One thing I had to adjust to, was my parents insistence that I attend church with them.  One of the first experiences that I remember at the church was the youth gathering that my step-sister invited me to attend with her.  They were showing "Scared Straight" (a pseudo-documentary where kids were taken to a jail and inmates told them about what is was like in prison - mostly rather harshly, rude, and just on the edge of violent - but not quite - remember this was a secular movie not made by Christians)

My impression of this show was not a factor, but rather what came after - a short message, which I don't remember, and afterwards the speaker prayed and while our heads were bowed asked anyone who didn't know Jesus to raise their hands.  Well, I had no problem with that, he didn't ask if we were willing to convert, so I raised my hand

Then he asked (with everyone's head still bowed) if the individual with their hand raised there hand would be willing to come forward for a private conversation, and I did.

We went into a separate room, so the rest of the people could go on with the evening, and I was greeted by a rather strong gentleman that reminded me of a linebacker (the people who block the quarterback from getting sacked).  He asked me how I managed to show up that night, then we talked briefly about Jesus, but I'm sure this burly man didn't expect me to change my ways immediately right then and there.  The strange part about the gentleman was that we departed with a hug, something I hardly expected from someone I might have otherwise been afraid of if met in a dark alley.  I was no small guy either, and I had learned how to handle myself years before, but this guy could have easily taken me out.

What I didn't know about this gentleman and he didn't know about me, was that he was going to become over the next couple of years a very close friend, and that I was going to be joining the youth ministry that he led.

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