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Grig’s Story
Story
Karen was one of the leaders in a group who came to the Capernaum camp in Armenia last summer.
Camp only lasted a few days, but in that short period, he felt a special connection with Grig, one of the boys with special needs.
Grig didn’t talk much and mainly kept to himself. He spent his days mostly alone, playing in the sand in the middle of the beach volleyball court in front of the dorms.
If you’ve ever been to Armenia in the summer (if not, you should consider it – you won’t be disappointed!), you’ll know that summer months get pretty sunny.
The volleyball court had no shade, and when Karen noticed how much Grig enjoyed playing in the sand, he decided to act.
With the help of other leaders, they built a canopy and created some shade for Grig to stay in. Karen even found a big umbrella, which he carried over Grig’s head when he was ready to move on to do something else.
Grig knew he had a friend.
Later, the camp manager commented: “Karen built several things for Capernaum kids, but this one structure…just for one kid…was touching. It means this one kid is SPECIAL.”
The one thing we consistently hear from kids who come to Young Life is their surprise at how at home they feel when our leaders surround them. It means so much to them to be seen and accepted just how they are, whether they have special needs or not. And as they see the impact they have on kids, the leaders themselves are profoundly changed and built up in their walk with the Lord.
I hope this story encourages you. Accepting others without judgment is not an easy task. It may take the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to get there. But the beautiful thing is that we can ask for it and see what the Lord does – we may be surprised!
May the peace of the Lord be with you today, and may you show those around you who He is by the way you love.
"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:14
A word about Young Life leaders
Young Life MEA is built on leaders who are in love with Jesus and who will stop at nothing to go after the next kid to show them His love. This is who we are at our core. These leaders cherish your prayers and your support. They, like you, are the hands and feet of Jesus caring for children like Grig.
There is a treasure trove of powerful, transformational stories that take place almost daily in our ministry!
And we want to share them with you to encourage and uplift you, and to make sure the world hears about the miraculous work God is doing across the ocean in the nations that for almost a century denied His very existence. Sign up for a once-a-month Saturday Morning Stories from the Field to make sure you get every one of them! We hope you enjoy them.
Join us
We invite you to be part of this life-changing journey. It will transform your life and give the next kid in Young Life Middle EurAsia an opportunity to hear the best love story ever told.
