SURFERS United States
CSUS VOLUME V // 2024 EDITION // SEND IT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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OUR MISSION
Christian Surfers United States’ (CSUS) purpose and reach in 2024
LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR
How Christian Surfers “Sent It” in 2024 and looks to “Be Still” in 2025
NICARAGUA | A GROMS’ GUIDE TO SEND IT
Young surfers step out of their comfort zones
EL SALVADOR | BUILDING FAITH AND FRIENDSHIPS: THE CS GIRLS’ JOURNEY
CS Girls on growing their faith and creating genuine friendships
Justin Stevens takes a leap of faith
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | YOU WON’T KNOW UNTIL YOU GO
Christian Brugger on discovering what’s possible when you “go”
A discipleship program developing up-and-coming leaders from chapters nationwide
CARLY’S
TO LEADING HER COMMUNITY
Carly Coble on the impact of Christian Surfers’ training and leading a surf competition
How CS is sharing the life-changing story of Jesus
A space where men are propelled to a deeper level of faith
CHILE |
Solveig Jobbins on the power of stepping out to serve
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of the magazine.
PHOTO BY: JOSH SCHIEFFER
OUR MISSION
So that every surfer and every surfing community would have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus.
PHOTO BY: LEASON DANCAESCU
2024 UNITED STATES STATISTICS
LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Has there ever been a moment when you have been pushed outside of your comfort zone? In surfing, we use the term “Send It,” when a big set of waves is coming and you just push yourself over the lip. These are the moments when your blood pressure is pumping, you see a monster wave coming and everything inside tells you not to do it.
As an organization, our goal for 2024 was to “Send It.” This looked differently for everyone – for some it meant stepping out to share their faith with someone in the water and for others it was going on a mission trip to be stretched.
I experienced this when I went on our first groms’ trip to Nicaragua. A group of young surfers “Sent It” by traveling overseas without their parents to serve a local community and share their testimonies. And I saw it lived out by our local chapters as they partnered alongside their communities to serve others, even when it stretched their faith.
Now, as we look toward 2025, our goal is to “Be Still” by being intentional about spending time with the Father.
Jesus demonstrates this as He spent time with the Father. Jesus was so busy. But, we read how time and time again, He prioritized being still with the Father. He would get up very early in the morning to be with Him.
Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
Life can feel disrupted when we are trying to “Be Still” with the Father. But it is important to remember who is still in control.
We see this when Jesus was resting on a boat one night with His disciples. They encountered a fierce storm and the disciples were freaking out. He just said, “Be still!” And He calmed the storm (Mark 4:39). He does that to our storms.
In this last season, my life has had a lot of storms. It has felt like one hurricane after another has just tried to sink us. In the midst of it, my family has continued to draw near to the Father, and we have been able to “Be Still.”
My prayer for every one of us is that we can have special alone time with the Father. May we “Be Still.” And, may we be intentional about spending time with the Father, like Jesus did.
As you read the stories about how people in CS “Sent It” this past year, I hope you are inspired to step out of your comfort zone. And as you look toward this new year, may you also be intentional about how to “Be Still” with the Father.
DAVID NEHRIG CSUS National Director
NICARAGUA
A GROMS’ GUIDE TO SEND IT
PHOTOS BY: LEASON DANCAESCU & DAVID NEHRIG
Whena group of groms (young surfers) arrived in Popoyo, Nicaragua, wheeling barrels of asphalt in the blazing sun to build a pump track wasn’t a part of the plan. The team of 19 – aged 12 to 18 with three adults – was on the last leg of an eight-day Surf & Share trip with Christian Surfers (CS), which focuses on empowering one to share their testimony.
“Originally, we were just going to help lay grass around the pump track. The asphalt truck got a popped tire and was delayed three days. It came in exactly when we arrived at the church,” says Tripp Nehrig, a junior in high school who helped coordinate the groms’ trip. “Somehow, it felt like it was God’s planning.”
It was February of 2024, and the team had just arrived from San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, where they spent four days serving with one of CS’ partners Ride Nature, a nonprofit organization impacting the world through action sports. Alongside Ride Nature missionaries, the group participated in local skate outreaches, where they skated with youth and shared their testimonies.
Following their ministry there, they departed for The Way Christian Center, planning to beautify a freshly built pump track. But, after a three-hour bus drive from San Juan del Sur to Popoyo, they found the 18-wheeler dump truck with asphalt hadn’t arrived until they did.
Stoked to help, the team got to work. Wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow, in 91-degree weather, all 19 of them laid the foundation of the pump track. They rolled out and dumped 128 tons of asphalt under the guidance of a team of professionals from Switzerland. After working for 382.5 hours collectively, the team finished the pump track on their final day, with just enough time to test it before departing.
“The big thing for me was seeing all of the groms’ hearts open up,” says Leason Dancaescu, Gulf Coast regional coordinator for CS and one of the adult leaders. “It’s one of the most powerful things when you serve other people, knowing you are not getting anything in return. They weren’t doing it for themselves. They were doing it selflessly for this community that accepted us wonderfully.”
The new skate park, built at The Way Youth Center, now brings in youth from all over Nicaragua. The center’s goal is for it to be an opportunity for the local community to experience the love of Christ through sport.
