Elias isn't religious. In fact, he doesn't even go to church, but when he comes all the way from Florida to stay with his parents in North Carolina, they drag him to their local church. At least it gives him something to do other than stay at home all day. However, it's when he first walks through the doors that he manages to catch the eye of a member of the church. Travis knows from the start that he wants to make Elias feel welcomed. He feels as though Elias is a gift from God, and he wants to worship him.