Name: Sylven Van Den Booggaart

Role: Groundswell Aid Manager

Country: The Netherlands

Hi, my name is Sylven van den Boogaart. I’m part of the Christian Surfers International team and the manager Groundswell Aid—a ministry that works to uplift projects around the world where surfing and poverty intersect.

As a core member of the Christian Surfers team and the General Manager of Groundswell Aid, attending this gathering is very important. It’ll allow me to connect with and inspire leaders around the world to live out their God-given call—following Jesus and making disciples in their nations. Additionally, I want to encourage Christian Surfers to put their faith into action by supporting surfers living in poverty.

The genesis of Groundswell Aid was inspired by James 1:22 which says "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." The Word of God inspires us to help those around us. And that is what Groundswell Aid does! It is Christian Surfers in action. 

To make this trip possible, I need to raise $2,000 for my conference fee and travel. Any support, whether in prayer or financial contribution, would be greatly appreciated as well!

This gathering will be my last trip as an unmarried man, as I’ll be marrying my fiancée, Caroline, just two weeks later! Woooohoooo ⛪️ 👰🏼

Each donation will be met with a matching gift courtesy of Christian Surfers.

If a team member can't attend the Gathering, their raised funds will be allocated to support other leaders fundraising for the event.