WHAT THE PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK
Laura Gabriela MogoiLaura Gabriela Mogoi • 1st • 1stPeacemaker 🕊/ Attorney-at-Law/ Rome 🇮🇹/ Bucharest 🇷🇴Peacemaker 🕊/ Attorney-at-Law/ Rome 🇮🇹/ Bucharest 🇷🇴3w •
FromHeroToVillain: My True Story of the CITGO 6" by Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk
When you flip through Jose Angel Pereira 's "From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the CITGO 6," you enter a world where the abyss of injustice meets the light of redemption. This book is not only an account of the events experienced by Jose Angel Pereira, but a profound reflection on the fragility of freedom and the strength of the human soul in the face of the darkest adversities.
Jose Angel Pereira describes with almost surgical precision the moment when his life changes radically: a business trip turns into a nightmare of five years of unjust imprisonment in Venezuela.
The real power of this book lies in Jose Angel Pereira 's ability to convey his experience with disarming vulnerability. He hides nothing: the most painful details of his captivity, the physical and mental torture, the suffering inflicted by the separation from his family. But, like a golden thread that runs through the canvas of the story, there is a resilience that shines on every page.
Jose Angel Pereira is not just a survivor; He is a man reborn from the ashes of despair, transformed by his experience into something stronger, wiser, more spiritual.
The descriptions of the encounters with people of great culture and wisdom during his imprisonment, the rediscovery of faith and the Bible as a source of strength and inspiration, are moments that give the book a mystical dimension. These moments are testaments to the human ability to find light even in the darkest places.
A particularly touching aspect is the description of his relationship with his wife hashtag#Mervis. Jose Angel Pereira reflects with deep gratitude on his wife's unconditional support, which has made his path of survival and transformation possible. Their bond emerges as a beacon of hope, showing that love can truly overcome any obstacle.
The book is not just a chronicle of events, but a meditation on the importance of faith, family and forgiveness. Jose Angel Pereira invites us to reflect on our lives, the choices we make, and how we deal with adversity. Her story is an invitation to never give up, to find strength in God and in the people who love us, and to transform even the most devastating experiences into opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
"hashtag#FromHeroToVillain " is not simply a book to read, but an experience to live!
Sara Rojas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life can be a movie. Wow!
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024Verified Purchase
It paints a vivid picture of the suffering, from the initial arrest to the international efforts that eventually helped to the release. The story tells all the struggles of international relations, legal challenges, and the mental/physical toll on everyone. Is not just a tale of injustice but also a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity!!
Christine M. West
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inspiring true story of human resilience
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2024
Jose's story of being ambushed on a routine visit from Texas to Venezuela. Where Jose and his executive colleagues went from being heroes to villains instantly. Most people have been backstabbed and betrayed in some form in their lives – this story of Jose’s was more intriguing, raw, political, and transformational with finding human connection through love and hope. And rediscovering his relationship with God to strengthen his Spirit. This story is a grueling emotional, mental, and physical discipline to build up one’s resilience to have an unbreakable spirit that no man or woman can break so you do what you are called to do.
Not everyone is willing to go through that process. And most do not realize what is possible and stay stuck in the impossible. Jose answered his Divine Calling to keep his FAITH to be built up to SERVE mankind in a very Honored Manner. I am honored to been gifted with Jose's story in my life.
Chiyedza Nyahuye
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jose's awe-inspiring story, From Hero to Villain: MyTrue Story of the CITGFO6
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024
Jose's deeply heartfelt story is truly inspiring. In paraphrasing the bible, we all have challenges in this life, but God gives us enough grace to overcome them. His interpretation of the extreme trials of being incarcerated in Venezuela for 5 years, the troubling health challenges and dire deprivation that he and his colleagues suffered as God testing his faith and calling. What a powerful way to turn the horrendous pain he experienced into purpose and serving humanity. Having listened to his stories in several LinkedIn audio rooms, witnessing his healing transformation now culminating in this current publication can only encourage us with hope of what is possible, even when going through the most unbelievable experiences. Thank you for the testimony of your life and your colleagues that you are sharing so powerfully throughout the world!:)
Anthony C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book everyone should read
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
A thrilling, heartbreaking and inspiring story about resilience and hope. I am also from Venezuela and always followed his story very closely, it’s so sad to see how someone’s birth and home country can be transformed into a living hell by the government. It really is a story worth knowing and it’s so important to raise awareness about this issue. There are so many innocent people unfairly imprisoned by their countries’ governments just because they refused to be pawns in their game.
