A (Divine) Lunch Appointment

It was a quick bite to eat, lunch at a familiar neighborhood spot, the kind of meal you have on any given day, arranged without much thought.

Martin had just taken his seat at a Manhattan eatery. He’s the Youth Director at The Grace Place Church and also the newest member of the Street2Street team. The waiter, he noticed, was young, maybe sixteen years old. As lunch progressed, among the chatter of nearby diners and the clatter of dishes, Martin got to know Leo. Where he was from, what school he attends, his likes, and so on.

The meal came to an end. Martin folded his napkin and placed it on the table. He thanked Leo for serving him, and invited the young man to Friday night’s youth group meeting.

Leo declined the offer in no uncertain terms. “I’m not into religion,” he said matter of factly. 

Just two months later, Martin went back to the same restaurant for his noon lunch reservation.

Again, Leo was his waiter. And again, Martin struck up a conversation with him. This time, however, he presented a different offer.

“Leo! Do you play basketball? I’m hosting Open Gym on Friday nights. Do you want to come?”

This time, Leo didn’t reject the offer, but gave a slight nod.

Every week, Leo showed up to Open Gym. And every week, his enthusiasm increased. He brought friends with him, and made friends there. He was often the first to arrive and the last to leave. And each week, Martin welcomed him warmly as if seeing Leo was the highlight of his day.

The last Friday of Open Gym rolled around, and Martin reminded the group that Open Gym will be paused until summer, and that youth group would resume the next week. Martin said goodbye to each kid with a hopeful query, “I’ll see you next week?”

But when Leo approached, Martin didn’t even have a chance to deliver his question. 

“You’ll see me next Friday, Coach!” Leo smiled. “I’ve changed my mind about religion.”

Tonight we are opening a second location in Harlem for Open Gym that will run weekly until the end of the school year! It is through your faithful support that we are able to provide a program in a new neighborhood so that every kid can Play, Belong, & Matter.

Thank you for making this possible!