In January of this year Caitlin Morris approached or organization about an internship opportunity with Not Forgotten.  Caitlin actually introduced the idea while serving with us in Peru this past Christmas, and we immediately accepted and encouraged the proposal.  It was apparent to us during that trip that Caitlin was very capable and hardworking; but most importantly, that her passion for missions aligned with ours.

Technically Caitlin is still a senior at Samford University pursuing a major in Language and World Trade and a minor in Nutrition.  But after this coming Saturday she will be one of Samford’s most recent Alumni!  Before the completion of her internship we asked Caitlin to reflect on her trip with us this past Christmas and her involvement with our organization.  The following sections of this post we written by Caitlin and they belong her.

Thank you again Caitlin for all your time and work, and for the love and passion you have and share with the boys in Peru!  We are very grateful to have you as part of the Not Forgotten family!

“As of a year ago, I had not heard of Not Forgotten.  However, after I heard it once, the name “Not Forgotten” continuously came at me from all directions, thus living up to its name.  What was here that the Lord kept putting before me? I could not ignore it any longer.  So I dug a little further… What began as pure curiosity turned into my current involvement with this incredible ministry.

In October, I gave into the Lord’s calling when He blessed me with the opportunity to go on the Christmas trip with Not Forgotten.  At this point I had no real knowledge of the organization aside from the fact that Samford graduates had started this non-profit for abandoned boys in Peru.  After much research and reassurance from several people who had experienced it, I committed to the trip.

Initially, I was reluctant because I knew no one on the team.  However, as I boarded the first plane I had no idea what the Lord would teach me despite my hesitancy.   Nine days later, my idea of ministry was revolutionized.  I met incredible people who truly illustrated the idea of walking by faith and following the Lords calling no matter how daunting the task.

Now I’m sure you may have some idea of what Not Forgotten Inc. does, such as taking teams to spend time with the boys, cleaning up the facilities in which they live, and working on the new land.  However, this is only the surface of the Lord’s work through Not Forgotten.  What I was able to experience on this trip was a much deeper work the Lord has set in motion.  With each team coming down to Peru and each board that is being repainted, these boys are being changed through the Love of Christ in this ministry.

I said earlier I write to you as the intern.  Yet I am really writing to you as a fresh and new perspective into the effectiveness of this organization.  From my recent experience, I have learned that Not Forgotten is founded on a principle of commitment; commitment to the community of Peru, the boys in the home, and most importantly the Lord’s work in their lives.

After seeing first hand the environment in which these boys normally grow up, I now know the only way out of their situation is the gospel and the reality that they can strive for more.  I was shocked to realize the love from my family that I know so naturally is virtually unfathomable to these boys.  In our communities, we receive constant affirmation that we are loved from every angle, be it friends or family.  Yet what voice is expressing love and encouragement to these boys?  How does one know love if one has never received it?

THIS is the ministry of Not Forgotten.  These people come back year after year to show these boys what this word “Love” means.  And they do it through the gospel.  It takes time to combat the years of harsh realities in which these boys were born.  However, Not Forgotten is committed to this long-term goal of introducing love, grace and mercy into their lives.  An effective ministry is a committed one.  To improve a community or situation in general, you must start with the leaders and build them up in the Lord.

These homes for the boys are doing just this!  They are rearing boys in the gospel and turning them into men doing the Lords work and improving their community.  I could list several firsthand experiences with specific boys that illustrate the effectiveness of the gospel in their lives.  From hymns to favorite verses, I saw evidence that these boys KNOW the gospel and see it in these people that continually visit them year after year.

After visiting not just the boys but also the 100 acres of beautiful new land Not Forgotten has purchased, I now grasp the future of this ministry.  The trips are just the surface at this point in the process.  The reality is the future.  What can we do to help?  We must spread the word and increase support, both spiritually and financially, to bolster the passion of Not Forgotten, its mission, and its community.”

What a great trip our Christmas/New Year one was, to wrap up 2012 and lead into 2013!  Not Forgotten had the privilege of sending a team of 14 individuals to Iquitos, Peru to spend time doing maintenance on existing children’s homes that we partner with and, more importantly, building relationships and loving on 87 boys – showing them in a tangible way that they are indeed “Not Forgotten.”  We treasure the trip that falls during this time of the year because the message that you are “not forgotten” can carry a deeper meaning for people during the holidays.  This is a season that naturally reminds these children very harshly that they are not with their families.  We desire to bring joy, laughter, healthy distraction, true hope, and celebration to them to cheer them up during what has the potential to be a dark time.

This trip was split into two distinct sections.  For the first half of the trip, we journeyed to our beloved Puerto Alegria, about 1.5 hours outside of Iquitos by boat.  We spent Dec. 28-Jan. 1 with those boys, ages 6-14.  We sanded and stained railings, built pantry shelving, evicted a rat family, fixed plumbing and roofing issues, colored in coloring books, worked puzzles, took the boys to the zoo and the movies, competed in a very messy relay tournament on the soccer filed in the rain, delivered Christmas gifts and Crocs to each child, sang, danced, laughed, laughed some more, and knocked down a piñata, to name just a few things!

