The Capernaum Club Entry...finally. For those of you that don’t know what this is, it is a ministry specifically targeted at handicapped and disabled kids both physically and mentally. It is a wonderful ministry and it has been growing in the US for many years. However we only have a few of these clubs internationally and one of them is in Peru. They have 15 leaders who reach the untouchable and the fringes of society. In Lima many disabled kids live in institutions because their families are unable to care for them. So, this is where they do Young Life, there is where they do contact work, and club. And we had the opportunity to join them. When we pulled up to this place (high cement walls, bars on windows, and generally looking like a prison) I was a bit nervous. Anytime I am around a Capernaum leader I am always blown away at how they show love and dignity to people and particularly kids who are disabled. They are the complete opposite of my first reaction which is to put my head down and walk away not wanting to embarrass them, but secretly just not wanting to cause a scene or embarrass myself. I kind of knew what to expect as the large metal barred gate swung open, but my expectations were swept away as we were mobbed by 56 kids. Over 2/3rds were in some form of a wheelchair. When I say wheel chair most were converted bikes with plastic $5 outdoor patio furniture seats strapped to it. There was a lot of yelling and noise, drooling, spitting, and several kids with growths and open wounds. Several kids hugged me and I not so naturally hugged back. Christen, the staff person who leads the ministry and other YL leaders, were already on the ground hugging and kissing a few kids all of which they knew by name. Christen leaned over and said, don’t worry if they spit or get mad, many have the right to be. I fought the urge to start crying and really wanted to just bolt to the car and forget I was seeing this. After about 15mins of hugging and getting introduced to kids it was time for club to start. Music came on and the doors opened to a hall where two Young Life leaders all dressed up and dancing were yelling and encouraging the kids to come in to start club. At that point I was standing in the back and I started to push a wheelchair, and that’s when Christen turned to me and said, ‘you look strong I need you to help Mowli’. Ok…who is that? (see picture of me helping to feed Mowli) She pointed to a boy about 4’5, not heavy set but strong looking, more big boned. She told me to help him walk from behind as he was learning to walk. I helped him up from sitting and he immediately crawled into my arms like a monkey would. He weighed about 100lbs, and smelled. I helped him out of arms after a long hug and started helping him walk. Christen then leaned over and told me the brief story of Mowli. Apparently his parents did not know what to do with his mental illness and could not control him so they put him in a cage. He stayed there for between 10 and 15yrs, they were not sure as there were no records. When found he was living in the same cage as dogs, fighting for food, and acting like an animal. As I held Mowli and helped him walk into club I started to well up. I was rescued as club started. First came the dancing part, then coloring, then sticker time. A little skit was done which went over well. They sang songs and talked about Jesus. At this point I was on the floor surrounded by wheelchairs, sitting next to Mowli and a few other boys. One little girl in a wheelchair kept kissing my hand over and over and wanted me to cover her face in smiley face stickers. I fought every urge to reach in my pocket for my hand sanitizer, and then I saw the other leaders loving on these kids without inhibition and that is when it hit me. This was the face of Jesus. So I embraced it. I hugged and kissed, and played on the floor. I thought it was time to go after club but the staff of 10 (yes, that is all that is there for 56 kids) asked us to stay and help with lunch. You can see me in the picture with a girl named Milagros (means Miracle). Again this was a pretty moving experience as I sat at a table helping to feed about 5 kids at once. One little girl kept wanting me to eat some of her lunch, again I fought everything in me to just walk away, but did not and hugged her as she hugged back…but this time I felt as though Jesus was hugging me. And that was it. This time was not about me or us going there to help these kids. Apparently the Lord had much more in store for me than what I did for them which was not much. It was one of the best Young Life clubs I have ever seen. It was one of those Jesus was there moments, Jesus met me and I am thankful. What an incredible ministry, I was so humbled by the fact that these leaders do this day in and day out. I can raise money for that all day long!! I pray in some way Mowli and Milagros and the other 54 kids felt hugged by Jesus, in fact as I write this that is exactly what happened. Praise God.