Starbucks Miracle
If yesterday was spent complaining about kids around here, tonight balances it all out.Every Thursday night I sit at Starbucks for anyone from youth group to just show up. I've been doing this for almost 2 years now and it actually brings quite a crowd. In the Winter it peters off a bit, and yet we still had 17 people come.
This past Sunday I talked to one couple at church who was going to have their 15 year old grandson come and visit from Alabama. They wondered if he should come to Starbucks. "Well, of course" says I.
Really that's the whole purpose, for someone who may not want to be part of a formalized setting like our weekly meetings, and may believe nothing about God but want to meet some friends for the evening. I see it mostly as a way to get kids a little more comfortable with me and realizing if they come Sunday they'll know some people to hang out with.
So, Jonathan comes in with his grandparents, we do quick introductions, I make a few jokes to relax him, and they all go to get drinks. Now, this group can sometimes be hard to break into during Sunday youth group. But none of that was evident tonight.
Jonathan came back and grabbed a seat with us. We all just started talking and he really hit it off immediately. Stephen was great at bringing him in and chatting. As other people arrived they came over and said "Hi" to Jonathan and carried on some conversations together.
Next thing I know Tegan (another youth) is planning a party at her house until 11 and they are all pushing Jonathan to come. He even considered it and after I left they finally convinced him to ask his grandparents if he could go. How awesome is that, to find friends who want you to come with them after meeting less than 2 hours ago?
Sure enough they let him go and hopefully they are all having a great time even as I write.
I can't tell you how good it makes me feel. Or how incredible God is to make people so welcoming and energetic. What a wonderful evening miracle that I got to watch.
When is the last time you've welcomed a stranger into your group of friends?
Peace,
+Tom/Bob
posted by Tom at
9:20 PM
2 comment(s):
just an fyi bob not only did we have an awsom time but we even pressured him into getting an aim address and comming to a newyears party at tegans too lol just kinda makes you realise how easy it is to fit in,l but that how hard it can bee too
~stephen~
By
Anonymous, at
12/31/2005 5:47 AM
to add to what stephen wrote...he got a later plane ticket because he wanted to hang out more and is truely considering to come on the mission trip! he is so awsome! Also he told me that he was going to come back to VA once or mabye twice a year, and just to think he hasn't come to VA in 3 years! it really is amazing that he is one of our good friends now just after 2 hours! woot woot
~tay tay
By
Anonymous, at
1/02/2006 6:00 PM
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