Spaghetti sculling, break dancing, horizontal bungy-jumping...

It doesn't sound like your average gospel event. But in a growing number of high schools around New Zealand, that's exactly what it is.

'The Rock' was started in 1996 by Simon Greening, a sixth former at Auckland's Rangitoto College. Simon has a vision and a passion for seeing the gospel preached in high schools throughout New Zealand and around the world. The Rock is based on six core values: Students reaching students, take the gospel to the students, focus on evangelism, do whatever it takes, principles vs programmes, and prayer! Student leaders present the gospel in big lunch time events. The Rock is now established in 54 New Zealand schools, and is a ministry of Youth For Christ.

Jo Ryan spoke with Hamilton sixth former Christine Kay, a Rock leader at Fraser High School.

How long has The Rock been running at your school?

Since the beginning of term two, so it's quite new.

What was involved in setting it up?

Well, first we had to convince others that it was a good idea. To do that we had Christian group meetings, encouraged them, and gave them our dreams for our school. We prayed heaps and did lots of bible studies.

I went to one of the deputy principals, who is a Christian, and he agreed to support us. That was cool, that made things a lot easier. I also talked to the pastor at my church, and the youth pastor.

How have other students reacted to the gospel message?

They took it really well. We had students up there giving testimonies, and they were saying that it was cool that they were doing that. Students were yelling 'amen' out from the audience and that was cool.

What are some of the events you've held?

We had music and breakdancing, cos that's really big in our school and people really loved that. We had some guys rapping, they put Christian lyrics to popular secular rap songs. We also had a hacky-sac comp, we said how the hacky-sac got tossed around and dropped, and how life can be like that, you don't know what's happening in your life, you're getting chucked around everywhere, but God's always there, and things are gonna get better.

What is your advice to students wanting to start 'The Rock' at their school?

Pray heaps about it, and really rely on God. Motivate other students, show them your dream. Don't be afraid to be over enthusiastic, because if you're excited about something and really believe in it, then others will start believing in it too.

Wellington YFC is looking for a Regional Coordinator for The Rock. Call Kevin Goldsbury on 04 566 5435 or email at k.goldsbury@yfc.org.nz for any enquires.

To find out more about The Rock, contact your local Youth For Christ office, or email therock@yfc.org.nz