My name is Leonardo David Camero, I am a 20-year-old Venezuelan living in Pacaraima with my parents, a brother and a sister. In 2019, my family made the difficult decision to leave Venezuela and come to Brazil in search of better living conditions. The economic crisis had worsened to the point that our daily life became unsustainable. My parents dreamed of a better future for us, especially regarding education. Public schools were no longer functioning properly: many teachers stopped teaching because they didn’t even have money for transportation.
As soon as we arrived in Brazil, we were welcomed by the Baptist Community of Pacaraima, where I was baptized and began my ministry in the worship team. At the same time, I balanced my studies with volunteer work at the Peniel Shelter House. There, I helped daily with the preparation and distribution of meals for Venezuelan families who, in large numbers, crossed the border every day fleeing hunger and oppression, often through dangerous routes. We served around 400 meals a day. It was hard work, but it filled me with joy.
In 2023, I received an invitation from the Refugee Forum to join the Young Leaders Program of the CASA Association. This experience broadened my ministerial vision. After an online training, I traveled to São Paulo and took part in the 7th Refugee Forum, with all expenses covered. Since then, other young people and I have remained involved with the program, and my heart rejoices more and more as I confirm my calling and gain knowledge in the area of missions among migrant and refugee communities.
In 2024, I finished high school while working at the Red Cross, where I stayed for over three years. Despite the valuable experience, I had to leave in search of greater financial stability, as the job depended on the migratory flow — when it decreased, staff cuts followed. I currently work at a pharmacy and am striving to pay off debts from my previous course while preparing to enter university to study Medicine or Psychology. My dream is to open a clinic and care for people with Christian love and dedication, especially those most in need.
Meanwhile, I continue serving in the worship ministry at my church, and I am praying for financial resources to participate in the Young Leaders Program activities in 2025 — a prayer that has been answered, for which I thank God and everyone who helped me attend the 9th Refugee Forum within the Young Leaders Program in São Paulo.
