Testimony - Ben Nease

I have known Nate since I was in 4^th grade but it wasn’t until about three years ago when he became my true friend.  My buddy Josh and I were contacted to drive to Flagstaff Arizona to attend a Young Life Camp (Lost Canyon).  The week our Area Director wanted us to go was during Capernaum week, which is a week for kids with disabilities to come and enjoy all the camp has to offer as well as learn more about Jesus Christ.  Josh was already set on going, and explained that he was going to bring Nate, which seemed to make sense knowing that Nate has Down syndrome.  A week later our journey began.

Anyone who knows Nate, knows that he can be a handful at times.  His love for WWE wrestling can get him into the strangest moods, which can seem impossible to get him out of.  But for most of the trip he seemed to feel at ease.  I learned very quickly that the kids we had come to serve were amazing, and had qualities that I grew to love.  The campers were very accepting and I got so used to the love they showed, that it was awfully unusual if I didn’t receive a hug or high five every two minutes throughout the day.  Getting to hear different stories from these kids and being given the opportunity to connect with them on a deeper level really opened my eyes to see God’s love, and I will always remember my time at camp as the week where I was able to touch God directly.

Colossians 3 verse 23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” One of the reasons why doing this type of ministry is so easy, (not that all parts are so effortless), is because I am able to see God through these kids.  So it is not that I am working for men but instead serving the Lord.  So I strongly encourage anyone who is on the fence about getting involved with San Diego Capernaum, whether to give time, money, or prayer, to dive in and the see all the blessings that God has in store for you.  The Lord says in Genesis 27:29, “…May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.”  Nate has blessed me in such a way that I can only hope to give back a fraction of that blessing.                         

I hope everyone is excited for this year and continue to pray for San Diego Capernaum as well as Tobias and the rest of the team!  God bless and thanks for reading!

Ben Nease

Capernaum Volunteer Leader