Breaking Cycles

63. The number of years Amilia trekked to the river for water. She’s lived her entire life in El Chino, dependent on untreated river and rainwater for everything: drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

In 2021, 12 young men from Not Forgotten came to Amilia’s village to install a water filtration system. While this provided access to clean water, it still required significant time and effort to carry the water back and forth within the village. In August of this year, the same young men returned and installed plumbing that brought running water into Amilia’s home.

All waited with anticipation for the water to start flowing as she opened the tap in her kitchen. When clean water appeared she laughed with joy, first splashing it on her face, then grabbing a glass. She filled it, held it to the light, and took a big sip – wide-eyed over the simple miracle of it all.

We knew bringing water into the homes of all the villagers in El Chino would have an impact, but little did we know the scope of that impact. After learning about the time spent collecting water each day, we estimate bringing water to each house will give one year of life back to each villager over their lifetime.

While it was incredible to see the effect that was made in the village of El Chino, it was also remarkable to see the changes in Not Forgotten’s young men. Through their years with us these young men have grown and matured. All coming from various backgrounds of trauma, loss, and suffering these young men have grown into hard-working, compassionate, and loving individuals. Through having their needs met, experiencing the love and security of a family, receiving a quality education, and developing friendships and connections, these boys are now able to take what they have learned and go and serve others. This is how the cycle is broken.

Our hope is that from the security of a stable foundation, our boys are able to engage in the world around them and extend to others the same grace and kindness that they have been shown. Because they have experienced the great impact of the Living Water Himself, may they carry that life-changing Water into the homes, streets, and communities of Iquitos – partnering with Jesus in building hope and breaking cycles as they go. Will you give so they can go?