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friends could live in community with typical families, who would help care for them. By 2006, they’d built Cornerstone Ranch on 42 acres of land in McKinney, Texas. Doug Schulte is the current program director at Cornerstone, where he, wife Miranda, and their two daughters live with their friends. Like the Heatons, the Schultes have also transitioned from Capernaum staff to Cornerstone house parents. “It’s a privilege to know the ministry we’re providing to the families,” Schulte said. “We give them the security of knowing we’ll take care of their child like they would.” On Harmon’s recommendation, the Greenwolds visited Cornerstone and listened to the Heatons’ plans. “We sat there with tears running down our cheeks because it was exactly the vision we had for what David’s life should be,” Nancy said. David has been a resident there since the beginning. The Greenwolds told the Gathros about David’s love for Cornerstone and it wasn’t long before Will joined his buddy in Texas. At Cornerstone, David and Will have flourished in their gifts and abilities. “Will is so smart and has the biggest servant’s heart,” Schulte said. “He always zeroes in on someone if they’re lower functioning. Will really is the leader of the house. “Meanwhile, David has a savant-like quality of unbelievable memory. When someone walks into the house, he asks about their family and remembers. They may not come back for 18 months, but when they do, he’ll ask about their cousins, neighbors and birthdays. It’s not just remembering facts, but genuine care behind the questions.” And what does the woman who came alongside Will and David 12 years ago think of the two men today? “Will helped me start Young Life Capernaum and I’m so proud of who he has become,” Harmon said. “I’m so proud he loves Jesus, can live on his own with his friends in Texas and for everything he’s involved in and the way he’s giving back to his community. And David has been one of my favorite friends, too, because he’s always in a good mood. David has served on summer staff several times and I still meet people at camps who remember their time with him. They remember his happy attitude, encouraging ways, diligence, and how he expected the best of his fellow summer staff and brought out the best in them.” For Will and David, it seems that while they’re no longer involved in Capernaum, they are still grateful recipients, and now gracious ministers, within the village of comfort. For more information about Young Life Capernaum, please go to capernaum.younglife.org.
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To learn more about Cornerstone Ranch which is in the beginning stages of breaking ground for a second home and activity center on their campus, please visit their website, cornerstone-ranch.com.
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