YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND GIVING BACK

Mychael David Roberts, resident of Belmar. and who attended Manasquan High School in NJ, returned from an entire summer of Mission work with the “Not Forgotten Project” … which recruits volunteers to assist with ongoing efforts to re-build and re-establish communities and areas devastated by natural and unnatural disasters. The “Not Forgotten Project” has a simple, but empowering opportunity for high school and college youth. Their goal is to have a “positive impact on disaster relief/restoration, as well as on the education of our youth, while giving all of the glory to God.”

Mychael assisted in relief efforts in Los Angeles and Compton and in areas of the California fires to disastrous flooding and other tragedies in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia. He built new homes; did construction on damaged homes; and cleaned mud-ridden homes in 100+ degree temperatures. Although the work was many times grueling, Mychael wrote on his Missions Blog:

• “Frankly, it hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be aside from waking up with soreness in my lower back as we had to sleep in the van across country or in tents, sometimes motels. I have seen kids like me who are mixed (black and white), Black, Hispanic, and White. They were so poor, sometimes I wondered why the world is so hard for alotta people. When I get back home, I don’t think I’ll take my life for granted ever again.  And alotta of kids should get the chance to see how much they have in their lives, when so many kids do not. The way I see it, this is just another opportunity for me to appreciate the things I have back home and in my life. To be honest, I don’t know how I made it this far, but I’m just going to keep keeping on, so I can get back to my friends and family back in Jersey. Now, I literally can’t wait to face whatever is down the road. I’m ready to fulfill my dreams, never forgetting how awesome this country is, and how so many need to be helped by a kid like me.”

The Not Forgotten Project worked with Habitat for Humanity; Samaritan’s Purse; and many churches and social justice organizations around the country, as well as dedicated leaders

Mychael’s Mother, Laurie Anne Roemmele, met King in 2013 when she was assisting in the reconstruction after Superstorm Sandy. Roemmele, who was consulting to raise money for Coastal Habitat for Humanity at that time, became so impressed with the work and commitment of King, she remained a colleague and donor to King’s Missions for the past three years. “It was a blessing that in less than five minutes when Charlene visited Coastal Habitat’s offices in Spring Lake Heights, we were bonded for life," stated Roemmele. “I never dreamed that day that I would now be passing the torch to my son Mychael and his brother who is actively involved in community service as well. My son left a growing boy, but he is now truly a young man."