“God is good. So radical even after 20-plus years, God’s timing never gets old,” says Pastor James Joseph Yemma, the pastor of The Way Church. “In March of 2024, we miraculously start to build this massive pump track. Not sure about so many things and then David and Tripp show up with Christian Surfers. 128 tons of asphalt laboring until 2 a.m. three days in a
row. Affirming in my heart once again the grace of God and how He uses us, surfers, to bring light and love everywhere we go. Unity, service, humility, joy and hunger for God are a few of the words I would use to describe this group.”
For Tripp, the hours they dedicated to building the track couldn’t measure up to the lasting impact it would have on the local community.
“SHARING YOUR TESTIMONY AND YOUR LIFE IS A HUGE ROLE FOR MYSELF AND OTHER GROMS. I HAVE BUILT FRIENDSHIPS ON THAT TRIP THAT HAVE LASTED ME UNTIL TODAY. I KNOW THEIR STORY AND THAT THEY WANT THE SAME THINGS THAT I WANT – TO BE PUSHED CLOSER TO THE LORD.”
— Tripp Nehrig
“The impact that it made in the community doesn’t just affect the people in the city. It’s affecting people from all of Central America because people are going to be flying in from all over to use it,” says Tripp. “That tool they have is right there on the church’s property, so you can’t really go to the pump track without seeing all of the amazing people at the church and being involved in the church.”
Many groms on the trip expressed how the pump track provided a space to come together to share stories of their faith and the struggles they’ve encountered in their Christian journey. Tripp recalls a group of groms gathering one night around the track.
“It was like 9 p.m., and we had just finished working seven or eight hours on the pump track. We are all sitting there and admiring the work that we had done when three kids started to share their testimonies,” says Tripp. “All of us were sitting there, touched and felt the Lord’s presence. That was by far the most impactful night.”
One of the biggest takeaways for Tripp was being on a trip where he was surrounded by other groms who were going through similar life experiences and hearing their testimonies. Tripp shares how the purpose of the trip is to grow groms into leaders and to empower them to share their testimonies.
“Sharing your testimony and your life is a huge role for myself and the other groms,” says Tripp. “I have built friendships on that trip that have lasted me until today. I know their story and that they want the same things that I want – to be pushed closer to the Lord.
Those friendships are super key to having a successful Christian life.”
For many of the groms, it was their first international trip – if not their first trip – traveling without their parents. Leason says it embodies CS’ word of the year, “Send It.”
“To ‘Send It’ means to step outside of your comfort zone and push yourself to do something you may not think you are able to do,” says Leason. “But, with the support of people around you, cheering you on, and putting your faith in Jesus knowing that He is going to give you the skills and tools to do this. You can blow your mind with what you can do with that faith and that community around you.”
And sending it is just what many of the groms did.
“I thought it would be a good first time to travel without my parents,” says James Havens, a junior in high school. “I knew I would be surrounded by good fellowship and just a good time to get away and score some good waves. I felt like I was built a lot spiritually.”
“TO ‘SEND IT’ MEANS TO STEP OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND PUSH YOURSELF TO DO SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT THINK YOU ARE ABLE TO DO.”
—Leason Dancaescu
James has been involved in the CS Carlsbad and Oceanside chapters in California for over two years. Although he has been a part of CS for some time, with his dad previously serving with CS, James expressed the importance of how the mission trip helped him bond with others. James admits that laying the foundation of the pump track was unexpected, but he learned from his experience.
“There were disappointments. We didn’t know if we could finish the pump track. We had to work overtime in a sense,” says James. “I’ve learned that disappointments have a purpose. God builds you through disappointment or hard times.”
Similar to James, it was Sam Axtell’s first international trip without his parents. Sam, a sophomore in high school, has been a part of the Huntington Beach chapter since early 2024. Sam started surfing when he was 11.
“It was around when COVID hit. My mom wanted us to do something outdoors so we tried surfing,” says Sam. “My whole family loved it so we just started going every day.”
While browsing online for opportunities to surf and serve in ministry, Sam’s mom stumbled upon the CS groms’ trip. Sam agreed thinking it would be a good opportunity to be surrounded by groms his age, and they soon found themselves involved in a local CS chapter.
“I wanted to try surfing with them and to serve the Lord,” he adds.
Sam described how the mission trip gave him the perfect mix of surfing, learning how to share his testimony and serving the local community. He shared how the team would get up before sunrise to surf for hours together. Then, they would head back to eat breakfast together and start the day with a devotional. Following breakfast, they would work on the pump track. They ended their days by eating a meal together and doing another devotional.
“Spiritually, it was good for me to have devotionals and share my testimony,” says Sam. “The mission trip is a really good way to get to know new people, connect with the Lord and serve the Lord.”
It wasn’t just the groms that felt the impact of the trip. As one of the leaders, Leason discussed how watching groms share their testimonies publicly encouraged him. “It put a fire under me. To see those kids just really,
wholeheartedly, chasing after the Lord was so rad, encouraging and a really good reminder that this is the ministry. This is what it’s about,” says Leason. “It’s about reaching kids who need Jesus. Each one of the kids that came on the trip represents multiple kids that are in every beach town that we are in and not in.”
Looking toward the future, Tripp is already planning the next trip where they are slated to return to Nicaragua in April of 2025.
