The mission and purpose of the Turn Around Cruiser Ministry is to glorify God by providing a safe, hassel-free place to park your car, visit with your friends and enjoy free food and drinks.

Cruiser Ministry at Gastonia First

In 2003, the late Bruce Hopper, a native of Dallas, NC, parked his car in the parking lot at Gastonia First on a Friday night and watched the “Cruisers” on Franklin Boulevard drive past the Church.  The same burden that had prompted him to begin “Pit Stop” at Greenwood Hills once again stirred in his heart.  He suggested a similar ministry to “Cruisers” at Gastonia, First.  After some months of prayer and planning, “Turn Around” was born the second Friday of July, 2004.

Since that time, hundreds of young people have enjoyed free hot dogs and soft drinks as each Friday night.  The “Turn Around” offers a safe, hassle-free place to park, visit with friends and show off cars.  Support from the Church and the community has been generous and abundant. 

Recently, a tragedy caused by young people racing on Franklin Boulevard brought media attention to the “Turn Around.”  Since that time, attendance has increased dramatically and police and city leaders have sought the involvement of the leaders of the “Turn Around” to address some of the problems young people have in Gastonia.

Relationships that have been built and are beginning to bear spiritual fruit.  Young people now request prayer from those who participate and opportunities to witness are becoming more frequent.