Way to Witness

Colton waited in his seat until every student in his classroom had lined up at the door to go to the cafeteria for lunch. He was very nervous. It was his first day at Jefferson School, and he didn't know anyone. Some of the boys and girls in Colton's class had smiled at him when he had first come into the classroom, but now they ignored him as they lined up with their friends.

Lord, help me make a friend! Colton prayed silently as he walked down the unfamiliar hallway to the cafeteria. He followed the students through the lunch line and walked to the tables reserved for fifth graders, looking for a place to sit. Laughing and talking went on all around him. He heard a group of boys at one table talk about how they were going to "teach someone a lesson" during recess. At another table a girl was talking about a TV show Colton's parents didn't allow him to watch. Colton hesitated. He wasn't sure he wanted to sit down at either one of those tables. He was very discouraged.

Then Colton noticed something, One boy was praying! Right there in the cafeteria, he had bowed his head and closed his eyes to pray. Maybe he's a Christian, thought Colton. He walked over to the table. "Hi," said Colton timidly. "Can I sit here?"

"Sure," agreed the boy. "My name is Seth."

Colton sat down. "Thanks. I'm Colton, and I'm new here. I thought maybe . . . ah . . . were you praying just now?"

Seth nodded. He looked at Colton, then added hesitantly, "I . . . um . . . I'm a Christian."

"So am I!" exclaimed Colton. "We just moved to town, and I don't really know any kids, yet. I . . . I've been praying that God would help me meet a new friend."

Seth grinned at Colton. "There are other Christian kids around, too," he said. "You can meet them at recess. You'll like it here."

Before he ate his lunch, Colton bowed his head. Thank you, Lord, he prayed silently. Thank you for the food you gave me to eat. Thank you very much that Seth prayed at lunchtime. Help me always dare to let other kids know I belong to you.

How About You?

Are you brave enough to pray in public? Or are you sometimes embarrassed to talk to the Lord in front of your friends? Talking to God is a very special privilege, and it may be an encouragement to other Christian kids. It will also be a testimony to those who don't know Jesus. Sometimes it's easier to pray publicly if two or more pray together. Do you know another Christian in your school? Talk about this with him or her. Then you can eat-and pray-together.

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