And, for groms wanting to attend future trips, James says, “Be expectant for anything because a lot can happen. Be open to having your faith built and getting out of your comfort zone physically and spiritually.”
To sign up for the next groms’ trip or for more information, visit christiansurfers.com.
WATCH THE RECAP
Scan the QR code to see the recap video.
“I’VE LEARNED THAT DISAPPOINTMENTS HAVE A PURPOSE. GOD BUILDS YOU THROUGH DISAPPOINTMENT OR HARD TIMES.”
— James Havens
EL SALVADOR
BUILDING FAITH AND COMMUNITY: THE CS GIRLS’ JOURNEY
PHOTOS BY: JEANNIFER AGUILAR, KARINA DEJOHN, SARAH STOTZ
NEARLY 40% OF CHRISTIAN SURFERS (CS) IS MADE UP OF FEMALES, KNOWN AS CS GIRLS. AND IT’S A NUMBER THAT ISN’T SLOWING DOWN.
“Our mission is that every surfer and every surfing community would come to know Jesus. Through an allgirls surf trip, you are specifically pinpointing a group of surfers that is growing and growing, and that is half of our mission,” says Colbi Pickett, East Coast girls’ regional director. “We want them to know that they are welcome in CS and that there is a seat at the table for them.”
CS has offered a girls-only Surf and Share trip to El Salvador for the past two years led by Colbi and Nina Coons, West Coast girls’ regional director. The trip, open to females of any age, is geared toward building genuine relationships and helping one publicly share their faith.
“The goal of it is to practice sharing your testimony. And to practice sharing encouragement and God’s love with the people there,” says Nina. “The cool thing I have seen over the years is that the trip kind of solidifies a lot of people in their faith because they have to share about it.”
Colbi adds, “My goal for this trip is for these women to realize that they have a very specific anointing on their lives.”
In March of 2024, a group of 14 CS Girls (aged 14 to early 30s), from the East and West Coasts of the United States, traveled to El Tunco Beach, El Salvador. For seven days, the team partnered with CS El Salvador to host events for young children and high school girls. With the children, they read Bible stories, played soccer and pushed them into waves. They organized gatherings for girls from the local CS chapter in El Salvador, where they surfed together, made bracelets and shared their testimonies.
“The goal is building a long-term relationship there with El Salvador,” says Nina. “We want to go back every year and just encourage them with the gospel and challenge girls on the trip to share their faith.”
Colbi adds, “A lot of the girls that live in El Salvador, their ticket out is surfing. They are trying to get on tour. The girls that attend the trip are showing these girls there is so much more to life than just surfing. I think that speaks volumes when they hear what the other part of their life is and who their identity actually is in.”
For Allie Robertson, Julia Eustis and Ollie Anderson, the trip meant something different in their spiritual journeys.
CREATING GENUINE COMMUNITY
Traveling has been an integral part of Allie Robertson’s life. At the age of 25, Allie has traveled to 20 countries. Fresh out of high school, she joined a program called The World Race, which gives young adults a stronger sense of God’s calling through mission trips. Within nine months, she lived in five different countries. She continued to travel globally by doing mission work with her mom.
Although she has ventured worldwide, one of her most memorable experiences was going to El Salvador with CS Girls.
“What set the trip up to be one of my all-time favorites is the balance of everything,” says Allie. “All the beautifully lighthearted moments were paired with the same amount of deep moments of connection. We got to share testimonies, pray over each other, talk about our walks with God by being vulnerable and fully present.”
Allie has been a part of the Carlsbad chapter in California for two years. Before the trip, Allie prayed for friendships with women who are passionate about their faith.
“God answered that prayer by bringing together some of the most wonderful women from around the country,” says Allie. “The impact it made on my life was it brought together an amazing group of people from all different places and backgrounds and created this feeling of genuine friendship by the end of it.”
One of Allie’s favorite parts of the trips was when the team gathered with girls from the local CS chapter. She
“WE GOT TO SHARE TESTIMONIES, PRAY OVER EACH OTHER, TALK ABOUT OUR WALKS WITH GOD BY BEING VULNERABLE AND FULLY PRESENT.”
— Allie Robertson
talked about how someone would start the night off by sharing a testimony or a devotional.
“Those nights are really what brought people together,” says Allie. “They would open up about things that are going on in their life that a lot of people could relate to, but normally wouldn’t come up in a conversation unless prompted by someone asking them to tell their testimony.”
Seeing people around the world follow Jesus encouraged Allie’s faith. She adds, “It was uplifting for our group to go to their chapter and see them pursue the Lord.”
EMBRACING GOD’S WONDER
Before traveling to El Salvador, Julia Eustis felt like she was moving fast and wrapped up in her life, without room for much more. She was in the midst of a difficult season. And dealing with health issues, she felt anxious about traveling overseas lacking the medical resources she had at home.
“I was really nervous,” says Julia. “God really met me in that and gave me a perspective shift.”
Julia has been a part of the Carlsbad CS chapter for two years. A conversation in a coffee shop led her to join a CS Girls Bible study. It was there she heard about how God moved in different people’s lives during the
CS Girls trip to El Salvador in 2023. So, the next year, she signed up.
While in El Salvador, Julia sensed God impress the word “wonder” on her heart.
