Kevin

by Tara Criste


For almost a semester now we have had a Capernaum "buddy" named Kevin (on right in photo) coming to club. A buddy is someone who comes to club to be friends with kids with disabilities, but does not have the role of leader and all those responsibilities. He came the first time by a request of one of our existing leaders (they are friends outside of YL). Kevin came and came again to club every week even though it is almost 40 minutes away from where he lives.

Myself and other leaders began noticing how often he was coming and one time after club we all went out as leaders to Wendys. We got to know Kevin and he told us he grew up in the church, but he didn't have a lot to do with God and hadn't for a long time. He said he had many questions, but really loved club, the kids and the club talks.

All the leaders kept befriending and praying for him and we went out after club almost every week, talked, shared and built relationships. One of our leaders, Angela, who happens to be in a wheelchair, after getting to know Kevin and how much he was getting excited about hearing more about God, bought him a Bible in the NIV because all he had at home was KJV. Kevin was so thrilled with the gift and told us he began from Genesis and is still reading. Kevin is signed up for summer camp as an awesome buddy, he has built relationships with the kids and leaders. And he comes to all Capernaum events, even other clubs in Norfolk and excursions we do once a month.

The best part is Kevin told Angela, Jesus has changed his life and he is really understanding what a relationship with Christ is about. I describe him as a sponge and we are getting him plugged into a Bible study and finding him a mentor. Kevin has surpassed the common buddy role and comes to Jr leadership, leadership, plans games and skits for club and we are working and thinking about his first club talk eventually.

It is really great how in Capernaum we are not just reaching out to the kids with disabilities, but whoever shows up to club gets to hear the gospel. Parents, buddies, caretakers, kids, siblings, friends, etc. God is so good!