Solid Rock Cafe makes it mark on Forster Youth

From Fri 8 Jan to Wed 13 Jan, about 25 like minded Christians bombarded Forster Wharf with only one thing in mind...to share the gospel with the youth of Forster-Tuncurry.

Solid Rock Cafe hadn't run in Forster for years, and there was no way to know what would happen once those tent doors opened... By God's grace Solid Rock Cafe kicked off (and maintained) a steady flow of local teens that predominately were bored and wanted a place to hang out at night.

Not long into the night the teens that came to Solid Rock saw something different about the people...they had smiles on their faces, and they actually cared about each and every one of them...

Throughout the nights as relationships were formed, a talented acoustic muso would take the stage and provide great background music, while hot (and free) pancakes and snags were served freshly from the bbq.

Three times each evening one of the Solid Rock team members would step up, open up and silence a crowd (of up to 100 teens) as they shared their story. Each story told of a life they once had without hope and a life they now had with hope and meaning through Jesus. The stories often recalled many painful memories and directly told of the difference and joy in life there is in knowing our awesome God and Saviour - Jesus.

After the stories were shared, many who related to the trials of that life would open up and pour out their hearts to a leader, and through the work of the Holy Spirit many teens (and older people attending) had their hearts softened to Jesus.

Through Solid Rock Cafe many people came to hear and step one bit closer to knowing our awesome God, and even a few made the leap of faith - putting their whole trust and life in Jesus' hands. Many Bibles were handed out (and proudly recieved), and heaps of local contacts were made for churches. The impact Solid Rock Cafe had on teens would cover over a year of full time youth ministry... Praise God for the team, their servant hearts and the work of the Holy Spirit in many people during the Cafe.

The organisers of Solid Rock Cafe have locked in to return in 2011, and can't wait to see what God has done and will do in the youth of Forster-Tuncurry. We're hoping many like minded locals will have a desire to join the team, and continue to connect with the youth of this town and link them to local churches.

If you're keen or want to know more you can email me at [email protected]

Till next time!