Tara Criste, an intern, has seen God doing amazing things through Capernaum in Hampton Roads, Va. She is struck when she realizes Capernaum does much more than reach kids with disabilities — it opens the door to share the Gospel with everyone who cares for them. Last year, Criste had the privilege to see the heart of a volunteer changed forever.
Kevin is a "buddy" for Hampton Roads Capernaum. Unfamiliar with Young Life, he began coming to club simply to be friends with kids with disabilities. He didn't have the role of a leader, or the same responsibilities — he was just there to lend a hand.
Criste and the other leaders began noticing how often Kevin was coming to club, despite a 40-minute drive to get there. The team decided to invite him to Wendy's after club one night. "We got to know Kevin and he told us he grew up in the church, but didn't he didn’t have a lot to do with God and hadn't for a long time. He said he had many questions, but really loved club, kids and the club talks," said Criste.
That conversation swung the door to Kevin's heart wide open. Criste and the rest of the leaders began praying for him and meeting with him after club every week. "We talked, shared and built relationships," Criste said. Kevin's excitement to know God grew.
Angela, one of the leaders, decided to buy Kevin a Bible. He was delighted and eager to begin reading it. Criste said, "Kevin was so thrilled with the gift ... he told us he began in Genesis and is still reading!"
It wasn't long before Kevin decided he wanted to follow Jesus. He said he could see Christ changing him and his life. As he fell more and more in love with Jesus, his passion and involvement with Capernaum grew. He signed up for summer camp as a buddy and invested even more in relationships with kids and leaders.
Criste shared, "Kevin has surpassed the common buddy role. He comes to leadership meetings and plans games and skits for club. We will eventually have him give his first club talk."
God used Hampton Roads Capernaum to share Jesus with Kevin. Now he is using Kevin to reach even more kids with disabilities. "God is so good!" said Criste. "It is really great how in Capernaum we are not just reaching out to the kids with disabilities, but whoever shows up to club gets to hear the gospel — parents, buddies, caretakers, siblings and friends." Everyone has the chance to encounter Jesus at Capernaum.