News | August 2025

My name is Ricardo Velez Ocampo Rau. I’m 36 years old and the proud father of two beautiful girls, ages 3 and 2.

Growing up, I stayed away from alcohol and drugs. My father was a soldier, and discipline was part of our home. I did well in school and had a bright future ahead. But as I got older, my world expanded—and with it, so did my exposure to different people and environments. In my 20s, I tried marijuana with friends. Over time, more drugs followed. The more drugs I used, the more lost I became.

Despite my addiction, I achieved a lot. I became a personal trainer, a skilled boxer, and studied law and gastronomy. I launched businesses—buying and selling cars, running a burger stand—and made a lot of money. But all that success only fed my addiction. I lived a life of fake happiness—drugs, women, and wealth that inflated my ego and made me feel untouchable.

Then it all came crashing down. The money ran out. I lost my businesses and material possessions. I was alone, addicted, and empty. I reached a point where I no longer wanted to live. I knew I needed help but didn’t know where to begin.

Someone suggested rehab. At first, I was offended. But then my sister told me that she and my father would support me if I went—and that it had been my mother’s final wish. I’ll never forget what my father said to me: “I want my son back.” That moment shook me deeply. I agreed to go.

But just a month later, I received devastating news—my mother had passed away. I left the center to attend her wake and burial, but afterward, I didn’t return. Instead, I fell back into addiction, isolating myself completely. I hit rock bottom.

Five months later, my sister encouraged me to try again. That’s when I came to Novō I was mentally and emotionally destroyed—grieving my mother, buried in addiction, full of dark thoughts. But Novō became a turning point.

There, I received the psychological, spiritual, and physical support I desperately needed. Through weekly group and individual sessions with Oscar and Bruno, I confronted parts of myself I had never acknowledged—especially my pride, my pain, and my deep-seated anger.

With the support of mentors, counsellors, Narcotics Anonymous, and my own desire to change, I began to rebuild. I regained my integrity, my self-esteem, and my vision for the future. Most importantly, I reconnected with God the Father—who gave me the strength to start again.

Today, I have a job waiting for me at a flour mill. I plan to resume my studies in gastronomy and nutrition. My daughters and my partner—who stood by me through it all—are waiting for me at home. And I can say to my father, who never gave up on me, “Dad, your son is back.”

I want to thank Pastor David Salazar for his patience and everyone at Novō for their dedication and love. Above all, I thank God for His mercy and for giving me a new beginning. This is the start of a new life!

Please pray for grace and protection for Ricardo, along with Juan José, Erasmo, Walter, José Alfredo, Enrique and Marcelo who have all graduated in recent months.

Work is actively underway toward the launch of a Novō Community in Kaduna, Nigeria. If you missed our last Novō News, where we introduced this exciting new initiative, you can catch up here: A New Chapter: Novō in Nigeria

We’ve set an ambitious goal: to open our doors in the first quarter of 2026. As we move toward that milestone, we’re trusting God to provide:

• £3,000 in additional monthly support
• Approximately £75,000 to purchase a suitable property

We’re currently searching for a property in a secure area—one that can accommodate 25 residents and staff, with space for vocational workshops, sports, and recreation.

Would you prayerfully consider supporting this strategic first step into Africa? Whether through a regular monthly gift or a one-off donation, your support will help us build a true house of hope – a safe place where the hurting and broken encounter not just physical and emotional healing, but also the love and freedom found in Christ.

On the evening of July 25th, we had the joy of hosting a heartfelt reunion dinner with a group of Novō Bolivia graduates. Bruno Ramirez (Recovery Worker) writes:

“The night was rich with laughter, honest reflections, and powerful stories of resilience and transformation.

“Each graduate who joined us has come a long way—through determination, daily courage, and an unwavering desire to build a new life. We are incredibly proud of every one of them. Their journey hasn’t been easy, but they continue to fight each day to live with purpose and integrity.

“While some familiar faces were missed, our hearts remain united. We stand firm in our mission to walk alongside each of them through the ongoing process of recovery—offering support, hope, and unwavering belief in who they are becoming.

It has been a difficult few months in Nicaragua after all residential rehabilitation centres in the country, including Centro Mahanaim and Campo Gonia, were closed by the government. Since 2018, more than 5,000 charities and NGOs have had their legal standing removed. 

Please pray for the leadership of both ministries, as well as church leaders, as they stand between this decision and the pressing need of increasing numbers in the country who are gripped by overwhelming drug and alcohol addictions.

During the last week of August, I will be travelling with Dan Head (a former colleague from Yeldall Manor) to Juba, South Sudan, to deliver an Introduction to Counselling course for church leaders under the auspices of ISAAC and the Episcopal University. The course will focus on addiction, which is a cause for real concern among church leaders in the world’s newest and poorest country.

Please pray for us as we seek equip and encourage God’s people as they build His Kingdom in such a challenging context.