They eat waffles. They play ping-pong. And they’ll be
introduced to Jesus.
The decorations are up and snacks are on the table in the
basement meeting room of a new Christian youth outreach in Aarhus, Denmark’s
second-largest city. With the opening of the Crash Café last month, teens now
have a place to hang out every other Friday evening and learn more about faith.
It’s staffed by volunteers and co-sponsored by Aarhus IMU
(the youth ministry of the Indre Mission renewal movement) and Aarhus Bykirke
(City Church). Rikke Lodberg Pedersen is one of the leaders.
“We have teen clubs in Aarhus,” she said, “but not a café. I
hope it will be a relaxed place where everyone can feel welcome.”
In typical Danish fashion, there’s an emphasis on “hygge” at
the new café, with wall murals, game tables, and furniture to give it a warm,
cozy atmosphere. Ultimately it’s a place where teens with questions about life
and faith can meet (slightly) older believers who are willing to share their
lives.
“It’s going to be a café on their terms,” said Pedersen, “and
they’ll be able to talk to us leaders and with each other about whatever is
happening in their lives.”
Opening night was September 15, from 7 to 10 p.m.
PRAY for the
success of this new youth outreach, that spiritual conversations would lead to
changed lives.
PRAY for the leaders, that God
would continue to draw dedicated volunteers who will model what following Jesus
looks like.
PRAY for the
resources needed to continue and expand this strategic outreach to teens. They may
have no other contact with Christians in their city.
PRAY for revival
to break out among teens who will come to know Christ through this café.