News // November 2022

It’s been another full quarter for Novō!

We’re so thankful to each of you for standing with us as we seek to bring new life to individuals, peace to families, and hope to communities gripped by addiction.

Novō’s finances are extremely tight at this time. As you read our news, please join us in praying for provision. If you’re able to make a donation at this time, please click on the donate buttons.

So, what’s been happening?

At the time of writing, Santa Cruz is on day 19 of a civic strike, called in protest against delays to a national census that has significant implications for the democratic health of the country.Most roads are blocked, making travel in the city exceedingly difficult, businesses are closed, and supplies of food and fuel are disrupted.

Rehab is challenging at the best of times, but with staff struggling to get to work and the residents unable to leave the Quinta, it’s harder still! We can be flexible (e.g. doing counselling online), but the situation is far from ideal. Please pray for a swift, peaceful, positive way forward for the country and for peace to reign over the residents, the live-in volunteers (including David, who you’ll meet below), and the rest of the team.

The Partington family is now settled in Managua, Nicaragua. (If you missed it, you can read the background to the move here: https://novocommunities.org/2022/03/news-march-2022/). Over the coming months, they’ll be learning and relationship-building as we seek God’s leading for the specific next steps for Novō. Please pray for faith, wisdom, and guidance for Andy, Mickey, and the Trustees as we step out in Nicaragua. 

During October, Andy was able to visit Bolivia, spending time at Quinta Totaices, training and connecting with the team, as well helping to lead a Novō Adventures tour. He was encouraged to see the consistent quality of the work being done by David and the team, as well as an excellent atmosphere among the guys on the programme.

On Saturday 8th October, we enjoyed celebrating all that God has been doing, including the graduations of Yoy and Pepe. It was wonderful to see the support of their family and friends, to welcome visitors from South Africa and England, as well as from Santa Cruz, and to be joined by four graduates who encouraged us with their example of ongoing recovery. Please pray for protection and life abundant for Yoy, Pepe, and each of our graduates! 

We always enjoy receiving visitors to Novō, whether it’s the residents’ family members, the pastors and members of local churches, or friends and supporters of the ministry.

In recent weeks, we were visited by a number of friends from South Africa, the UK, the US, and Nicaragua. We asked some of them to reflect on their experience.

Novō’s volunteers, who live on-site at Quinta Totaices, and serve with us for 15 hours/week, in return for room and board, are a hugely important part of our work. Our newest volunteer, David, shares how he came to join Team Novō. 

My name is David Ancalle Sejas. I was born in the city of Santa Cruz. I am 22 years old and I’m studying accounting. I was born in a Christian family, my father is an evangelical pastor. Most of my life I lived in the city of Yacuiba, on the border with Argentina.

I got to know about Novō thanks to Kevin Zenteno, the chef at Novō. We have been friends since I was 10 years old. The first time I visited the center, in 2018 or 2019, I was anxious about meeting people who were addicted. Although they wanted to chat and hang out, I didn’t get too close to them.

As always, we’re thankful to you for reading our news, keeping in touch, praying, and supporting Novō Communities.

As mentioned earlier, at this time we’re earnestly seeking God for His provision. Please pray with us! If you’re able to make a donation, all the details are below. 

Blessings,

Team Novō

PRAYING TOGETHER

A growing band of Novō supporters belong to our WhatsApp prayer group. Alongside this, a group of us meet together monthly, via Zoom, to pray. We’d love for your to join us! If you’re interested, email andy@novocommunities.org

ONE-OFF DONATIONS

Novo’s funding comes from a blend of regular monthly and one-off donations. Both are vital to our work!

To make a one-off donation, click on the orange button below, which will take you to our website where you’ll find links to portals where you can quickly set up donations from the UK, Canada, and the US. You will also find bank details for donations in Bolivia.

NOVŌ PADRINOS

Padrinos is the name we are now giving to all regular supporters of Novō! In Latino culture, Padrinos (or Godparents) are much more than honorific titles! Padrinos are involved in the lives of their godchildren in meaningful ways. As a Novō Padrino, by making a monthly donation to the charity, you’ll stand alongside our residents by providing them with food, shelter, security, and loving community.

To become a Padrino, click on the orange button below, which will take you to our website where you’ll find links to portals where you can quickly set up a recurring monthly donation from the UK, Canada, and the US.

Your donation can be of any amount! A monthly gift of £10 / $15 CAD / $12 USD from each person who receives these updates would radically transform Novō’s finances.