“I kept hearing that word to open my heart to experience Him in a new way,” says Julia. “It kind of was a reminder that God was saying, you need to zoom out. The big things I was going through became really small and God became really big. I feel like God moved in really big ways to exclaim His glory, and I felt it on that trip.”
Julia shares she was grateful for the opportunity to build relationships with people on the trip, pour into the lives of younger attendees and create bonds with girls from El Salvador. Her biggest takeaway was the joy she experienced from the people there.
“I think we all had our struggles and things we were going through before coming on this trip and dealing with back home,” says Julia. “It was cool just going to El Salvador and having all those things that were really big in our lives become really small. It was a good reminder that this is not everything. We have such great hope awaiting.”
TRANSFORMING DIFFICULT MEMORIES
For as long as Ollie Anderson can remember, she has been playing soccer. She recalls starting as a child and playing 16 years of travel soccer. Ollie says the sport consumed most of her life.
“All of my life I played soccer. I always felt like I wasted my entire life playing soccer. I wish I would have done something else besides soccer,” says Ollie.
But, going to El Salvador altered her outlook.
“When I went to El Salvador and I was playing soccer with these kids, that was my favorite part of the trip,” says Ollie. “It was cool to go and feel like I did that for a reason. Playing soccer with kids turned some bad memories into some good ones.”
Ollie’s first introduction to CS was through an Instagram post sent by her friend, Liz. The pair decided to attend a gathering in Jacksonville, Florida. “We just showed up to it and knew no one. We have been going ever since,” says Ollie.
Through being a part of CS, Ollie heard about the 2023 El Salvador trip. She went on the trip that year and returned in 2024.
“THE BIG THINGS I WAS GOING THROUGH BECAME REALLY SMALL AND GOD BECAME REALLY BIG. I FEEL LIKE GOD MOVED IN REALLY BIG WAYS TO EXCLAIM HIS GLORY, AND I FELT THAT ON THIS TRIP.”
— Julia Eustis
“Going there made me feel like I had a family all over the world. I met so many cool friends,” adds Ollie. “It was really cool that you could speak to someone and not really speak the same language and bond with them.”
Ollie shares that going on the trip helped her feel like she was a part of a community.
“It made my sense of community feel a lot deeper. You can’t do this whole Jesus thing by yourself,” says
Ollie. “Having friends to push me in my faith has really changed my life. You get to share the gospel with people.”
Like Allie, Julia and Ollie, Lorena Perla felt the impact of the CS Girls trip. Lorena is from El Salvador and has been a part of the CS chapter’s leadership in the country.
“For local girls, being part of an international ministry is encouraging. As most of them are teenagers, they learn from peers with similar values and faith, understanding that girls in other countries also pursue a life with Christ,” says Lorena. “God spoke to me about the importance of walking together. When girls/women support and encourage each other, remarkable things can be accomplished.”
Nina shares that the 2024 El Salvador trip exemplified the mission of CS as it fulfills the Great Commission.
“CS’ mission goes beyond our local chapters. It goes to the ends of the earth,” says Nina. “Jesus says to make disciples everywhere – outside of your home, outside of your comfort zone and where you literally know no
one. Even when you don’t know the language, God wants to use you to share the gospel and the good news.”
“CS’ MISSION GOES BEYOND OUR LOCAL CHAPTERS. IT GOES TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. JESUS SAYS TO MAKE DISCIPLES EVERYWHERE – OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME, OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND WHERE YOU LITERALLY KNOW NO ONE.”
— Nina Coons
CS Girls will return to El Salvador in March of 2025. The goal of the previous trip was for Colbi and Nina to train two women to lead the trip next year. Colbi and Nina will lead a new CS Girls trip to New Zealand in 2026.
For more information on CS Girls’ trips, visit christiansurfers.com.
COSTA RICA
LIVING
FOR CHRIST IN PAVONES
PHOTOS BY: REED BURR & WIL SHERMAN
“THE TRIP HAS AFFECTED ME SPIRITUALLY TO SERVE GOD ALL THE MORE AND SEE HIM CLEARLY. IT’S DEFINITELY IMPACTED ME ON WHAT THERE IS FOR ME AND WHAT GOD IS CALLING ME TO DO.”
— Justin Stevens
Justin Stevens’ first time on an airplane was at the age of 30. Three years later, he would be the first person in his immediate family (the youngest of six kids) to fly internationally. His first global flight was to Costa Rica with Christian Surfers (CS) – an organization he hardly knew anything about.
“I had not met anyone from CS, and I live inland so I had not belonged to a chapter,” Justin says. “I was like, ‘Is this legit or not?’ Before I left for the trip, I brought it up to a couple of our leaders at a Bible study. They said, ‘CS are solid people. You can trust them.’”
His first flight was a red-eye and took seven hours. Justin recalls sitting in a middle seat and being too uncomfortable and hungry to sleep. With a layover in Panama, Justin says hardly anyone spoke English, and he was practicing the Spanish he learned on the Duolingo language app.
“It was wild. I was just like, ‘My life is in your hands Lord,’” says Justin. “I am not afraid of planes, but I was praying through those flights.”
After arriving at the hotel in San Jose to meet the CS team, Justin remembers lugging his suitcase and surfboard into the lobby to check in.
