Local Missions

Rock Solid

Begun in 2002, Rock Solid is a local missional work amongst teenagers in the southern half of Dunedin. The guts of the programme consists of four evening clubs four times a week, and every couple of months camps full of sport, games, food, fun, testimonies and values based studies. The goal of these is to build friendships and mentoring type relationships with the young people, and to develop greater leadership skills – both in ourselves and in the kids we are working with.

In days gone by, many of these kids have been labeled ‘at risk’ youth, but we prefer to see them as awesome young people full of infinite, God-given potential. And we get to play an important part in the unleashing of that potential.
 
Geographically, we work with kids from the southern (and lower socio-economic) suburbs of South Dunedin, Corstorphine, Caversham, Concord, St Kilda and Brighton (but nothing is far away in Dunedin. These are only a 10 minute drive from the University campus or more affluent north Dunedin suburbs). Some of our kids come from very complex family situations, may be struggling at school, or may have been referred by CYFs or by their school. And many of them are also normal, fun-loving kids who simply need someone a little older to get alongside them and show God’s love to them.

Most of our kids have no church or youth group connection. Many of them are from low decile suburbs and schools. Most won’t get to hear about Jesus in any meaningful way unless you or I get alongside them and share our lives.

On our Rock Solid team we have four Youth Workers and a Family Worker. Two of our Youth Workers are also based at local south Dunedin schools. But what really makes our ministry fly is the 25 - 30 Volunteer Leaders who join us each year (often Otago Uni or Polytech. Students). Each year a deep sense of community and camaraderie develops among this team of Youth Workers, both volunteers and staff, as they plunge into an exciting part of God’s mission in this city. You get great training in youth ministry, make friends with some great kids, go on camps and adventures, learn more about Jesus’ heart for others – and about yourself. It’s awesome, and it’s some of the best training in mission that you can do.

(by Kristin Jack: Manager Rock Solid)

For more Information contact Kristin Jack (022075 3286) or Tamsyn Stanley (027325 3794)

and visit www.rocksoliddunedin.co.nz

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