My team spent three days at Boise State University in August. Although abortion is banned in Idaho, most of the students who voted on our poll were pro-choice, suggesting that the laws are vulnerable to change.
A female student at Boise State University charged towards me and, with all her might, tried to rip the “No” sign off our poll table. Everyone’s attention turned to her. She seemed to have zero shame. I contemplated calling the police but first wanted to give her a chance to redeem herself, if she was willing. Whatever I would say, I needed to avoid adding more fuel to the fire.
Kristina: It looks like you’re very passionate about this issue. Would you be open to sharing why?
Like many students I meet on campus, she was angry that her perceived right to abortion was up for debate. As she spoke, I built rapport by acknowledging any common ground we had and refraining from challenging her accusations. She must have realized that I wasn’t her enemy because she started to cool down.
Changing the subject, she asked:
Student: Are you one of those homophobic people?
Kristina: I do think that marriage is for a man and a woman. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share why.
Student: Jesus taught love and kindness. I just wish more people were kind to each other.
Kristina: I do, too. Do you think, though, that trying to damage our display exhibited kindness?
Her face flushed with embarrassment.
Student: I am so sorry about that. I just had a “flipping tables in the temple” moment. I was angry, and when I get angry, I can hardly control myself.
Her demeanor continued to soften.
As I asked more questions about her life, I learned that she was raised in the Episcopalian church, her parents were divorced, and her dad had a boyfriend.
Student: Jesus preached against judging people, and he actually thought highly of women. He was even kind to prostitutes.
Kristina: He did treat women well, which was countercultural at the time. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, he challenged the Pharisees who were accusing her by saying, “Let the man without sin cast the first stone.” But do you know what he did afterwards?
Student: No, what did he do?
Kristina: He said to the adulterous woman, “Go, and sin no more.” He taught repentance. So Jesus’ full message is faith in him accompanied by love and repentance. We have to turn from our sin.
Student: What does “sin” mean?
She seemed to know so much, yet so little at the same time, but she was enthusiastic to learn.
I walked her through the story of the fall in the Garden of Eden, how each of us has disobeyed God by violating the moral law, and how Jesus is the only way to freedom from sin. I also shared why marriage is a covenant that can only exist between a man and a woman. While she didn’t agree with my explanation, she didn’t argue with it either.
Kristina: Would it be alright if I prayed with you right now?
Student: Sure!
We bowed our heads. I thanked God for our conversation and the unique gifts that He gave her. I also asked that her heart would be opened to knowing Jesus and to turning from the sin in her life. Then it was time for her next class.
Student: I learned a lot today, and I really appreciated this conversation. Again, I am so sorry for trying to damage your display.
It was like the woman I met earlier that morning was a new person! We said our goodbyes and parted ways.
Thank you for your prayers and support as I continue in this mission. It’s through experiences like these that I know the Holy Spirit is with my team and moving in the people with whom we speak. God generously gives second chances, and witnessing the character growth of this student was a humbling reminder of the countless redemptive opportunities He continues to offer me (and every one of us!).