Front Row Seat

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There is nothing like being in the front row seat watching Jesus pursue one of His kids. Being a part of that journey with Elena from campus visits, hangouts, club and this summer for a second camp trip was more than I ever imagined. God designed Elena with all sorts of fascinating layers but one thing I've learned is that she is an external processor but doesn't have many people in her life willing to listen to her many words. So from the moment she got on the bus to go to camp, we got to listen to all the ways she is processing Jesus’ love through the camp experience.

The first year Elena came to camp, there was absolute shock about the love, acceptance and joy she
began to see and hear, but this summer, she had a name to attribute all that love to. In the painful weeks of change she was experiencing in her life this past spring, she was crying out to Jesus and He provided the grace and comfort she needed. This summer, however, she was not afraid to ask the deep questions about faith that often scare us. Elena asked eager questions about growing in Jesus even though her family doesn't believe. "You're telling me that Jesus is listening to all of us all the time and we don't have to have all the perfect words?! That's so amazing about God!!" Her excitement could hardly be contained in her body. On the way home from an incredible week, Elena declared as much as she would miss camp that she couldn't believe how lucky she was to go home with her God and her friends. "I have friendship for the first time with people willing to stick by me even when things are hard and we disagree. I think they are extra special because they love Jesus too."


I could go on forever about how special it is to see Elena fall in love with her Savior and consider myself to be one of the lucky ones who walks alongside her.

-Jessie Hynes, Elena’s friend
….and Veteran Capernaum Volunteer Team Leader in Santa Barbara, CA



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