“I was still like, ‘It’s not legit until it’s legit.’ I knew I had a reservation here, but I could be staying here for a week because I don’t know if this CS thing is legit yet,” he says. “Then, I see Reed, the media guy, walking in with his white CS shirt. I was so happy to see him. I was like, ‘Yeah dude, we are doing it.’”
Justin wasn’t originally supposed to be on the Costa Rica trip. A few months prior, Justin had been looking for mission trip opportunities to get involved with. He was browsing the North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad’s website when he stumbled upon CS trips.
“I was curious to check CS out,” he says. “There are actual mission trips where you are doing construction, loving on the locals and surfing these sick spots. I thought, ‘This is too good to be true.’”
Justin saw a trip to Panama in May. After going back and forth, he finally decided to commit to the trip. “It’s just brought me to a point that if you are not living for Christ then this life isn’t worth living,” he adds.
A week before traveling, Justin wrecked his dirt bike and landed in the hospital with a partially
PAVONES, COSTA RICA
JUSTIN STEVENS
collapsed lung. He recalls trying to paddle in the ocean soon after to see if he could make it in Panama. He struggled. So, he pulled out of the trip. But, he knew he could recover in time for the CS trip to Costa Rica.
“It’s a step of faith that God had led me through coming into the trip and throughout the trip,” says Justin. “Getting to know everyone too. You show up with a group of people that you don’t know. By the end of the trip, you become family.”
“IT’S JUST BROUGHT ME TO A POINT THAT IF YOU ARE NOT LIVING FOR CHRIST THEN THIS LIFE ISN’T WORTH LIVING.”
— Justin Stevens
The morning after Justin arrived in Costa Rica, 34 people (aged 2 to over 60) loaded up in a 12-passenger van and cars. From the hotel in San Jose, the team traveled 10 hours and just under 800 kilometers to Pavones – home to the second longest left in the world.
“It was thundering and there were rainy storms,” says Justin. “It looked like lightning was about to strike. Then, the clutch went out on the bus 30 minutes before we arrived. The roads were bumpy. It was just a rad trip.”
While in Pavones, the team hosted a VBS at a church and painted a 9,608-square-foot local school. Like other CS trips, the team would wake up before sunrise to get in a surf session before serving the local community.
On the first day, the team split up. One group hosted a VBS at the church, and the rest applied primer to the school. More than 70 people from the community participated in the VBS. The following four days were spent painting the school and holding a surf movie night for the community which over 60 people attended. After the film, Justin shared part of his testimony and prayed over everyone.
“I made a step in my faith to do more,” he says. “I was like, ‘I am going to take on this opportunity to share my faith.’ That was the first time I had done a community altar call.”
Meredith Ruiz, a member of the church in Pavones where CS held a VBS, says that the team was an answer to prayer for the community. “The town had been praying for materials to better the school. The service project was an answer to prayers and a blessing to the children and whole community,” she says.
Reflecting on his time in Costa Rica, Justin talks about the many rewarding moments – from having fresh coconuts to meeting the people of Pavones. One of the most memorable parts of the trip for him was getting up early every morning and being on the sand at first light.
“I spent good quiet time with the Lord,” he says. “One of those mornings, I decided to skip surfing, and I just walked along the beach. I found a spot to read my Bible and just take it all in.”
“GO ON A MISSION TRIP WITH CS. YOU WILL SURF PLENTY, BUT YOU WILL GET MORE OUT OF THE TRIP THAN SURFING. YOU ARE GOING TO BE FILLED WITH JOY BY SERVING PEOPLE IN WHATEVER CAPACITY THAT IS.”
— Justin Stevens
But Justin also experienced challenging moments. When it came to paddling out, Justin says the lineup was usually pretty crowded, and it reminded him of what he was going through in that season of life.
“We brought our own lineup everywhere we went,” he says. “One of the last evenings we surfed, it was overhead. There were generally a lot of people in the lineup and positioning was difficult. It resembled where I was in life.”
Justin describes trying to paddle into a wave. He got frustrated with the circumstances around him. So,
he started paddling to get away from the lineup. He jumped off his board and dove under water, where he started screaming at the top of his lungs.
“In this moment, I had enough of the circumstances on the surface of the water. It reflected too much of what was going on through life,” he adds. “These circumstances made me feel like I was spinning my wheels or drowning in life, suffocating. I was lamenting and pleading before the Lord. I said, ‘Lord, I cannot bear this alone, please save and heal us.’”
Before coming on the trip, Justin’s life felt heavy. After 10 years of working for the fire service in California, Justin was going through a career shift. More recently, he has been working on refocusing on getting into school to be a physician assistant (PA) – which led him to find the trip with CS.
“This has become a new capacity that God has used to try to get into PA school to serve others and Him in different ways,” he says. “My testimony is still at work.”
After returning home to Temecula, California, Justin shares he wants to return to Costa Rica and serve again.
“The trip has affected me spiritually to serve God all the more and see Him clearly,” he says. “I have a strong desire to go into full-time missions. It’s definitely impacted me on what there is for me and what God is calling me to do.”
And for people interested in going on a trip with CS, Justin says, “If you are seeking to go on a surf trip, don’t. Go on a mission trip with CS. You will surf plenty,
but you will get more out of the trip than surfing. You are going to be filled with joy by serving people in whatever capacity that is. You are going to experience another culture. At the very least, you are going to be growing as a person.”
