I am Not Forgotten
Riverside Tree- Misael Huamán Martínez ( Cusco , Peru )
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I was born into a Christian family in a small village . Throughout my life , God allowed my family and I to stand firm through our trials . But my faith was challenged when my mom was involved in a car accident and sick for two years . When I saw my mom bed-ridden , I felt God had forgotten about us . I started to question Him .
Through the doubt and pain , my family and I cried out to God . The church supported us with prayer and fasting for a short time , but they eventually abandoned us . My father told us “ We should not lose hope . God will never abandon us , even if our friends leave us .” I wanted to believe it , and little by little , I did . I attended Sunday school since I was child and it was there where I was sponsored by the Children of Jesus ministry . Thanks to this ministry , I was strengthened in my walk with God . The word of God was in my heart and I understood the will of my Father God in every trial .
My growth continued to develop . I volunteered as a Sunday school teacher . Through this , I got to know the ABBA Peru program when we traveled to Lima in 2010 . It was incredible to see so many youth . I knew God had chosen me to be his servant . Soon after I became the youth leader at our small church . But my Heavenly Father demanded more of me . I enrolled into the Central University of Cusco so I had to leave my home , family , and the COJ program . I found work in construction in Cusco city . My father worked in the fields and could not support my tuition costs . I did not want to financially burden them . Unfortunately , life needed money . I was living in a foreign city and studying a costly education . I needed money for my rent , travel expenses , study materials , tuition , and food . Sometimes , I would only eat once a day to save money . I wanted to leave my studies and focus on working for money . But my friends and parents urged me to continue my studies . I stayed in school and increased my work hours . But in doing so , I stopped attending church . I thank God for the Children of
Jesus ministry , because it was my absence from church that caused the COJ Peru staff to visit my church and home to ask what happened to me . The staff soon learned I was in Cusco and came to visit me .
I thought the COJ ministry had forgotten about me , but they did not , instead they brought me good news . In 2015 , I applied for the Riverside Tree ministry . My family and I prayed to God that He would make everything possible in His time .
It has been a little over a year and God ’ s timing is perfect ! My prayers were answered . In 2017 , I was accepted ! I can now study without having to work . I was moved when I heard my scholarship had been approved . In my heart , I said “ Thank you God . You never forgot about me .” I could not believe what was happening . Many people in my life do not remember me , but God does . He was there . Since that first support , the poverty and pity were lifted off my shoulders by an act of love through my Father and sponsor . God filled my heart with joy . Since then , my life has been changed . I left my job and focused more on my studies . During my vacation , I caught up on my studies . My parents support me with their prayers . But they do not need to stress about their finances . They are dedicated to the work of God in my community . My dad visits the small groups and the city council people of Huancahuanca . He also helps the pastor of my home church . I thank God for all the blessings He has done in my life . I write this letter to God , my sponsor , and to everyone in HHK WMC who never forgot about me .
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