Joao Teixeira da Faria, commonly referred to as "John of God" (Joao de Deus), is arguably the most powerful unconscious medium alive today and is possibly the best-known healer of the past 2,000 years. It is estimated that he has treated some 11 million people since he dedicated his life to healing the sick 43 years ago.

Joao provides free treatment from his small hospital-style sanctuary in the town of Abadiania, in the province of Goias, 130 km from Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. The sanctuary, called Casa de Dom Inacio, is open Wednesday through Friday each week.

Joao loses consciousness when he incorporates elevated spirit entities. These entities use his body to perform operations, treatments and cures of the physical and spiritual bodies of the sick who come to see Joao. Everyone who visits the Casa may observe and participate in the proceedings.

At the age of 16, Joao Teixeira accepted the responsibility of devoting his life to spirit incorporation for the purpose of healing the sick. This life-long task would demand much of him and frequently repay him with abuse, personal deprivation, persecution and unlawful incarceration. To be trusted with such an awesome responsibility requires a strong, moral and righteous man with a humble spirit. Joao has also been instructed to provide his healing services free of charge, lest he lose the gift.

It's important to remember that while there are many "instantaneous and seemingly miraculous" healings at Casa de Dom Inacio, most healings take time - three months or more - before results are clearly observable. Depending on the stage and gravity of their illness, most people respond favorably. Some, however, do not. A missing limb cannot be replaced, and similarly, a severely degenerated organism might not respond. There is a point beyond which the body cannot regenerate. The ability to respond favorably is dependent upon many things, including the effects of current medication, the extent of physical deterioration, the degree of spiritual awareness, or even the person's karma.

The mark of Joao's success is observable in the thousands who flock to his hospital-style healing center every week. Sometimes he travels to distant cities where he heals as many as 25,000 people in five days. He never refuses anyone who is clean of heart and pure of intent. Although a devoutly God-loving man, he accepts all without prejudice or religious bias. He heals the poor with the same dedication as he heals the rich or famous.

The world's elite seek his help when Western medicine fails. Actress Shirley MacLaine, members of Congress, judges, statesmen, priests, nuns, rabbis - the poor and the wealthy - all find their way to Abadiania to seek the help of Joao Teixeira Da Faria, known throughout Brazil as Joao de Deus - John of God.