It’s been a long time since we last wrote. Too long!
Hopefully you’ve been following how things have been going with Novō via our Novō News Updates. If not, you can read the latest one (and subscribe for more) here: Novō February 2017 Update. You can also play catch-up by reading our hot-off-the-press Novō Annual Review 2016 (UK) – and follow Novō on Facebook!
Suffice to say it’s been a really exciting period with 8 residents now on the programme at Quinta Totaices and our mobile car wash business now up and running. God is good!
The big news from us as a family is that after 2 years here in Bolivia we’re going to be back in the UK from early July to late August (as well as a week at the start of June). We’re so looking forward to being home and hope to connect with as many of you as possible during that time.
In addition to time for refreshment with family and friends we’re also going to be ‘on a mission’ to raise the profile of Novō as a charity in the hope of increasing the number of churches and individuals who support Novō practically and prayerfully. In that context, we’re on the look out for opportunities for us to share about Novō in churches, small groups, men’s group, or gatherings of friends. Do let us know if you’re able to set something up for us!
It’s been both a busy and good couple of months on the family front.
Trinity International Church, the English-speaking church here which Andy used to lead, have been without a Pastor since the end of 2015. At the end of the year we felt quite a strong prompt to return for a period so that Andy could support the church, preaching a couple of times a month and organising the speaking rota. Easter Sunday was a real highlight of this time, as we had the privilege of baptising 5 people (3 Bolivians and 2 Americans).
In April, Daniel and Jemimah performed in their school’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Daniel played Peter and Jemimah was a Naiad. Everyone involved’s efforts were greatly rewarded with an amazing production, and we were really very proud of them both!
A couple of days after the play we headed-off for a few days away with Mickey’s parents to Santiago de Chiquitos, a small former Jesuit mission town 4 hours east of Santa Cruz. It was great to enjoy the stunning scenery of this area and to enjoy some time together away as a family.
As we sign-off can we leave you with two specific and important prayer requests!
The first relates to our close friends, Marco, Misty and Ciprian Lopez. It’s a really long story (and we can’t go into details) but on the 22nd March, as she went to pick up her son from school, Misty was arrested and, within a few days, transferred to Palmasola prison on the edge of the city. Here in Bolivia you can be arrested and detained whilst allegations made against you are investigated and the authorities decide whether to charge you with any crime. This is what has happened to Misty, who remains in custody. Can you pray with us for Misty, specifically that the appeal against her ‘preventative detention’ will be successful and that, as a result, she will be quickly released. Looking further we are, of course, praying that her innocence will be quickly and categorically demonstrated and no charges will be brought against her!
The second one is a Novō prayer request for finances. In 2017, as we work to see local sources of funding (including the business) move the project towards financial sustainability, we need to raise a minimum of £66,000 (£5,500/month). Will you join as we pray and trust in God to provide for these immediate needs? And, of course, if you feel prompted to respond, please do so! There are 2 ways to give:
- You can set-up a regular gift or make a one-off donation to Novō using this form: Novo UK Giving Form.
- You can give online via Stewardship Service using this link: Donate to Novō. If you don’t already have one, you will need to set-up a Stewardship account – an easy process!
Thank you so much for your love and support. We can’t wait to see those of you who are in the UK when we’re home this summer!
With love & blessings,
Andy, Mickey, Daniel, Jemimah, Phoebe & JJ.
xxxxx
PARTINGTON BLOG 
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