For more information on CS trips, visit christiansurfers.com.
WATCH THE RECAP
Scan the QR code to see the recap video.
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
YOU WON’T KNOW UNTIL YOU GO
WRITTEN BY: CHRISTIAN BRUGGER, CS NEW YORK
PHOTOS BY: LEASON DANCAESCU
If you have ever been to the Dominican Republic, you’ll know that the waves can be fickle due to the intense trade winds, which make the island a mecca for kitesurfing as well as the narrow swell windows.
Two phrases I heard repeated more on this trip than on any other surf trip were: “You won’t know until you go,” and “When in doubt, paddle out.” On one particularly blustery morning at the local break called Encuentro, the rallying cry “You won’t know until you go” inspired only three of our 12 crew members to paddle out. Waist to chest high and sloppy — I have no regrets, and neither do Leason and Hannah!
Among the 12 surfers gathered in the Dominican Republic for the Surf & Serve mission, it was amazing to see how inclusive surfing is as a sport. Our group included nine men and three women, spanning an age range of 50 years. Surfing knows no gender or age limits. When this passion is combined with a mission to serve for the cause of the gospel, the bonds formed become even stronger — a truth we experienced more deeply with each day spent together.
Our mission in the Dominican Republic was simple: find surf, work hard, eat and grow in Christ. Mission accomplished. We managed to surf every day,
sometimes even twice, which was truly a blessing. We worked at the Niños de la Luz Villa Solano Home, mainly on construction projects (think lots of concrete pouring) and spent time with the boys, whether at our BBQ or during full-court basketball games.
Eating was an especially memorable experience at Vagamundo Coffee and Waffles, an extension of the Niños de la Luz ministry. Most of the staff are young adults who have graduated from the home, providing them with job opportunities as they transition into independent lives. Vagamundo is a legit coffee shop (trust me on this).
As for growing in Christ, I’ll elaborate on that below, but first, a bit more about Niños de la Luz. Around the world, millions of children live on the streets, finding refuge under cardboard boxes, in alleys or beneath bridges. Their lives are filled with fear and hunger, numbed by drugs, and marked by cycles of physical and sexual abuse. Many flee neglect or violence at home, only to encounter exploitation, addiction and crime on the streets. Life becomes a relentless struggle for survival.
Niños de la Luz exists to bring light into this darkness. The organization meets these children where they are, offering love, safety and hope. At Niños de la
Luz, children are given the opportunity to rewrite their stories and experience what it means to be part of a family. It’s not just a shelter; it’s a true home where they can learn about a God who loves them and has a purpose for their lives.
If you spend any time deeply considering this situation, it will break your heart. We are incredibly grateful for those who operate the home, and we were all happy to help, even in the short time we had on the island.
After dinner, we would end the evening with a time of reflection and Bible study. Each of us discussed the passage and shared personal experiences. The night concluded with prayer time, and as we shared our requests, a theme began to emerge that resonated with the purpose of our trip. We realized that we all face struggles in life and share a deep longing for “home.”
Many prayer requests focused on difficulties in relationships, family conflicts and healing, challenges in our local churches, and a desire for appreciation within our local surf chapters. This underscored the importance of Ninos de la Luz ministry in the Dominican Republic and the goal of not only sharing the good news of salvation but also both a family and home.
This reflection reminded me of the comfort Jesus provides. “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1-2). Through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, we are promised such a home, no matter who we are. His love transcends gender, age, geography, and economic or cultural background. The need for Jesus is universal, and only He can truly satisfy it.
“THE NEED FOR JESUS IS UNIVERSAL, AND ONLY HE CAN TRULY SATISFY IT.”
— Christian Brugger
Jesus promises, in John 14, that everyone who trusts in Him will have a place prepared for them. “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-4)
As I finish this, I’m holding the Christian Surfers 2025 Surf & Serve trips’ list. I encourage everyone reading this to check it out and pray over it — and then “Send It,” because “You won’t know until you go.” You won’t regret it.
FOUNDATIONS TRAINING
EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
PHOTOS BY: MADDIE MALMSTEN
There’s nothing like being in a 12-passenger van at capacity and traveling for 14 hours in a foreign country to create bonds between strangers. From the uncertainty of a new destination to the uncomfortable feelings of a lack of personal space, walls start to break down and relationships blossom. And, that’s just how Christian Surfers (CS) United States kicks off Foundations Training.
For the past three years, a group of young leaders from multiple CS chapters, alongside CS staff, has ventured from Oceanside, California, to Baja, Mexico, for a week of Foundations Training in the summer. The training follows an eight-part video series created by Christian Surfers International (CSI) that shares the heart and mission of CS.
“We want them to know the DNA of CS,” says Cheyne Jobbins, Southwest regional coordinator. “We want them to know what they are signing up for to be leaders. We want to grow their character and their leadership. And, at the end of the day, we just want them to have an experience with Jesus.”
When Cheyne stepped into his role seven years ago, he recognized a need to invest in up-and-coming leaders for the success of local chapters (gatherings). Cheyne developed the week-long program utilizing the CSI videos and pairing them with experiential learning exercises. The training is held in Baja to give it a mission field trip feel.
“It’s turned into this training that is the most useful and fruitful thing that I do in my region each year,” says Cheyne.
