After taking a seat on one of Portlands Blue Line express commuter trains, I opened my satchel and pulled out my devotional Bible and a blue pen. My book marker opened to 2 Chronicles 7, which talks about how Solomons Temple was designed to glorify the God of heaven. I opened my pen and underlined several phrases about honoring the Lords name.

Just then, a 19-year-old man interrupted my quiet time. What are you reading? he asked.

The Bible, I replied.

How come?

Well, I try to read the Bible every day, I said.

Thats cool, he replied. The inquisitive young man smiled. He was dressed in a green T-shirt, camouflage pants, a backward-facing baseball cap and three-day old stubble. What are you reading about now? he asked.

Im in 2 Chronicles, I replied. Im reading about Solomons reign.

Is that the dude who turned to witchcraft at the end of his life? 

No, that was King Saul, the first king of Israel.

Immediately I recalled an interview Id had over the phone that morning with Leonard Sweet, who has written several best-selling books on reaching todays postmodern youth and young adults. Dont try to correct the errors of todays postmoderns, Dr. Sweet had told me. Never criticize them. Instead, just listen. Gods already at work in their lives. Its important to hear their story first.

Despite my correction, my new friend wasnt deterred: You know, I like reading the Bible, too. My favorite part is Ecclesiasticals. 

Oh? I replied, with a smile creeping across my face as I considered his interesting pronunciation.

At that point, my friendRoss, I learned laterwent into a brilliant, almost ten-minute exposition of the central themes of Ecclesiastes. I still havent figured out who wrote Ecclesiasticals, but he was a great king who reigned after David, he told me. Ross quoted several passages almost verbatim as he continued his exposition.

I was impressed! And I could tell many of our fellow passengers were listening in on our conversation. Inwardly, I laughed. This guy must be a Christian college sophomore in disguise.

Wow, thats amazing, I told Ross. Youre right: thats what that book is all about. What other books of the Bible have you read so far?

Well, Revelationand Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

Ross then explained that he had realized eternity is the most important question we need to settle in this life, preferably while were still young. I was an atheist all the way through school, he confided. After high school, though, I didnt want to go to college. Instead, I signed up to serve my country. My gig is guarding the Portland International Airport, Ross said. See these fatigues?  Im wearing a big fat sign that says, Shoot me first, if a terrorist ever attacks the airport.

Ross ranted a bit about Americas past and current failures, then picked up on a couple of the themes in Ecclesiastes and wove in his interpretations of Revelation. I dont understand it all, he said, but Im convinced all this bad stuff is going to happenprobably in my lifetime. 

Ross glanced out the window for a moment. I still hadnt figured him outpretty eclectic.

You know, Ross continued, I went to church as a boy, but I dont have much use for it. My mom made me go. Shes crazy.  Ross explained how his church-going mother had abused him verbally and emotionally during her volatile bipolar episodes.

I never understood all this stuff back then. Besides, the church has too checkered of a past. Theyve forgotten what Jesus is all about. You know, He was the perfect Son of God. He never hurt anyone. He never hated anyone. Instead, He died on the cross for our sins. Hes changed my life. Not that Im perfect; no one is. He pondered that last point, gazing out the window again.

Youre right, I said, affirming several things hed saidincluding the fact that no ones perfect and that the church has hurt people.

I think its important to accept everyone the way they are, Ross continued. I keep trying to explain all this to my old girlfriendwere still friends, even though shes in Wicca. She keeps reminding me of the bad things the church did to witches in the past. That wasnt right. 

No, that wasnt right, I agreed.

My train stop had come into view. I didnt want to end our conversation, but it was now 6:40 p.m., and I was late for dinner. I stood up.

My names Ross, he said, with his right hand extending out toward mine.

I shook his hand. And whats your name?

David. Say, thanks for the conversation. Much appreciated.

My divine appointment with Ross is a vivid reminder that todays youth and young adults desperately need Godbut often want to find Him on their own, apart from the church. Yet when they find Him, theyre zealous to tell others about Him.

We need to encourage such searching, such zealeven if it takes a while for the Rosses of the world to find their way back to the church again.

David Sanford is a writer, editor and educator living in Portland, Oregon.