10 Questions with Lars Monsen
Hey hey hey CS fam. We going to be embarking on a series of interviews entitled 10 Questions. Our idea with these interviews is to shine a light on all the weird and wonderful, frothing, Jesus-loving surfers that make up this global organization. We’ll be starting off with the national directors and then branch our way out gradually.
Anyway - our first interview is with no other than the national director of Norway, Lars Monsen. Lars lives in the far reaches of our Christian Surfers’ tribe in a post-Christian culture where he and his family are a shining light on a hill for all to see.
1.) Full Name, Location & CS Chapter?
Lars Monsen, Stadlandet, Norway
2.) How did you come to know and follow Christ?
Through studying scriptures for errors and faults, God showed me that he truly is always caring for his creation. When I was far away, he was always present. Either through his people or through His Spirit - showing me through multiple "coincidences" that he was always leading the way to His arms!
3.) Tell us a bit about where you’re from and your local surf spot.
I am originally from Larvik, a city close to the capital of Norway; Oslo. My home break is Saltstein, rocky boulders and choppy wind swells - but I love the place. About 9 years ago my wife, Camilla and I got married and moved to Stadlandet, to reach out to the growing Norwegian surf community. We built a house here and are kind of settled here in Ervik Beach, which is a truly beautiful bay with crazy weather, wind, and waves. It’s dramatic in every way!
4.) What does it mean to be a Christian Surfer?
It means that I have surrendered myself to Christ and His will, and I am part of the Kingdom of God, God’s family. It means that in everything I do in life; school, work, surf, church, or whatever - Christ is in me. I am His salt, his light! That is my DNA. It’s my Identity! From this truth, he shapes and forms my actions, deeds, and my will so that I can walk as Jesus walked! Through all steps and seasons of faith and life - you are a His surfer - He has called you by name!
5.) Your favourite verse and why you love it.
Mathew 5:13-16.
As I was about to surrender my life to Christ - I knew I had to confess for my mum and dad. In the midst of it all, there was a battle in my mind - a battle about confessing my status - as a follower of Christ. In the midst of the battle, I opened the Bible on a random page - pointed my finger someplace on that page and started to read. This truth about the importance of sharing our faith - because we are Light and salt to the earth! It is not to be hidden!
6.) A cool story of how CS has helped changed a life or brought someone to Christ.
Over the years we have seen many people take steps of faith. To be a christian presence means connecting over time with those who are in your communities. For us - there have been a few people that change their life and brought to Christ. But over the years what is making the biggest overall impression on how God is working - is seeing the incredible amount of people that - in a very subjective way - are getting closer to Christ. That meaning; for an atheist to actually experience true hospitality and friendship from a Christian is breaking down a lot of barriers, and drawing the atheist closer to Christ. For a lukewarm Christian to experience powerful fellowship in prayer, worship and bible study and to get filled by the Spirit, is truly big steps in faith! To see engaged followers of Christ charging through serving God and finding their calling in life is adding so much to the Christian communities - but also in relation to all the people we meet - every day.
7.) One piece of advice you can give to your Christian Surfers?
Stick to Jesus
8.) Funniest moment serving at an event.
Seeing all our laid-back surfer friends getting stressed and amped before their heat - triggering some seriousness to the beach!
9.) What verse has God got frothing on your heart at the moment
Colossians 4:3-4
10.) Last time you burnt someone and had to ask God for forgiveness
last week.