The storytelling is also amazing and engaging! You can read the emotions, the desperation and pain but also the hope and strength he needed to overcome everything he had to endure.
100% recommended and I hope this book reaches so many more people.
Seth Barret
5.0 out of 5 stars
When reality beats fiction…
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024
This is an incredible true story written from the heart! It talks volumes about how a horrible deception, that brought a lot of pain & suffering, became later a story of redemption and an amazing opportunity for spiritual growth. Don’t miss it!
Tina Young-Holman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hero to Villain: The True Story of Citgo6 shared by Jose Pereira
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
I had the pleasure of having Jose on his first podcast to tell his powerful story of resilience and faith. How they endured some horrible circumstances. This book gives more details on what they went through and how they survived these times. Get your copy so you will find the will or courage to make it through like the Citigo6 Hostage. Tells how it all started and how they made it back home.
Thank Jose for sharing your story so it might help others.
Tina
Black 2 Black Talk Show Host
Demetria N Goode
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful Testimony
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
This is a good read! True warrior, may you have so much peace in your life! Continue to share your testimony!
Patricia Rodgers
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fight for Justice
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
The book details the harrowing experience of Jose Pereira and his colleagues, known as the CITGO6, who were unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela, shedding light on their struggles, the legal and political complexities, and the impact on their families.
Resilience is emphasized, as they continuously fought for way overdue justice.
Dr. Patricia Rogers
Barbara Garcia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
Jose really provides inspiration for anyone struggling! He shows compassion, strength and belief! Really an outstanding person who has overcome many challenges most of us couldn’t even imagine much less survive.
Mike Spillman
5.0 out of 5 stars
An AMAZING story - An AMAZING man!
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
I had the privilege of interviewing Jose on my podcast and got to hear - in depth - his incredible story of resilience and faith first hand. What a great story of hope and faith for not only him, but also his wife and family! Be watching! I predict that sometime in the future you will see a movie on this whole event involving the "Citgo 6"
Josh Brandon
5.0 out of 5 stars
What an amazing story of resilience!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
Jose’s story is nothing short of remarkable. It’s difficult to imagine what he and his colleagues went through during their captivity and the challenges they faced at that time. His story is horrifying at times and difficult to read but I strongly encourage everyone to buy this book and read his story.
One of the most remarkable parts of this story is that even though he went through extremely adverse circumstances he came out the other side a changed man, grateful for his freedom and for seeing his family again.
Buy this book and buy a few copies for your friends to give as gifts. We need to spread awareness worldwide because this could happen to anyone.
Lady-Drew Boger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellence
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
This is a wonderful gentleman with a wonderful and, supportive wife.
I am honored to be a associate of his.
I know one will enjoy his book.
If one does not purchase this book, one will loose out on learn his journey and, how he over came his diversities and, remains to be a wonderful and, positive individual today.
Blessed be.
Sincerely;
Lady-Drew Boger
Chad & Lanell Osinga
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
Powerful story of resilience, creativity, and faith.
Joao_pr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Family story
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
In this book, beyond finding a great story of resilience of a man in his darkest moment, you will also read the story of a family that was separated by different circumstances. This horrible situation brought them together and little by little they have been rebuilding their lives.
You will also read different stories that I heard when I was a child and that due to fate this situation brought everything together.
Mervis Ruiz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing ,Shocking,Unbelievable the story of Jose been Hostage in Venezuela
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
When I read the chapter of his capture and what they did to him, I could not stop thinking : this is totally surreal!!!!!
