A Beautiful “Side-Perk” of Capernaum
By Robin Shelburne, Capernaum Leader
When Capernaum Gloucester County was born 5 years ago, the vision was for it to be a “village of comfort” for adolescents with disabilities, a place they could come and find belonging, friendship, and most of all, to find the Savior. And we have seen that happen in so many ways.
But here’s something I didn’t see coming. I never anticipated how this ministry for adolescents with disabilities would have such a huge impact on our traditional YL kids as well. With the growth we’ve experienced in Capernaum club, we have wanted to find so many more buddies (club helpers)
to come alongside our friends in club to help make those nights flow. So our solution has been to reach out to Campaigners kids in our Washington Township and Clearview YL clubs and ask them to come be part of the support team at Capernaum club. And what a GREAT thing this has turned out to be!
Capernaum has taken our traditional YL kids out of their comfort zones and given them a place to serve and to be a very practical blessing to kids who deal with big obstacles on a daily basis. And we couldn’t be prouder of the way they have risen to the challenge! Being a Capernaum buddy has been so eye-opening for our YL kids. Through this role, they have been able to experience leadership through service and it has given them a framework for what it means to tangibly be the “hands and feet of Jesus” to others who actually need those hands and feet for assistance. Sometimes that means cutting up their dinner, opening a juice box straw, listening to a story, or pushing a wheelchair in a group game. Our team leader, Sean, circles all the buddies and leaders after club each week and asks us, “How did you see Jesus here at club tonight?” I love that sharing time. Sometimes the stories are hilarious, sometimes they are deeply touching, and most times there are a few tears shed before the sharing is done. I reached out to a few of those buddies and asked them to answer this question – “What has being part of YL Capernaum taught you this year?” Here’s what they said, in their own words….
“It has taught me that loving and serving others is such a gain, not only to the one being served but to the one serving. It has also taught me how equally great God’s love is for us, how ‘beautifully and wonderfully made’ everyone is, and how joyful laughter can be.” - Stephen, 17
“Being part of Capernaum has taught me that no matter how different every person is, we can all
bond over the same 3 things – life, love, and God.” – Jeanine, 16
“It has taught me how to have a servant’s, heart. Working with kids with disabilities has taught me patience and understanding and how to love people even though they are different than me. “ – Nicky, 11
“Being a Capernaum buddy has made me realize that everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, deserves and is able to learn about the Gospel. It has taught me to be open-minded to my surroundings and has brought me so many new and valuable friendships.” - Taylor, 18
“Capernaum has taught me to appreciate the little things. I’ve learned to be happy no matter what kind of day I’ve had because those kids can brighten your day with just a smile. I’ve learned that no matter your ability or disability, God loves us all the same and we are able to learn about the Gospel.” – Kelsey, 17
We, as a mission, have received far more than we’ve given because of the ministry of Capernaum and because of these kids with disabilties we’ve been blessed to know. We are better for it!
When Capernaum Gloucester County was born 5 years ago, the vision was for it to be a “village of comfort” for adolescents with disabilities, a place they could come and find belonging, friendship, and most of all, to find the Savior. And we have seen that happen in so many ways.
But here’s something I didn’t see coming. I never anticipated how this ministry for adolescents with disabilities would have such a huge impact on our traditional YL kids as well. With the growth we’ve experienced in Capernaum club, we have wanted to find so many more buddies (club helpers)
Capernaum has taken our traditional YL kids out of their comfort zones and given them a place to serve and to be a very practical blessing to kids who deal with big obstacles on a daily basis. And we couldn’t be prouder of the way they have risen to the challenge! Being a Capernaum buddy has been so eye-opening for our YL kids. Through this role, they have been able to experience leadership through service and it has given them a framework for what it means to tangibly be the “hands and feet of Jesus” to others who actually need those hands and feet for assistance. Sometimes that means cutting up their dinner, opening a juice box straw, listening to a story, or pushing a wheelchair in a group game. Our team leader, Sean, circles all the buddies and leaders after club each week and asks us, “How did you see Jesus here at club tonight?” I love that sharing time. Sometimes the stories are hilarious, sometimes they are deeply touching, and most times there are a few tears shed before the sharing is done. I reached out to a few of those buddies and asked them to answer this question – “What has being part of YL Capernaum taught you this year?” Here’s what they said, in their own words….
“It has taught me that loving and serving others is such a gain, not only to the one being served but to the one serving. It has also taught me how equally great God’s love is for us, how ‘beautifully and wonderfully made’ everyone is, and how joyful laughter can be.” - Stephen, 17
“Being part of Capernaum has taught me that no matter how different every person is, we can all
“It has taught me how to have a servant’s, heart. Working with kids with disabilities has taught me patience and understanding and how to love people even though they are different than me. “ – Nicky, 11
“Being a Capernaum buddy has made me realize that everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, deserves and is able to learn about the Gospel. It has taught me to be open-minded to my surroundings and has brought me so many new and valuable friendships.” - Taylor, 18
“Capernaum has taught me to appreciate the little things. I’ve learned to be happy no matter what kind of day I’ve had because those kids can brighten your day with just a smile. I’ve learned that no matter your ability or disability, God loves us all the same and we are able to learn about the Gospel.” – Kelsey, 17
We, as a mission, have received far more than we’ve given because of the ministry of Capernaum and because of these kids with disabilties we’ve been blessed to know. We are better for it!
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