YL Capernaum Everywhere

Last weekend Shana and her leader went to Woodleaf YL Camp to serve on Work Crew in the pits where they washed dishes for Wyldlife Weekend (camp for middle schoolers). Shana is 19 and is energetic, active, funny, and admittedly a little sassy. She went to Woodleaf as a camper and went to YL Adventures Santa Cruz (discipleship camp) last year, so it is perfect timing for her to move into new roles as she is growing in her faith. Shana and her leader completed her work crew application together, signed up to go on the work crew weekend together, and then had a blast serving together. Shana encouraged the whole work crew while she volunteered with them. She and her leader put all the clean silverware away and returned empty dish racks to their home in the kitchen after each meal. It was a great way for Shana to serve the camp. It was tiring but never did she complain. She just kept dancing! By the end of the weekend everyone was waiting to learn a dance from Shana because anywhere ther...

Recently, an area in Northern Virginia took a really deep look at what discipleship might mean for their area. They were encouraged and challenged by the process. We wanted to share what they came up with… Friends… We call the kids that are participating in Capernaum our friends, but are they really? Are we developing friendships with them in a way that is reflective of the gospel? Or do we treat our relationships with them more like work? John 15:13-17 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masters’ business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command:...

As kids with varying abilities spend time in Young Life, they are being given chances to serve and grow in their communities, much like many kids who are a part of traditional Young Life. Every time we hear about opportunities where kids are growing in their faith, we’re celebrating! Our friends in San Francisco spent time serving this summer! What a great way to build relationships,  serve and earn some camp scholarship money! Last summer kids came from various parts of Mainland China to go to camp at Woodleaf, but before they went to camp, they did some sightseeing and stayed in nearby homes. That’s when San Francisco Capernaum kids sprang into action! Our friends in Capernaum helped host the Chinese students, showing their hospitality and service by making lemonade, setting up dinner tables and chairs, serving food, and participating in club several nights. There were so many ways our friends could use their abilities to serve and be hospitable! Plus, in helping to host ...

Did you know that Capernaum is in almost 40 countries? There are YL leaders, around the world, building relationships with teenagers with disabilities. Together, they are growing friendships, having dance parties (sounds familiar right?!), making crafts, baking, singing, laughing and learning about the God of the Universe being madly in love with them. We are going to start sharing stories from around the world of these great ministries. Would you stop and pray for these leaders, kids and the ministries that they represent? Remembering reading about the amazing ministry happening in Bulgaria? Well, it’s still happening…. It is very exciting to see the growth and opportunity for Capernaum Young Life in Sofia, Bulgaria. Last month we had a special club for Christmas where many kids heard about the birth of Jesus for the first time! The joy and happiness it brought to our friends was quite overwhelming for our leaders and the teachers who have invited us to the school. Thank you ...