:::Christian Surfers New Zealand:::

On the 25th of August I flew down to Christchurch to be met by Peter Dobbs. We were then later joined by Darren Chettle and Greg from North Canterbury – all stoked on surfing and all stoked on God (the Boss). We shared our history, our testimonies and discovered lots of similarities about how we got to where we are now. We talked about how fantastic Christian Surfers can be to reach surfers and their communities. We shared about what’s happening nationally and the potential for Christchurch. Stoked on stories being swapped we were later joined by Simon Eyre from Hokitika. I have been in contact for quite a while with Simon, so it is was awesome to talk in person, to strategise and offer ongoing support. It was neat to hear how God has been challenging him to utilise his giftings and resources to reach the surfers and local community in Hokitika. It is exciting to see that God is raising up leaders and stirring up vision for future meetings and camps. We were also sharing that local groups could potentially be together more often and could possibly link up with other ministries more regularly too. The potential is there. The potential is great. After looking at resources available, DVDs, surfer’s bibles, stickers and flyers, we were able to grab a few waves together and enjoy (on a beautiful sunny Christchurch day) some fantastic North Canterbury beaches. Very stoked (stoked being – a deep inner joy over and above our outwardly circumstances, some surf lingo for you) - we left for Kaikoura Friday evening to meet up with Brian and Lisa. God is doing great things with CS in the South Island! Kaikoura was once again fantastic. Looking at future opportunities in Kaikoura – BMX tracks being built, what there is to do locally, local church direction and the needs of the area we were able to put our heads together and pray for specifics. Kaikoura has so much to offer, what a place to be able to be involved with Christian Surfers and have the ability to utilize so many resources. Not only the ocean, but also the mountains and a coastline so exciting, diverse in landscape and plentiful. If you get there, go for it! Thanks guys for such a neat time. May God Bless you plans and goals – I’ll be back for sure. Off to Christchurch again early Sunday morning to be greeted by friendly folk from City Apostolic Church which provided to be very fruitful Church service/meeting. CSNZ was able to support the local crew to launch Christchurch Christian Surfers (CCS). We showed a couple of promo DVDs, Darren and Peter shared beginning dates for the 1st meeting (a surfboard to be given away) and were prayed for as the new leaders of CCS. What an awesome meeting and venue to have some of their events at now and again. It’s all there! That evening we were fortunate for all to be able to attend the Central Salvation Army Church. Led by Peter and Raeline Savage (and team) we were invited to share about CSNZ at their café Church. What a cool evening: bands, nibbles, more promos and great speakers to build all and Bless our Boss again. Kristin and Rachel (with families) supported us, as Kristin shared (interviewed by dad) and then handed over to myself. Before this Darren and Peter were able to share dates for their first CS meeting and invite the Church to attend (the surfboard give-away once again captured interest). What a weekend full of opportunity and a clean ground swell of a beginning for CCS. Thank you Sallies for your support and hospitality – you are doing a great job. Back home now, more planning and preparation a I lead up to Brazil for the International Conference with 24 other countries - 14th until the 26th of September and continue the planning for National Conference out at Rags in October. Warm waters in Brazil I hear and warmer back in N.Z after I return… yehaa!!

nga ngaru toa o te matua nui i te rangi