Chapter leaders across the U.S. recommend the individuals who participate in the training. They are mostly between the ages of 14 and 25. Every year, Cheyne leads the group alongside other CS staff. In 2024, Leason Dancaescu, Gulf Coast regional coordinator, and Mikayla Alahuzos, Pacific Northwest regional coordinator, helped lead the training.
Once in Baja, the days start with early morning surf sessions, followed by a devotional on Nehemiah. The group is divided into four teams. Each team shares a devotional on a chapter of Nehemiah and the leadership lessons they learned. After the devotional, the group watches one of the CSI training videos, discusses it and puts it into practice through an experiential learning exercise. The afternoons are left for team bonding.
“We were doing things that a lot of us had never done before in a cool way like sticking your fishing pole in your wet suit and paddling out on your surfboard to catch fish,” says Leason. “I would have never done that before. We had so much fun doing that and connecting.”
“WE WANT TO GROW THEIR CHARACTER AND THEIR LEADERSHIP. AND, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE JUST WANT THEM TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS.”
— Cheyne Jobbins
After a family-style meal, the day concludes with one person sharing their testimony. The goal is for every participant to share their testimony at their local chapter back home.
“We talked about how to share the gospel, how to share your testimony and what it looks like to lead in each chapter,” says Mikayla. “The whole goal is to step into what God has called us to do and if we are on the sidelines we are missing out.”
Returning to Foundations Training as a leader felt like a full-circle moment for Mikayla.
Two years prior, Mikayla attended the training as a participant with little knowledge of CS. She had been living in San Francisco when she heard about CS and soon found herself plugged in. Leaders in her chapter recommended that she attend Foundations Training, and she agreed.
“I was like 27. I think the oldest person was 18 and the youngest was 14,” says Mikayla. “God really spoke that He could call anyone at any time.”
Heading into the training in 2022, Mikayla had gone through 10 years of things not working out. She felt like Foundations Training launched her into the ministry she was called to do.
“For me, it was many years of walking and trusting that this was something that God wanted me to be a part of,” says Mikayla. “A lot of what I walked through is kind of the story of Nehemiah. I was able to share what I have gone through as a leader and sometimes what God has called you into there’s a waiting period and trusting Him when things aren’t happening.”
Mikayla felt called to be a missionary to surfers at the age of 10 when she was at a surf camp. Her first step into ministry was right after high school when she went to Australia with Youth With a Mission, a Christian organization focused on missionary work.
Following six months in ministry, Mikayla returned home and felt she needed to take a leap of faith. She moved out to San Francisco to start a ministry to surfers.
The next decade felt like a waiting period for Mikayla – every effort she made toward starting a ministry seemed to fall apart. Then, she went to Foundations Training and learned more about CS.
“I felt like my life is surf ministry,” says Mikayla. “As we were talking, it just felt very evident that God was doing something. It just felt like there were confirming things that God is speaking to me and CS.”
Mikayla joined the staff of CS in the summer of 2024 and now oversees all of the chapters in the Pacific Northwest region. As Foundations Training was pivotal in her stepping into ministry, Mikayla sees the benefit of investing in the next generation of leaders and nurturing the call they have on their lives.
“We feel like Foundations Training is one of the most impactful things for leaders that are just starting or people who have been in CS but haven’t been able to see themselves as a leader,” says Mikayla. “It’s almost a foundation, kick-start to whatever God is calling people to step into it.”
While the training focuses on equipping leaders like Mikayla for their next steps in life, it also helps participants understand that they are a part of
something global. Every year, Cheyne asks CS leaders worldwide to send a message to those attending.
“One thing that we always want people to know is that they are a part of something bigger, that it’s not just our chapter or just our town,” says Cheyne. “But we are a part of this bigger mission that is going on.”
Looking to the future, CS plans to expand Foundations Training to the East Coast of the U.S. within the next year.
“WE FEEL LIKE FOUNDATIONS TRAINING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL THINGS FOR LEADERS THAT ARE JUST STARTING OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN IN CS BUT HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO SEE THEMSELVES AS A LEADER.”
— Mikayla Alahuzos
“We see the fruit in Southern California with all these leaders stepping up,” says Leason. “It’s because they have been intentional about spending time pouring into the next generation. Each one of us has strengths and gifts that God has put into our lives. When we work together as a community of believers, we can utilize those strengths together to make a much more powerful impact in whatever we are doing.”
To learn more about Foundations Training, visit christiansurfers.com.
CARLY’S STORY
FROM FOUNDATIONS TRAINING TO LEADING HER COMMUNITY
PHOTOS BY: LEASON DANCAESCU, MADDIE MALMSTEN, MIKE VUOCOLO
Control. Overthinking. Doubt.
When Carly Coble arrived on the first day of Foundations Training in Baja, Mexico, she was given three stones. The leaders instructed attendees to write what they felt was hindering their relationships with God. Carly wrote those three words.
“I feel like throwing those stones in the water gave me a sense of relief. I really just had to trust God,” she says. “At the beginning, I felt the enemy attacking the sense of all things that were insecurities. It felt so prevalent. He was trying to hinder whatever God had for me for the rest of the trip.”
Before Foundations Training, Carly says she was a nervous wreck. She had just finished her freshman year of college and was dreading the summer.
