Nicholas James Vujicic (December 1982) is a preacher,a motivational speaker and the Director of Life Without Limbs,a non-profit Christian organization.He regularly gives speeches across subject of disability and hope.
Early life
The first-born child of a Serbian family,Nick Vujicic was born in Melbourne,Australia with the rare Tetra-amelia disorder:limbless,missing both arms at shoulder level,and legless but with two small feet,one of which has two toes.Initially,his parents were devastated.Vujicic was otherwise healthy.
Growing up
His life was filled with difficulties and hardships.One was being prohibited by Victoria state law from attending a mainstream school because of his physical disability,even though he was not mentally impaired.During his schooling,the laws were changed,and Vujicic was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a mainstream school.He learned to write using the two toes on his left foot,and a special device that slid onto his big toe which he uses to grip.He also learned to use a computer and type using the "heel and toe" method (as demonstrated in his speeches),throw tennis balls,play drum pedals,comb his hair,brush his teeth,answer the phone,shave and get himself a glass of water (also demonstrated in speeches).
Epiphany
Being bullied at his school,Vujicic grew extremely depressed,and by the age of 8,started contemplating suicide.After begging God to grow arms and legs,Nick eventually began to realize that his accomplishments were inspirational to many,and began to thank God for being alive.A key turning point in his life was when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability.This led him to realize he wasn't the only one with major struggles.When he was seventeen,he started to give talks at his prayer group,and eventually started his non-profit organization,Life Without Limbs.
Career
Nick graduated from college at the age of 21 with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning.He began his travels as a motivational speaker,focusing on the topics that today's teenagers face.He also speaks in the corporate sector,although his aim is to become an international inspirational speaker,in both Christian and non-Christian venues.He regularly travels internationally to speak to Christian congregations,schools,and corporate meetings.He has spoken to over two million people so far,in twelve countries on four continents (Africa,Asia,Australia,and North America).
By the age of 25,Nick hoped to become financially independent.He wishes to promote his words through television shows such as the The Oprah Winfrey Show,as well as by writing books.His first book,planned for completion by the end of 2009,is to be called No Arms,No Legs,No Worries!.
His motivational DVD,Life's Greater Purpose,is available on the Life Without Limbs website.Most of the DVD was filmed in 2005,featuring a brief documentary about his home life,and how he does regular things without limbs.The second part of the DVD was filmed at his local church in Brisbane,and was one of his first professional motivational speeches.His motivational speeches can be seen on the Premiere Speakers Bureau Website.Vujicic currently lives in California.
Vujicic's first worldwide television interview,featured on 20/20 (ABC) with Bob Cummings was aired on 28 March 2008.
He appeared in the short film "The Butterfly Circus" which won the Doorpost Film Project's top prize of 2009,[8] and the Best Short Film award at the Method Fest Film Festival,where Vujicic was also awarded Best Actor in a short film.
