More than 100 enthusiastic Christian surfers from around New Zealand gathered at Camp Raglan over Labour Weekend for their annual National Conference. Christian Surfers is now in 24 countries world-wide.
The conference was deemed a great success as CSNZ sought to redefine itself and develop a new strategy for reaching surfers and their communities - starting this year and heading into 2007. The weekend had worship music from the local Community Church Worship Team, events, challenges, actions, giveaways, prizes a children’s programme and visitors from YWAM and Brazil.. And guest speakers from Christian Surfers International (CSI) Brett Davis (Founder) and Andrew Carruthers (Asia South Pacific) encouraged participants to seek God first and reinforced that surfing is a great part of the ministry but not the most important aspect.
Centred on the theme of ‘Build’ Christian Surfers New Zealand has introduced a new role of Regional Co-ordinators to help raise and expand local missions into the surfers world and they will work alongside the BOT, National Director, National Team and Local Core Groups. Prayer, discussions, workshops and insights during the conference gave many a chance to express dreams and hopes of improving that aim and new vision. With the weather being challenging they did manage to squeeze in some surfing too with 60-70 CSNZ surfers lining up in the break.
Since National Director Matt Foster took on his new role, Christian Surfers New Zealand has see new missions being established in Mount Maunganui, Christchurch, Hokitika and Whangamata are now considering their surfing community too. “We are in exciting times” said Matt Foster.
A highlight from the conference was the ‘One Click’ Strategy introduced – focusing on local groups looking outward not inward and praying for opportunities to see more local groups start up in places around N.Z. This fits in well with the international strategy to see contacts around the world to turn into affiliated local Christian Surfers groups/missions as well as emerging countries recognised as affiliated countries. All groups need to click or rotate once around the country and start to pray for places that God places on their heart. “We need to serve as leaders and this would be serviced by surfing in different spots, getting to know the local surfers and their communities and by visiting some schools and Churches too. “This is a long term vision” said Matt Foster.
Sunday evening church service as rap a up for the weekend was an inspirational evening put on by CSNZ and included inviting the Raglan community and Churches to attend. The meeting was complemented by the local Surfside Worship team who did a fantastic job.
Dean Rush Pastor of Auckland’s Christian City Church gave a well-received message on utilising our gifts and Andrew Carruthers centred his message on focusing, gaining momentum and building the kingdom. Both of these messages highlighted that we need to keep our fixed on the Boss and let Him do the building.
Thanks to everyone who made this weekend what it was and most all thank you to our awesome God.