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Under the shadow of the coronavirus Novo's residents - supported by the team and one-another - continue on with their recovery journeys. Our most recent graduate is Benigno, who came to us directly from the streets where he'd been living since he was just seven years old. Here's Benigno's story, in his own words:
TELL US ABOUT YOU
My name is Benigno, I’m 24 years old, and I was born in Montero. When I was a child, I went to school and one day I followed my partner out of curiosity, and he went online. I ended up addicted to the internet. I collected money to go to internet cafés, and I did not return to my house. I slept at a petrol station, and then when I was about 7 years old they sent me to a children’s home in Santa Cruz. After 6 months, I went out with a friend – I did not know Santa Cruz – and I got lost. Since I was 7 years old, I lived on the streets. 
A photo of Benigno from his days on the streets, and one from today - 9 months drug/alcohol free.
WHEN DID YOU START USING DRUGS?
When I was 11 years old I would search in the garbage for food to eat, or people gave me leftovers. I also went to a dining room for street kids where some of the kids introduced me to clefa (glue). It made me feel like a drunk and I really liked it and couldn’t stop. After clefa, I started using alcohol and marijuana for 10 years.
 
HOW HAS YOUR ADDICTION IMPACTED YOU?
I wanted to study but due to the bad habits of being on the street, I wasn’t in school. In my health, I am also affected. I got sick with Tuberculosis and did not pay attention to it, letting it progress. The Doctor said there was no cure because my disease had advanced a lot, but that they were going to give me some medications to relieve pain. That's why I say, it is thanks to God that I am here. Due to my illness, I cannot have any job, I cannot lift heavy things and do exercises. Only 30% of my lungs are working.

Since I started walking on the street, I never saw my family, nor did I think about spending so much time on drugs, but drugs made me forget about them. I always got along well with my mom and my sister and I miss them.  With my uncle I didn't I got along well. I stole $300 from him, but my wish is that when I come back I will ask his forgiveness and return his money.
HOW HAS BEING WITH NOVO HELPED?
I've learned about God and how to read the Bible. I’ve learned to help others. I’ve learned how to be responsible. Before I had no duties, like cleaning the house and organized my clothes. Here they have taught me that it is better to avoid talking about drugs and returning to dangerous places. I’ve learned to control my anger. Before, I got angry and hit. Now, I control myself. I no longer think about drugs. 

WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD MADE? 
God for me is my creator, he sent his son to save me, and he died for me on the cross. I am grateful to God, if it were not for him, I would be dead. He saved me from many accidents and he is healing me from my illness. I saw my family after 10 years. I was praying that this would happen when I entered another rehab centre before I came to Novo, and my family visited me and brought me gifts.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
I want to finish my treatment for Tuberculosis. I want to study, to go back to work. I just don't want to leave Novō! I don't want to fall again. I want to move forward, see my mom, help her – as I always should have – and dedicate myself more to friends. But, as the Bible says, if you have good friends, you will go a good way. If you have bad friends, you will go in bad ways.
 As we work to help Benigno and others, we're so grateful for your support. It's only together that this work is possible. Thank you! 

Please keep us in your prayers. These are challenging times for residents, staff, and our leaders.

If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a donation. Your support is much-needed at this time - and will make a real and lasting difference!
 
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In the UK, Novō Communities is a Registered Charity (1164421). In Canada and USA, we are partnered with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada and America respectively.

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