Best Buddies - An Impact in Our Community

319 days ago by Julie Anne Osterhus

Celeste, a faithful member of the Oasis student ministry, is a typical 16-year-old; enjoying high school and hanging out with friends. But she is involved in something extraordinary, an organization called Best Buddies.

Best Buddies reaches nationwide and matches volunteers with people of mental and physical disabilities. Celeste has been involved with Best Buddies since 7th grade when the special ed class would join her music class. She took on the responsibility of caring for the children with short attention spans by leading them to the back of the class and singing to them or playing with them. Shortly after, she got involved with Best Buddies. Since that time, her love for the physically and mentally disabled has not diminished one bit.

The group of students at her school who are involved with Best Buddies eat breakfast with their buddies every morning, and they spend time with them on Wednesdays during lunch. Celeste’s buddy’s name is Arthur. He has down syndrome, is wheel-chair bound and is blind. She says, “He always makes me smile, and is very positive. He loves God.”

It is so neat to see our youth from Oasis Church making a difference for the Kingdom in their circles of influence. Keep it up Celeste!