I can't imagine that thing like this could be happening today?
Is a raw and deep narration on how the human nature can endure under any circumstance.
this is a MUST read !!!!!
Yussuf Pereiriz
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Amazing Book!! An Amazing Journey!! It’s a must read
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
This book is an Amazon Journey of Survival and how the faith in God,The support of the family and the Hope made to suffer the terrible ordeal and at the same time represent an awareness of the terrible international situation of the hostage taken
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FROM HERO TO VILLAIN-MY TRUE STORY OF THE CITGO6
Breaking News
The waiting finally has finished, the Book Finally is available in Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Lulu, Apple books, Draft2Digital, Smashwords , amont other major outlets
Jose Pereira today is one of the most vocal voices in the US raising awarness to stop the Hostage Diplomacy working with Foundations that support all the Hostage Community and has become a Leadership and Resilience Coach and a Motivational Speaker and now an author
Jose Pereira reveals his harrowing journey of been part of six american oil and gas executives plunged from heroism into the shadows of international intrigue amidst Venezuelan tumultuous political climate
This gripping tale exposes the harsh realities of Hostage Diplomacy as Pereira once esteemed now captive shares his story with raw honesty
Through clandestine letters to his wife he smuggles during 3 yearslong isolation Pereira unveils the manipulation and the despair of captivity yet finds resilience within, in a narrative with a reminesence on "Anne Frank Diary" Style
From Hero to villain is not just a saga -its a testament to human strenght with Pereira emergin as a global advocate for Hostages
This stirring memoir challenges readers to confront power dynamics and moral ambiguity highlighting the enduring power of faith, love and hope amidst darkness
I'm excited to announce that my book is 100% edited and ready to go out in the next weeks and here is the cover of my book
Preorder it now to be the firsrt to be part of the story and make the book a best seller, and you will recieve as a FREE gift the masterclasss "HOW TO BECOME A GREAT LEADER "
Once you pre-order fill up your email information and we will deliver the Masterclass to yourr email
"The story of the CITGO 6 is one of resilience and spiritual growth in the face of unimaginable adversity. These six men showed incredible strength and courage during their five years of imprisonment, and their experience is a powerful symbol of the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome. We can all learn from their example, finding hope and inspiration in the darkest of times."
- Houston Chronicle
My True Story of the CITGO 6
My story of the CITGO 6 is one of tragedy, injustice, and perseverance. In November 2017, six American oil executives were arrested by the Venezuelan tyranny and accused of esspionage, treason, corruption, and embezzlement. Despite their innocence, these men were imprisoned for five years without a fair trial.
Despite the harsh conditions they faced, the CITGO 6 never lost hope. They used their time in prison to strengthen their spiritual lives, finding comfort in prayer and meditation. They formed a strong bond with one another, supporting each other through the toughest of times. Even when they were subjected to solitary confinement and other forms of torture, they refused to give up.
Finally, in October 2022, after intense negotiations, a Prisoner Swap with two famous Narco Nephews of the Venezuelan President and the CITGO 6 were released from prison and allowed to return to the United States.
Book Summary
'From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the CITGO 6' takes you along the journey of six heroic men, the so-called CITGO 6, and the tragic and bizarre twist of their story. This book provides an in-depth look at the various factors that led to the downfall of these six brave men and how these events can serve as an example of resilience and transcendence. A unique and powerful narrative, From Hero to Villain provides a powerful example of the power of strong family ties and surviving searching for meaning. The incredible story of the CITGO 6 is one of resilience and spiritual growth in the face of unimaginable adversity. We can all learn from their example and find hope and inspiration in the darkest of times.
The Book
The Journey
When everything happened, psychologists have managed to frame the stages of a crisis in 4 stages:
a. Paralysis
b. Uncertainty in those first moments
c. Intrusion, anxiety, and anguish
d. Elaboration and resolution
The Geopolitical Complot
It was in this last stage that we understood the magnitude of the case and how it escalated until it became a geopolitical confrontation between the US and Venezuela, it was we internalized the seriousness of the issue, and the 6 of us decided to overcome ourselves emotionally and made a firm oath to focus on the mind, body, and spirit to survive the Dungeons in Venezuela, similar to be in a Nazi concentration camp. This book is a healing instrument and, at the same time, a legacy for all those who suffer a tragedy.
