Starting a conversation is easy. We do it all the time. “Hey, does this loop go to the
commons?” “Why, yes it does.” It’s that easy.

What makes a conversation good is when we actually feel like we’ve met another humanbeing on this planet who cares. What makes a conversation great, is when we walk
away knowing that we’ve encouraged or made someone feel a little bit better. What
makes a conversation the greatest, is when we introduce Jesus and the other person is
more the wiser and closer to knowing him. So why are some better than others at talking to complete strangers? I don’t know. Lot’s of reasons. Personalities, experience, or
just plain dumb luck. A lot has to do with the other persons demeanor, personality, age,
gender, etc. There are a ton of factors that go into reasons why people respond the way
they do.

But, there are some things that never change. For instance, people generally like
friendly people. That is a no brainer. Second, the more awkward you are, the more
awkward they’ll be. If you’re relaxed, most people will relax right along with you. And, if
you have something worthwhile to say, then others won’t mind hearing it. What takes
the cake is, and this my friends will never, ever change. Ever.

The number one thing people like to talk about most is...themselves.

So how do we bridge from talking about ourselves, to talking about Jesus, and then talking about the raging burning fires of hell. Hmm. Let’s skip the hell part.

Read the passage from Mark 2:13-17. Jesus was a friend of sinners. He ate, drank, sat in smelly smoke filled houses where the floor stunk like stale beer and posters of naked girls were hanging. Someone told a crass joke and Jesus chuckled responding with a parable that brought the truth to light. He was friend to those in need, who were sick, who were, sinners. So should we. We need to engage, no matter how briefly.

Have an honest moment with yourself. What don’t you like about your friends? Why don’t you go to their parties, what did you come from that repulses you now, why won’t you go back? How do you feel about gays, about cursing. How does it make you feel? Feelings of awkwardness, of despise, hatred of sin could be some good reasons.

Hmm.

Ok, so how about our incessant fear about talking to strangers. Why is it so freaking hard!! Personally, and generally. Mesh the two together, and no one will ever hear about the gospel. Sometimes our biggest fear is that once we start talking, we may actually make a friend and have to spend time. OR, they may ask us a question about something we don’t know. Yeah, that happens. But it’s ok.

See also John 14:26. Jesus has given us a helper, essentially, he is right there
with us. And if we trust him, and act like we trust him to come through in a clutch, then
things will happen.

You played a role Holy Spirit, you played a role.

So, what the heck are we doing. Go ye out in pairs and spread the good news of conversation. Those who are scared to talk to strangers, hook up with those who talk with anything, including walls. Step out of your comfort zone. the stronger one, encourage and prod the weaker one. You can do it. Have fun, be someone you’re normally not for an hour.

Your goal: to engage in as many natural conversations as possible without looking like
you’re crazy. Can you use your surroundings or the situation they are in to start a conversation naturally. “Ride the bus often?” “Are you from Boston?” “Dude, how long you
been a Eagles fan? Are you from Philly?” “I hate this weather. You mind it? Where you
from?”

Can you use a hat, a button, a shirt, a book, a location, anything to say something
to someone that could spark a conversation. Then can you ask them a question
that bridges from the first observation to something more personal. “You’re from Philly? What High School did you go to? Oh, I went to..” “Is that a Nano? Sweet. How
many songs do you have on there? What’s on your fav playlist?” Can you learn their
name, where they are from, what their major is? How far can you go before it’s like,
awkward. Or better yet, how far can you go where they wouldn’t be weirded out by you
asking them about their faith.

Can you do it? I bet you can.

Where: On a loop bus, one going towards south and one heading back. At Sykes, Burger King, Einsteins, the Quad, or on the street. Strabucks, or anywhere downtown. At a
crosswalk waiting for busy traffic. At the Fennario's Coffee thing where you can blend in with others. How many places can you use to your advantage too connect with someone you don’t know. Once you do, move to another location far away.

Do life, and on the way, start conversations.

What do we talk about: Here are the subjects you can use. Where are they from, what is
their family like, what’s their major, how long have they been here, where do they live in
State College, do they watch Lost, are they religious, do they like coffee. Do they live
near your hometown, if so, do you know their high school, if so, do you know someone
from their high school, if so, ask how they are doing, share a story.

Bonus points include: Anyone you get to talk to you about their spiritual experience here
on campus. Anyone you get who will talk to you about what they think happens after
death. Anyone you get in return who asks you what you believe. And anyone who you
can actually set up an appointment later to talk further.

How many conversations? Shoot for 15. That’s right fifteen. Maybe twenty. Not every
one is going to be rich with content. Warm up. Make small talk. As you get warmer, your guts get stronger. Be constantly asking the Holy Spirit to lead you and see what he does. Then come back, and share the stories. If you don’t come back, we’ll expect a cool story next week.

The handwritten note is a rare breed these days. In a world of email, text messaging, instant messenger(they're different, trust me) and cell phones which provide instant access to almost anyone, a note, written with pen and ink is worth keeping. Aunt Betty sent us a note the other day. Written on a small card no doubt chosen from amongst her many small cards purposed for encouraging or saying hello to various family members, her aged hands communicated what no email or phone call could convey better. Love and thoughtfulness.
Every so often she'll send us a note catching up on what she's doing and letting us know we're in her prayers. Sometimes short written notes are just the thing needed for a long time of encouragement.
Write a note to someone. All the greats wrote voraciously. Adams, Truman, Washington, Lincoln, Jenkins. It's a habit I think I'll start but know it'll take me a lifetime to master.

Hey, I Googled my name online, purely for curiosity sake, and found this interview I did for Crusade about two years ago:

Where did you go to college/when did you graduate? West Chester University, 2001 When/where did you join staff? We joined staff in the summer of 2002 and were assigned to Penn State University In 100 words or less, what is your life story? Since I can remember I have always known Jesus. When I accepted Him into my heart I couldn't tell you. But it was at a young age that I knew I needed his love in my heart. The oldest of four, I was an extremely independent person. During summers growing up, I worked for a Christian camp and conference center where I grew even more independent and learned a ton more about the Lord. Unfortunately, my Christian life and my social life didn't mesh together. The more I pursued friends, fun, and my own desires, my witness as a Christian became less and less. Crazy as it seems, during my pursuit of selfish desires I still loved the Lord and read his word being convicted of my sin but continued to live a life of active rebellion and against his will for my life. After many heartbreaks and hard lessons learned, I got involved with CCC my junior year in college. It was there that I learned what it meant to actually know him, love him, and most of all, my responsibility to live for him. My life has never been the same and he has graciously showered me with more than I deserve, the cross not withstanding. Where and how did you first meet your spouse? What were your impressions? It was after a volleyball game that I walked in late to a weekly meeting. There was a skit going on and I looked down at this beautiful girl in it and knew immediately the Lord was calling me to join their group. It wasn't until months later we actually talked and longer that we dated. I was smitten. We married a year later. How do you think God has gifted you to contribute to the Campus Ministy's mission? I think God wants me to communicate. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively has been something I have seen him develop in my life and hope will continue to be a forte in my life. I have a passion to see men live and influence their world. My hope is to be a leader in that direction, setting the pace for men in this region to come to know and grow in their knowledge of our Lord. What has been a highlight in life/ministry this year? Leading this year's summer project team to North Africa . It was such an accelerated opportunity for my growth and we had a tremendous time. I was able to experience leadership at a capacity I never have before. At the same time, learning about the Leadership of God and being able to follow his lead at the same time. If you were mistaken for a superhero, who would it be? Why? Republican Man, fighting the crime of liberalism around the world and beyond!