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Champion Bull Rider Gets Courage from Christ

A two-time world champion, Adriano Moraes is known as one of the best bull riders in the world. Fans know him for his flawless technique and natural riding ability, but there's more to Adriano than being able to stay on a bucking animal: he is a man deeply committed to Jesus Christ.

"Work, faith, and humbleness," is the motto by which he and his family live. "When I'm close to my God," he says, "I'm doing well."

Moraes remembers one rodeo in particular where his faith was severely tested. After one of his rides, he witnessed a fellow Brazilian rider get thrown from his bull and go down hard. The rider didn't move as a concerned crowd of cowboys and officials gathered around him, loaded him on a gurney, and took him to the nearest hospital.

Suddenly, Moraes was gripped with fear. He didn't want the same thing to happen to him! Later, in his hotel room, he knelt by the side of his bed and prayed: "Lord Jesus, strengthen me through your Holy Spirit who lives in me." The Lord heard him and blessed him with peace and courage. Walking out of the room, he said, "I can die now."

While still a champion rider, Adriano also spends time on his special project, "Rodeo With Christ," a multifaceted ministry in Brazil. The ministry includes TV shows and an annual "Rodeo With Christ" evangelistic rodeo. The primary goal in both endeavors is to spread the truth of Jesus Christ to those who need to hear it.

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