How It Ended
This ended up in a nightmare in an absurd incarceration accused of espionage, treason to the country, and corruption that lasted five long years until the Biden Administration made a swap for us with 2 Kingpin drug lords, cousins of the Venezuelan dictator.
This is the journey of CITGO 6.
This is my story.
About Me
I have been seen in PDVSA as a hero, and in a snap, the Venezuelan Tyranny cataloged me as the vilest of villains, We were subjected to terrible physical and psychological torture worthy of Nazi concentration camps, and here we are alive, more vital than ever. It is an example of resilience, improvement, personal growth, and the emergence of a new spiritual awareness and connection with God. In the worst conditions, I rediscovered God, Christ, who conveys messages of hope, humility, redemption, mercy, wisdom, and inner peace. I hope you have enjoyed yourself after this carousel of emotions and come to the same conclusion. If I managed to convey my message to you, if I managed to open your minds and souls, if after reading this, you see that your sufferings can be overcome and that nothing is impossible with FAITH in God, if I achieve that, then I have achieved the legacy of my life. I want you to receive my message of redemption and hope that there is no event, no matter how catastrophic it may be, it does not matter which one or why it happened, or when; the important thing is to discover what lesson God is putting in our path, and if we find it out, we will see the divine signs, we found our legacy. We will have managed to transcend, and that is the great discovery of life, our mission. important thing is to discover what lesson God is putting in our path and if we discover it, we will see the divine signs, we discovered our legacy and we will have managed to transcend and that is the great discovery of life, our mission.
JOSE PEREIRA RUIMWYK - LEADERSHIP AND RESILIENCE COACH AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
Life Pills for a Survival Guide "LPSG": Tips to survive adversity and come out stronger
I am a former Hostage during 5 Years and was a CEO with 35 years in Oil & Gas Multinationals that decided to convert my ordeal to build resilience & help CEOs, Business Owners, Entrepreneurs , also do MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING
The LPSG Coaching Program, meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of CEOs and Business Owners, is proudly introduced here. This esteemed program draws upon our vast wealth of management expertise and endurance to assist CEOs in refining their management competencies, overcoming challenges, and strengthening their tenacity. Our program distinguishes itself by primarily focusing on empowering CEOs' leadership capabilities, promoting growth in management performance, addressing intercommunication obstacles, enhancing employee engagement, resolving teamwork issues, orchestrating team-building experiences, and facilitating tailored one-on-one or group coaching sessions.
Facilitate also CEOs and businesses in assessing the risks involved in overseas business travel and the relocation of staff as expatriates for international operations. Our specialized training programs are meticulously designed to prepare individuals and teams, leveraging our extensive experience in handling expatriates. We focus on enhancing situational awareness, refining crisis management capabilities, and fostering cultural sensitivity during international assignments. In case of an unfortunate hostage situation, our coaching services are ready to provide guidance in making informed decisions, while our established network with government agencies, non-government organizations, media outlets, and journalists enables us to offer support to the victims and their families.
I come with a wealth 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, where I held executive positions such as CFO and CEO of Citgo Petroleum leading strategic planning, financial management, and joint ventures in multicultural environments.
My mission is to help the CEOs, & Business Owners to improve there performance, to improve their leadership,to enhance their communication skills, improve there mindset & make there companies be successful
As a former Hostage I advocate too for the Hostages Community and I am one of the most vocal voices in the US talking in all the audiences ( Public and Private) to raise awareness and stop the so called “Hostage Diplomacy” and help closely the Foundations that work to help the Hostage Community
Want to hear more about our services ?
book a 30 min FREE call:
https://calendly.com/josepereiracoachinghttps://joseconnect.com/