Compassion in Action
Johnny Evans sat in the teen boys’ cabin at Camp CUMCITO and lifted his shirt to reveal an ugly scar, a constant reminder of just how rough life on Kansas City’s streets can be.
Johnny spent 20 years running the streets, until he was shot by his best friend and left for dead. He was brought to City Union Mission, and we rushed him to the hospital where his life hung in the balance. Upon his release, he returned to the Mission, where he regained his physical and spiritual health. He graduated from our Christian Life Program and today is a member of our staff.
Last summer, Johnny volunteered to serve as a counselor at Camp CUMCITO so he could help the urban youths avoid the horrors he experienced on the streets.
I told them the things I had been through in my life, and they were shocked, Johnny recounts. I explained what God did in my life, and how He gave me my life back. I told them what life was like on the street it’s a dead-end struggle unless you accept Jesus Christ.
As the boys listened to Johnny’s stories, they wanted to learn more about this God who had made such a difference in Johnny’s life.
They shared things with me I don’t think they had shared with anyone else, Johnny says.
They talked about what was going on in their neighborhoods and at home, about the gangs, and how they’re sometimes afraid to go to school because of shootings in their neighborhood, and about the abuse they’ve suffered in their lives.
While the boys enjoyed the fun of camp, they looked forward to their nightly devotions with Johnny. One gave his life to the Lord during the week. All eagerly studied their Bibles and memorized scriptures. The cabin won an award for memorizing all their assigned scriptures, a fact that makes Johnny very proud.
The boys returned to their neighborhoods stronger and more confident in their faith, thanks to the love of Johnny and the power of God. God willing, I want to go back to camp again this summer, Johnny says. I want to be there to do what I can do.
