环球英语 — 25：Nick Vujicic

　　Voice 1

Hello I’m Elizabeth Lickiss. Welcome to Spotlight 1. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.

Like any new parents, Mr and Mrs Vujicic were nervous and happy! The day of their son’s birth had finally arrived! It was December the fourth 1982. It was a day they would never forget. Nick Vujicic was born in Melbourne, Australia. But when Nick was born, he shocked everyone. There was no explanation or answers for his condition. Nick was born without any limbs 2 - that is he was born without any arms or legs. Over twenty [20] years later, he wrote his amazing story. David Bast reads the story for us.

Voice 2

‘The whole church mourned over my birth. My parents were deeply troubled. Everyone asked, “If God is a God of love, why would he let something this bad happen?’ My father thought I would not survive for very long. But tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy - with just a few limbs missing!

‘Naturally, my parents were concerned about what kind of life I would be able to lead. Through the early years God provided them with strength, wisdom and courage. The law in Australia did not permit me to go to a normal school because of my physical disability. (But) God gave my mother the strength to fight for the law to change. I was one of the first disabled students to go to a normal school!

‘However, in my early years I experienced difficult times. I felt rejected and strange. Other children treated me badly because I was different. It was very hard for me to get used to. But my parents supported me. And I started to develop opinions and values that helped me overcome these times. I knew that I was different. But on the inside, I was just like everyone else. There were many times that I felt very sad. I did not go to school then. I could not deal with the bad treatment. My parents encouraged me to try and make friends. They told me to just talk to some of the students at school. Soon, they saw that I was just like them. And from that time on, God kept blessing 3 me with new friends.

‘There were times when I felt depressed 4 and angry - because I could not change the way I was. And I had no one to blame. I went to Sunday school, at the church. I learned that God loves us all and cares. And I understood that love to a point. But I did not understand why God had made me like this - if he loved me. (I asked), ‘Did I do something wrong?’ I thought I must have. I was the only ‘strange’ one at school. I wanted to end my pain. I wanted to end my life at a young age. But I am thankful once again to my parents and family. They were always there to make me stronger.

‘I was fifteen [15] when I (became a Christian). I did it after reading a verse 5 in the Bible. It was where Jesus explained why a man was born blind. He said it was ‘So that the works of God may be shown through him.’ I truly believed that God would heal me - I could be a demonstration 6 of His great power. Later, I gained wisdom. I understood that if we pray for something, it will happen if it is God’s will. And it will be in his time. If it is not God’s will, then he has something better. (I now understand that) God is using me just the way I am. He is using me in a way that he cannot use others.

‘God has given me a strong desire to share my story and experiences. I want to help other people deal with the difficulties in their lives. I want God to turn their difficulties into blessings 7. And I want to encourage other people to live their lives to the full. I want to encourage people not to let anything get in the way of reaching their hopes and dreams.

‘I have now completed a degree in Financial Planning and Accounting 8. I am also a motivational speaker (I give speeches to encourage people). I have developed speeches for students. I encourage them. I speak about the difficult issues young people have to deal with today.

‘I have many dreams and goals. I want to become the best example I can be of God’s love and hope. I want to become an international motivational speaker. I want to become financially independent through investments. I want to develop a car that enables me to drive - (even with my disability). And I want to tell my story on the Oprah Winfrey Show! It is also one of my dreams to write best-selling books! I hope to finish my first book by the end of the year. It will be called, ”No arms, No legs, No worries.”’

Voice 1

Today, Nick travels to different countries sharing his story. He works with young people. He helps them to deal with problems caused by drugs, alcohol and depression. He helps those who question the meaning of their life. People often feel very emotional during Nick’s talks. Afterwards, they may cry on his shoulder. He tells them of God’s love - and that there are no limits to his power.

Voice 3

‘As humans, we keep putting limits on ourselves for no reason at all. Even worse - we put limits on God. And God can do all things - there are no limits!’