YL Capernaum Everywhere

We are grateful to Joni and Friends for allowing us to share this beautiful blog written by Christen Morrow Ara, a guest contributor and our YL Capernaum Southwestern Division Coordinator. https://www.joniandfriends.org/running-in-the-halls/ You can also purchase, " The Gospel in Hard Times for Students " which Christen Morrow Ara was a co-author. Description: With The Gospel in Hard Times for Students small-group resource, your youth will discover how a loving faith community—one body with many parts—can meet our needs and help us walk alongside those who are afflicted, disabled, and marginalized. Eight-session study guide with leader’s notes and discussion questions included.

Thank you, Pam Harmon, Vice President Capernaum, for this reflection on Wilderness Discipleship Camp. I have been impacted by this story since the very first time I heard it. Here’s a little context: An amazingly generous donor made it possible for several of our most adventurous, seasoned leaders to each choose one of their Capernaum friends to participate with them in a Wilderness Discipleship Camping trip in Colorado. This was an adventure, a pilot trip, to see if Capernaum campers could hike and carry backpacks and live outside in the mountains for a whole week. We wondered would they make it for 2 hours, for 2 days, or would they make it for the whole week? We were very pleased that they loved it and had a great time for the week! Please watch: When I watch this video my first thought is - “Wow, Young Life leaders are amazing! I want to be like Lauren when I grow up. I want to be that kind and love sacrificially. I want to be willing to choose to serve my friend over my o...

Jason and Elias spent a month serving at SharpTop Cove in the kitchen. Together they made thousands of meals for campers and leaders, they grew deeply in their faith, laughed a lot and learned more than they could have imagined.   They both both experienced community in new ways and are walking away from their time knowing that their experience was not isolated but something that will impact their day to day life. What a gift! Enjoy! Link to video  here

Thank you Young Life Topeka for this great story! Ian struggles with anything new or out of his comfort zone.  He found the courage to come to Capernaum Club and grew comfortable enough to sign up for camp.  Ian and his parents were one of the first families to arrive at the bus to leave for camp, but Ian was one of the last campers to load.  His area had an incredible group of young men that came alongside the campers as buddies. One of Ian’s leaders had a buddy head over to help comfort and reassure Ian about the bus ride and the awesome week ahead.  Just a little background on Ian:  At school, Ian is practically paralyzed when asked to answer a question or stand in front of the class.   He has fears of making mistakes, being "stupid" or others making fun of him. When he joined the Unified Special Olympics basketball team he would not come onto the court for the first two practices because of these fears. Camp changed Ian's life, t...