Hundreds of Meals, Hundreds of Dishes, Hundreds of Hearts

Twice a year, for the last several years, our Arizona Capernaum friends have served thousands of meals, washed thousands of dishes, and touched thousands of hearts. During the off-season of camp, we head to Young Life’s Lost Canyon in Northern Arizona to serve as the work crew in the dining hall for 6 days for two outside groups. It’s labor intensive. It’s exhausting. It’s hard work for the most

able-bodied among us. Why do our friends with intellectual and developmental disabilities eagerly join us? It’s simple; they have a deep love for Jesus and a yearning for the opportunity to answer His call. John 13:14-15 says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you”.

Imagine having the water basin and towels ready, the heart of a servant, the chairs in place, and yet there are no feet to wash. So often our friends with disabilities are ready and willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus for others, and yet there are limited opportunities to serve. These special work crew weeks help fill that void. It’s hard to imagine being excited about long, hard work. Our friends work alongside adult leaders, often starting at 7:00 am and not finishing until after 8:00 pm. Yet they look forward to serving, and in the brief breaks between serving meals, cleaning the dishes, and setting the tables, our friends fill the space with laughter, affirming each other, and even participating in holy yoga classes.

They are fully present all week long because this service brings them closer to their God. The result is

deeper relationships for them, and consequently, deeper relationships with others. Typically as we serve participants of Holy Yoga and Revelation Wellness, our Capernaum friends expose the beauty and ability of a person with special needs to those that may have never encountered this before. One yoga participant described it this way, “In the midst of a week where it’s easy to be preoccupied with looks, physical health, and appearance, seeing Capernaum folks joyfully serving was a reminder to focus on what’s truly important”. The week always ends with tears, hugs, and proclamations of gratitude and inspiration from those that were served, all thanks to the faithful hearts of our friends. Next time you need your feet washed, just remember there just may be some Capernaum friends waiting to help. You just might see the face of your Savior smiling up at you through one of these friends.