Over a Lunch Tray
By Eddie Boscana
Ministry Staff

I never know what to expect when I walk onto a public school campus to spend time with students. And because of that I consistently pray that God will give me favor and lead me as I hang out in lunch rooms. The lunch visit at Central Middle School proceeded like normal until I sat down with Jake and Kristen. Kristen is a student leader who is a new and very passionate Christian. As soon as I sat down and was introduced to Jake, Kristen interrupted our conversation by throwing a tract on the table in between us. I recognized the tract as one very similar to the one I once carried with me in my back pocket, ready to give it to any unsuspecting "non-Christian" that was lucky enough to cross my path.

"Jake isn't a Christian!" she said promptly. Before I could respond Kristen began to explain. "He isn't a Christian, Eddie! You see, I tried to get him to read it?" while she pointed at the back of the tract that contained the "sinners prayer" so he can be one but he said he didn't want to, and I told him that he has too or else he can't go to heaven?" I interrupted as I noticed Jake's face begin to turn a few shades redder than a ripe apple. I tried as gently as I could to both correct her approach and let him know that I accept him regardless of whether he is a Christian or not. Getting the hint Kristen backed off allowing him and I to talk.

I tried to change the topic and was somewhat successful. I wanted to start over with Jake and try to earn his trust. After a few minutes of calmness, and a few good laughs, Jake paused and really opened up to me. "Eddie, my Mom and Dad hate God, and hate church. In fact, I've never even been to a church like some of the kids talk about. Actually, they use all these words like prayer, and God, and sin?but I don't know what they're talking about" he said.

Our conversation ended with Jake telling me that even though his parents will not let him go to church, that he might be able to come to the Xtreme, so we can talk more about this whole God thing. At that moment I realized the power of a lunch room visit. As he unfolded a little of his story, I got to see a totally new perspective of the feelings of one who is completely severed from the church. I got to see some confusion and even some of his pain. I realized even more than before that witnessing is not just a pamphlet or a prayer or even a story. But that witnessing sometimes is actually just listening and considering someone else's story and meeting them where they are. Sometimes that means in the middle of a lunch room in a public school.