By Rachel Evans

Illustration by Dean Kleven

Nervously I clutch my ticket for Row 12, Seat B, watching stranger after stranger file down the narrow airplane aisle, their eyes scanning the seat numbers just above my head. Which one is looking for Row 12, Seat C? Is it the grandmotherly lady with sewing kit in hand? The bored looking businessman? The frazzled Hispanic mom and her toddler?

Although the flight is a short one, I've found that what I may simply see as a quick way to get from point A to point B, God may see as a divinely-appointed opportunity to share the gospel. I wonder if the person who will sit next to me on this plane knows Jesus. Maybe, if my neighbor seems interested in chatting a little, I'll get the opportunity to introduce Him.
You never know when God will provide a captive audience for your testimony. It may be at your daughter's birthday party, the hair salon, a high school reunion or even at 10,000 feet, somewhere between the Atlanta and JFK airports. 

In the book of Acts, we learn that when Paul visited Athens, he shared the gospel in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles and in the public hall before Stoic and Epicurean philosophers. But the Bible also says Paul shared the gospel in the marketplace everyday with those who happened to be there (Acts 17:17). Paul not only reached out to the religious and philosophical Athenians, but also to the folks who just happened to cross his path while they shopped for their groceries.

Paul shared Christ with anyone who would listen. In fact, we read in his letter to the Philippians that Paul saw his imprisonment as a blessing because he had the opportunity to lead members of the praetorian guard to salvation (Philippians 1:12). In Roman times, guard and prisoner were usually chained together. Talk about a captive audience!
Fortunately, you don't have to be chained to a person to turn small talk into spiritual talk. We just need to keep our eyes open to opportunities around us. After consulting with friends, family and other respected believers in my life, I've compiled a list of five situations in which an on mission Christian might share his or her faith in a natural and conversational way with a captive audience. This list is in no way exhaustive, but it's a good place to start.
 
1. At the salon or barber shop. I know people who've gone to the same hairstylist for over a decade. Women especially tend to form a tight bond with the person entrusted with their hairstyle and are often comfortable exchanging thoughts on everything from fashion trends to politics to romance.

Next time you're chatting away in "the chair," ask if your hairstylist has a home church or what she thinks about spirituality. Remember to focus on listening to her story instead of worrying about what you're going to say next. Even if you don't get to share your testimony, just asking a few questions can plant some pretty significant seeds. A few weeks later when you go in for a trim, you can follow up.

2. On the golf course. When I asked a great spiritual mentor in my life how he became a Christian, I was shocked by his answer. "I found Jesus between holes seven and eight," he says. "My golfing buddy had been sharing his testimony through both his words and his lifestyle for several years. One day I guess the truth just finally sank in. We knelt down on the green, and I accepted Jesus as my Savior."

Whether you prefer teeing off, reeling in or simply jogging around, consider enjoying some of your favorite leisure activities in the company of a nonbeliever. Slower-paced sports such as fishing and golfing provide extra time to talk, and sharing a common hobby gives you somewhere to start. Remember that actions speak louder than words. Be sure to keep a positive attitude amidst the competition so that Christ Jesus might demonstrate the utmost patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1:16b).

3. At a reunion. Sure you look a little goofy wearing your "hello my name is" tag, but college, high school and family reunions prove great occasions in which to share Christ before a captive audience. When reconnecting with old friends and classmates, you get peppered with questions about how you're doing and what you've been up to. Take the opportunity to tell them how God is working in your life. Even if you didn't boast a stellar reputation in school, explain how knowing Christ has changed you.

In 1 Peter, the apostle instructs Christians to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15b). At a reunion, be ready to put this verse into action. What a wonderful chance to tell them about Christ.

4. With other parents. When a good friend of mine left the workforce to raise children, I felt like the Christian community had lost a major crusader. I worried that, as an outspoken witness for Christ in her office, Karen wouldn't encounter the same opportunities as a stay-at-home mom.

But Karen's the kind of Christian who seeks out a captive audience no matter the situation. Her new mission field is the local playground, where she's built some significant relationships with the other parents who take their children there to play. While the kids climb on the monkey bars and push each other on swings, Karen and the "playground moms" watch from park benches and talk. Karen has encouraged several of them to visit her church and continues to share Christ's love by taking an interest in their lives.

Most people don't reject Christ for intellectual reasons but for personal reasons. With that in mind, Karen spends a lot of time listening to her new friends so she can learn more about what's going on in their hearts. Karen uses these opportunities to tell them how God is working in her life and how He can make a difference in theirs. Whether you're at the park, playground or pool, consider striking up a conversation with fellow parents. They'll probably be thrilled to talk about anything besides boo-boos, Barney and potty training.

5. On a plane, train or automobile. On her way home from a visit to New York, my sister struck up a conversation with a philosophy professor sitting next to her on the plane. When he asked where she was headed, she told him she attended a small Christian school and added how important it was to her to grow both intellectually and spiritually as a student.

He continued to press her with questions. He couldn't understand why she wanted to waste her time studying the Bible. She told him when she encountered Christ, she learned that life isn't all about self; it's about Him.

Plane, train and bus rides provide excellent opportunities to share your faith. Although some passengers show no interest in making small talk, others are open and congenial. Ask about the person's destination and occupation. When he or she inquires about your plans, try to find a way to mention your faith. I've found that many people are willing to open up to someone they've never met, possibly because there is little risk in sharing your thoughts, fears and spiritual questions with a stranger, someone whose friendship won't be in jeopardy if you encounter a difference of opinion. Show courage, and you might be surprised how God will work.

My interest in reaching out to captive audiences sparked in high school after I learned that a fellow classmate had committed suicide. I had sat next to him almost every morning on the school bus, but we'd never talked about Jesus. God helped me work through the guilt and grief to focus on never missing a good opportunity again.

Now, in addition to the nervousness and excitement I feel before my airplane takes off, I experience great anticipation of how God might use the next few hours for His glory. Take a moment to consider the opportunities He's placed in your life-a hair appointment, a Saturday on the greens, a reunion, a trip to the park or a cross-country flight. You never know when a captive audience will be made captive to Christ.