep on sidewalks and park benches, and I know this is a mission given to me, because I usually bring the Word to those who are suffering in the early hours of the morning. Which of you do this? You say you are Christians, and you are sleeping in your warm beds while people out there are getting drunk, even thinking about suicide, and you are comfortable in your homes. Would Jesus do that?

General silence. Gabriella said:

- Look, they call me "the enemy of money," of wealth and prosperity. Well, I was rich, a spoiled brat in Recife, and I was very problematic. I lost everything because of gambling addiction in my family, I became a beggar, which I so despised. Despite the suffering of not having a roof over my head, it's a mission that was given to me. But the sin is not being rich, having money, houses, cars, possessions... the sin is loving all of that, because you won't take anything from this world. I intend to continue living outdoors; I don't plan on living under a roof, but it's my choice. Have your things, but don't love them. Share with those who have nothing. And above all, repent of your sins, for the world is nearing its end, keep that in mind. Things are getting worse, and stop playing at the Gospel.

Some there began to cry. A woman, the same one who had complained to the pastor, stood up and said:

- Can I say something?

- Yes.

- I used to despise homeless people. But what you said touched me deeply. What do I need to do? I'm rich, will I have to give up everything, even become homeless like you?

- No. If you don't worship that, it's not necessary. What is necessary is that you repent and convert. As for your possessions, keep them, but share them. Help those in need.

Gabriella spoke for another half hour and held everyone's attention, who couldn't believe that a beggar could hold their attention. At the end of the service, there was a snack, and Gabriella took some snacks for herself and other homeless people.