 

Not Forgotten Needs Your Vote Today!

Not Forgotten is excited to participate in Project for Awesome 2012!  We recently shot some video footage of a team installing a septic system at the site where we’re building a new boys’ home near Iquitos, Peru… and we thought being a part of Project for Awesome 2012 would be a great way to raise awareness about Not Forgotten and the issues these young boys are facing.  We hope to leverage the fantastic hearts, creative minds, and unparalleled generosity of the Project for Awesome supporters in order to build hope and break the cycle of these abandoned children of Iquitos, Peru.

This past May, Not Forgotten broke ground at the work site located about an hour’s drive from the city of Iquitos, Peru.   We’re in the process of preparing the land for construction by grading and leveling ground, and the first building we intend to construct is a house for our grounds keepers, Leo and Saul, to live and work out of.  The first adjacent necessity for life support required for Leo and Saul is a properlybuilt septic system (sistema séptico).   It was also the right size and scope of a project for two rookie construction Gringos, CJ and Destin, and the small team of Peruvian construction workers we were able to assemble.  We ate dinner each night and spent our evenings at an orphanage in downtown Iquitos, Peru that is home to 47 young boys that have been abandoned at some point in their lives… we even got to go to the movies with all of them one night and saw Batman… in Spanish!

<<CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO>>

We completed the septic system in just 5 days, and thoroughly enjoyed our time together in Peru. It was an amazing experience on so many levels.  We not only built a septic system, but we built relationships with these boys that will last a lifetime.  Thanks to all of our supporters that made our trip possible, and thanks to the amazing people at Not Forgotten for all that they do!

Don’t forget to be awesome…visit <<VOTE HERE>> and vote for our video today!

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (Decatur, AL) wanted to add an international component to their 2nd annual Missions Possible event, an effort for students to experience the joy of serving others through various acts of kindness.

This past January, Brian Cook, vice president of Not Forgotten and a DHCA alum, and Jeremy Jones, DHCA’s Chief Learning Leader, found themselves sharing what God had been doing at Decatur Heritage and in Iquitos, Peru. They questioned what would happen if God allowed these two efforts to collide.

The question was posed to the 11th grade class at DHCA after Brian and Kristen McKee shared the vision of Not Forgotten and their hope of promoting and providing for the children of Iquitos in the name of Christ. Based on Jesus’ parable of the talents, each of the 39 students was given $10 to invest and multiply to help the boys. Some sold ferns, some held a bake sale, and some hosted A Night of Praise for Peru, a student-led worship concert that allowed Not Forgotten to share about the children they serve. Through their hard work, and God’s blessing, 39 high school juniors raised $5,411!

Yet again, the children of the United States were the primary fundraisers in Not Forgotten’s efforts to provide for the children of Iquitos.

During Not Forgotten’s last visit to the jungle, one of the directors mentioned that he had been praying that the Lord would provide a computer for the boys living in the city center. Not Forgotten knew just where to find the funding.

Thanks to the faithful juniors at DHCA, the boys will receive a new computer to assist in their schooling that will enable them to learn basic computer skills. The remaining funding will be spent on creating a library for the 26 boys in the city home. Books are a luxury many of these boys have not been afforded, and we’re excited to play an active role in enhancing their education.

To the precious juniors at DHCA, our most sincere thanks for your dedication and service to this ministry. You all have enabled us to provide for these precious children in ways we could not have without your obedience. Thank you. Your efforts have absolutely made a difference.

The long anticipated summer trips have finally arrived!! It is finally time for our departure. The site development team who will break ground on Not Forgotten’s land leaves tomorrow morning and will serve with us in Iquitos until June 23rd. Shortly thereafter, First Bible Church from Decatur, Alabama will be joining us to begin the first stage of construction on Not Forgotten’s new home, and to spend some quality time with the boys of Puerto Alegria.

Please unite with us in prayer as we venture back to Iquitos. The site development team has a long week of challenging work ahead of them. Please be praying for safety, sustained health, and weather suitable for site work. Also pray that leadership would be wise and discerning relating to upcoming decisions impacting Not Forgotten’s future.

For our FBC-Decatur team, please pray that we would represent Christ in all we say and all we do. Pray that we communicate His love to the nation of Peru, particularly its children, and that we serve joyfully and with humble, willing hearts.

We are so eager to begin this process with you all. We thank you for your support and prayers while we’re away.

Please keep checking back with our blog. There will be multiple exciting updates posted within the next month!

Blessings,

Kristen and the Not Forgotten summer teams

A few weeks ago, I wrote a story about a precious friend named Charlie who so selflessly fought to provide shoes for the boys of Puerto Alegria. At 6 years old, he decided to step up and play a greater role in caring for those less fortunate.

