Evangelizing to Skateboarders Part 1

It was Renew's One Year Anniversary Celebration. Our congregation rested in the park benches, munching merrily on Subway sandwiches and potato chips.

The church kids recruited me into their basketball game. I wore cowgirl boots, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and a fitted skirt...this was going to suck. I followed the kids to the basketball court and began hiking up a hill behind the playground.

To the right of the playground was a massive skate park. The gray concreted park surrounded itself with a light turquoise fence. Within the fence contained waxed-covered rails, stairs, and a massive fifteen-foot deep skate bowl. I paused. A group of young men circled around the skate bowl. I stopped hiking towards the basketball courts. I just stood there and watched the young men surround the skate bowl.

One of the church kids screamed, "Auntie Taylor, what are you doing?"

"Oh...just watching these guys skateboard. I think I need to talk to them...like evangelize...I'll be right back!"

I ran back to the park benches and panicked. I needed to talk to them, but had no courage or boldness to do it. I paced aimlessly like a headless chicken. God give me strength, courage, and boldness to talk to these people. Please. Please. Please.

I walked toward the skatepark again and gleaned through the fence. I stood next to the fence for two minutes, completely silent. Frozen. I can't do this. I'm going back to basketball.

Four church kids and a friend waited patiently on the basketball court for me. My friend said, "I asked the kids, 'Where's Taylor?' and they responded, 'Probably evangelizing to the skateboarders...'".

"HAHA!", I replied. "If only...I really want to, but I don't have courage."

"Well...maybe after this game I'll go with you," he offered.

"Really?!" I jumped up and down with a Cheshire cat smile. "HOORAY let's do this!"

I took off my cowgirl boots and pulled up my sleeves. In my skirt and socks, I scored 4 of the 6 points to win the game. After we won, my friend took back his offer. He actually needed to go home...oh well...back to square one.

The church kids asked if I were still evangelizing to the skateboarders. I replied, "Well I want to, but I'm scared." One of the girls said, "Don't be scared. Remember? 'Be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might.' You can do it Auntie Taylor."

I walked the kids back to the park benches, then began pacing back and forth. I inhaled and exhaled deep breaths with my hands on my forehead. Okay Taylor. God has you. Walk towards them and in His confidence.

Next thing I knew, I was standing behind five skateboarders and asked, "So uh...how deep is that bowl?"