The Surf Report #65
New CSI Website
CSI has a brand new website. Head there now to explore who we are, where we are and how you can connect with us! Make sure to keep a watch on our blog as we constantly update this with news and reports from CS groups around the world, and if you're not a CSI partner, why not consider joining now with updated partner packs, featuring treats that include the Groundswell book and brand new CSI t-shirts. www.christiansurfers.net
International Conference Next Month
Our international conference at Esterillos, Costa Rica will be held July 27 - Aug 1, 2014 and there are already over 100 people booked. We have raised some $5,500 of $16,000 for scholarships and we would love you to consider helping an emerging world leader to come (Sponsor a leader here now!). Guest speaker Britt Merrick is looking forward to joining us at conference (along with his grom son) and sharing God's word. Dennis Leon is preparing a community project for us to engage in as a local legacy from conference. This is open for all CS leaders and key stakeholders. Register online here.
North Africa Surf Industry Open
A well known North African surfing nation is advertising for someone to take up a surf school/surfboard industry position as part of their overall mission strategy. The applicant will need to be a committed Christian, be passionate about sharing Jesus with Muslims, have surf coaching qualification and the ability to grow a business. Contact Roy Harley for initial screening.
Madagascar Surf School
Pete Schaffler is an Australian surfer living with the poorest of the poor in Toliar, South Madagascar. They are looking for a multi-faceted team to help reach the youth of Madagascar through Bible-storying and a part of this is to use surfing to build relationships with young people and spread the good news of Jesus. Toliar has amazing surf with very few surfers. CSI have secured a fleet of soft-top boards for a surf school and Pete is looking for some surf missionaries. Contact Pete for more info.
J-Bay Internship Leadership Role
The Christian Surfers Africa Leadership Training (CSALT) and Aleph Programs are looking for a Volunteer Program Manager. These are leadership-orientated discipleship programs, which are worked out in partnership within CS Africa. The ideal applicant is someone with vision and the ability to manage a wide variety of people and events within a cross cultural setting. Contact Steph Zehmke in the CS Africa office for more info.
Mexico Puerto Escondido Partner
Puerto Escondido is the centre of surfing for Central America and one of the world's top destinations. Mike and Vanessa Allbutt have been there for 6 years now and are looking for new CS workers with the possibility of joining their work in Puerto Escondido and expanding to other parts of Mexico. The applicants will need to speak Spanish (or commit to learn), be able to empower locals and work with a partnering mission agency to raise support. Contact Mike for more info.
European Regional Gathering
In May yet another annual European leaders gathering was held in Bayonne near Biarritz, France, the centre of European surfing. Some 50 leaders from 8 nations attended including new affiliates Norway and inquiring Sweden. Phil reports great sharing, worship and vision for the future.
Paddle Against Poverty Australia
Now in its 14th year CS Wollongong in Australia attracted almost 100 paddlers, who raised over $17,000 for Compassion Australia. They have effectively transitioned a CS event into a community event facilitated by CS. The Paddle Against Poverty has become a rite-of-passage for many surfers of the local area and has broad support from Surf Lifesaving, emergency services and local council.
The Perfect Wave Surf Film Release
Director Bruce McDonald is stoked to present The Perfect Wave, the film covering the miraculous testimony of Ian McCormack who died in Mauritius after a box jellyfish sting. Equally miraculous is the film production and now release as it makes its way from South Africa. Walmart report ordering 250,000 copies and all include the CSI promo video as part of the extras.
New Zealand Jesus Surf Classic 2014
After a few years absence and some false starts in 2013, the CSNZ Jesus Surf Classic made its return in 2014. Sunny, solid, clean offshore waves near Mt Maunganui had everyone frothing that, "Jesus is back!" Check out a report and photos on their website. Taylor McDonald, the National Missions Development Worker was so stoked to see the beach packed with smiling faces and CSNZ raising its profile once again. "We have had a pretty lean few years trying to consolidate our leadership and rebuild unity and vision and this was a great step." Taylor was then doubly blessed after a supporter noted his sedan overflowing with groms and donated a minivan to CS!
Peru Hosts WQS Women's Event
Despite some recent restrictions by the new ASP with chaplain's access to WCT events, events on the lower tours are open for support. CS Peru proved this in San Bartolo with the Rip Curl Women's Pro in March. With the support of Surfing Peru, CS were able to serve throughout the event including a tent with Surfers Bibles, opening in prayer and many positive conversations. Build a strong relationship with your national surfing body and see what doors will open!