Well friends- the trend continues. Not Forgotten is amazingly humbled to witness the youth that surround us playing an active role in helping us provide for the children of Iquitos, Peru.

The junior class of Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is hosting a praise and worship concert on April 1st benefiting Not Forgotten. All proceeds will go directly to Not Forgotten and will help us to work towards construction costs on the children’s home this summer.

Please consider joining us and spreading the word to your surrounding community! Tickets are only $5 and the concert will be held at First Bible Church in Decatur, Al.

Visit the facebook page created for the event at http://www.facebook.com/events/251772354909555 and let us know if you’ll be joining us! We hope to see you there.

A huge thank you to the amazing juniors at DCHA!

Until recently, Not Forgotten’s work space has been a tiny room at the rear of the Fuqua’s basement and three large containers organized beneath my bed full of paperwork and folders. Not that I’m complaining…I was in a heated room with a comfortable chair while I organized teams and wrote blogs. But, my word, it’s nearly impossible to stay focused while working from home.

I’ve learned a valuable lesson. Working from home is NOT for the faint of heart or the easily distracted. (ie.- not for me)

Well, Redeemer Community Church in Birmingham recently switched locations and was given some additional office space. They have generously lent one of those rooms to Not Forgotten; so, we are pleased to announce that Not Forgotten has ditched the plastic bins and windowless nooks for our new office downtown. RCC- thank you so much for this opportunity.

As if we weren’t blessed enough by the space, Fuqua & Partners from Huntsville, Alabama sought to further that blessing and filled our new office with some amazing furniture.

Not Forgotten has space. We have furniture. We even have FILING CABINETS, and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities that these recent blessings will create.

A special thank you to Redeemer Community Church for the space, Fuqua & Partners for the furniture, and to all of our precious friends who spent hours painting, sanding, and cleaning. Please feel free to come by for a visit. We are located at 118 55th Street North in Birmingham.

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but be an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12

Meet Charlie.

Charlie just celebrated his 5th birthday.

I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to birthdays, most 5 year olds are going to be more focused on their presents and parties than anything else. Well- I don’t know how Charlie felt about his party, but I know his idea of birthday presents contradicts most his age. For Charlie’s birthday, he decided he wanted gifts to GIVE to the children of Puerto Alegria, instead of receiving them. He requested that each friend come to his party with a pair of Crocs to be donated to the boys in Peru.

Charlie forwent presents of his own so that he could play his role in providing a much greater need to a group of children that he has never even met. Despite his youth, he selflessly gave what he could to a group who rarely experiences such generosity. At 27, I still use my age as an excuse as I try to justify why I shouldn’t strive for certain things because there are others far more talented or experienced than myself to get the work done. I’m so thankful Charlie didn’t have that attitude…

Precious Charlie- thank you for obedience. Thank you for helping us to best care for the children of Peru. Thank you for representing Christ to those children and to those of us at Not Forgotten. We have been so blessed by your example.

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The first time I went to Puerto Alegria was in 2006. For the last 6 years, I have traveled to that same children’s home and watched as the young boys that used to braid my hair and color with me  have grown into responsible and independent young men with jobs and girlfriends. From New Year’s dance parties to fishing adventures by the river, I’ve had 6 years of memories to create with the same children. It has been an amazing and humbling experience…

But when I arrived in Puerto Alegria this past January, I got off the boat and looked around the gazebo to realize I knew almost none of the faces staring back at me. I didn’t know their names, their stories, their favorite foods….nothing. I  didn’t have years of memories logged and linked to their smiles, and it caught me off guard. These new boys just stared at our team. From fear and curiosity to amusement and apathy- they stared at us with the same expressions I’m sure our team received 6 years ago. A surge of anxiety and fear hit me as I looked at this new group and defensively thought: “Well- you’re cute, but I’ll never be able to love you as I loved the others. It’s just not possible. I don’t have it in me.”

in ME?…I didn’t have it in me.

As if it had anything to do with me in the first place…

As each day passed, I was amazed how the Lord would continually fill me with an abundance of love for each new child. These children were just as precious, just as hilarious, and just as in need of His love and affection.  So, as I boarded the boat with my final goodbyes, I was struck with a familiar pain in my chest at the thought of leaving. I was fighting back tears.  The same tears I’ve fought since 2006.

I’m starting to realize that as special and unique as the role is that the original group of boys has played in my life, that the Lord has called me to a ministry that cannot stop with that first group of 37. Just when I thought I couldn’t love anymore, I find myself fighting back another set of tears as the Lord expands the walls of my heart to welcome in a new group of children. It would seem it’s time to make some new memories.

I love these children so much, but it wasn’t my love that they ever needed. It was His. He is all they need. I must remember that I’m just the vessel of an abundant Love that will never run dry, despite how many new children I meet.