For the second year in a row ELEM’s outreach vans went to the Sea of Galilee where many teens go during their summer break.
ELEM employees and volunteers set up a sitting area where they stayed morning to evening and provided emergency response as well as water, food and even medicine if necessary. ELEM’s staff engages with teens, talks to them about issues they’re facing, tries to minimize risk and refers them to other ELEM programs when needed.
This year, while ELEM staff was at the Sea of Galilee assisting youth they ran into a boy that was helped by Or, a former coordinator in our Jerusalem outreach van. The boy really trusted Or. He became his source of support and stability. When our staff met him, even though he is happy and overcame many struggles, he told them how much he misses Or. So of course our staff had to call Or and reunite them.
There were a few tears but more so a reminder of the impactful one person can be in your life. For us even these seemingly small moments are great examples of success. They show the importance of building trust, of connection and how it can transform someone’s life.
Or talking to the boy he helped