Carly adds, “It had nothing to do with the relationship between me and my family, but rather due to the drastic change between the life I recently developed at Point Loma and the life I had at home. I had found such a solid Christian community and crew of friends at school.”
Carly is a part of the Point Loma Christian Surfers (CS) chapter in California since she is attending Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. She is also a part
of the chapter in Manasquan, New Jersey, when she is home.
With anxiety greatly affecting her life, Carly knew something had to change. That moment came in Baja.
“I am such a stubborn person who tries to control things. And obviously, on a trip like that, you don’t have that kind of control,” she says. “Going into that trip, I wanted to embrace everything God had for me, not knowing what to expect. I feel like He really answered that.”
Releasing each stone, Carly sensed God telling her to stop doing things on her own and to trust Him. For someone who clung to predictability and routine, Carly says that God taught her to enjoy everyday moments and the gifts He gives that are often overlooked. One habit Carly cultivated on the trip was beginning her morning with a prayer entrusting her day to God.
“I feel like God has truly changed me and freed me from my previous distractions and obsessions. Literally every trial I faced during the summer, whether big or small, felt like nothing just because He gave me so much peace during it,” she says. “I feel like God has given me strength where this wasn’t just a momentary aha moment. This is something that I plan to practice for the rest of my life.”
Being surrounded by a community of believers, Carly says Foundations Training helped her realize that more people wanted to dive deeper into their faith. And it challenged her to seek out those people. Returning from the trip, Carly started a surf Bible study with a friend. She soon found people reaching out to be a part of it.
“I really just tried to implement my faith in everything I did,” she says. “I actually realized that more people
were touched by that and saw me as a light rather than just pushing me away. It actually drew them in.
You can’t create walls for people and close off that possibility before you even try.”
As Foundations Training transformed her faith journey, Carly says it also taught her how she could better lead within her community.
“The trip to Mexico definitely helped me to have a different mindset as a leader and different intentions and just a stronger attitude in how to reach people in an effective manner,” she says.
For the past three summers, Carly has hosted a surf competition, For The Girls Spring Classic, in Spring Lake, New Jersey.
With a heart for giving back to her community, Carly started the surf contest during her junior year of high school to raise money for a charity. In 2024, she raised over $6,500 and donated it to the Next Steps Adult Day Program, a nonprofit that fosters independence in people with special needs post-high school. In previous years, she raised money for organizations like the Ryan Shazier Fund, A Walk On Water and The Ocean Is Female.
“It’s been pretty amazing how God has been moving through it,” she says. “The whole premise of it is to inspire girls who want to surf and compete. It’s more about teaching people the etiquette of surfing and helping them enjoy it and appreciate the gift of the ocean and surfing.”
Having competed in surfing since she was 11, Carly understands the competition layout and aspires to inspire those who compete. This past summer, 67 females participated in five contest categories –
starting with an under-10 group and moving to a 40 and older group.
“My goal has always been to be a light,” says Carly. “So this has just been a blessing to be able to have this platform to speak life into the younger generation of girls. It’s cool to be a role model and encourage them even if it’s outside of surfing and do it with a servant’s heart.”
Christian Surfers Manasquan partnered with Carly by having a tent at the event. They also helped set up the event and provided a place for people to learn more about Jesus. Carly says that they handed out all 48 of the Christian Surfers Bibles they brought.
“I think it’s important that it brings the community together. I feel like it definitely helps unify people,” says Carly. “When the girls competing recognize that there are a ton of girls joining together for the same purpose, it makes a lasting impact.”
With aspirations of going into occupational therapy, Carly is majoring in Health and Human Performance. In the 7th grade, Carly started volunteering with A Walk On Water, an organization that delivers life-changing surf therapy to children with unique needs.
“I have such a passion for helping others – seeing the joy of the families and being able to bring joy to children surfing,” says Carly. “It’s cool to still be able to do something I love so much and to be reminded that it feels like such a calling.”
To join a local chapter, visit christiansurfers.com.
CARLY COBLE (CENTER)
THE SURFERS BIBLE
EMPOWERING SURFERS TO KNOW JESUS
PHOTOS BY: LOGAN KEPU
Sothat every surfer has the opportunity to know Jesus, Christian Surfers (CS) desires to get a Surfers Bible in the hands of every surfer who has yet to discover the life-changing story of Jesus. Our CS Bible contains stories from well-known surfers around the world and surf industry professionals.
In 2024, a new English and French translation of the Surfers Bible was released. Since then, 14,164 Bibles have been given out globally, with 7,463 Bibles handed out in the U.S. The Bible was previously printed and distributed over 100,000 times in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese.
To fund the printing of the Bible, Christian Surfers International puts together an annual global Surf-a-Thon fundraiser. In 2023, Christian Surfers United States raised over $87,000, contributing to the $164,000 worldwide total raised. With the Bible costing $8 each, this total makes it possible for the Surfer’s Bible to be handed to 20,500 people who have yet to hear the gospel.
Stay tuned for details on an upcoming Surf-a-Thon scheduled for October 2025! The fundraiser will focus on printing the Bible in Spanish and additional prints in English.
For more information, visit thesurfersbible.com.
WANT TO GET A BIBLE?
Scan the QR code for more info
THE LAUNCHPAD
A COMMUNITY OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLESHIP AND MISSIONAL LIVING
PHOTOS BY: MARCO GRATTA
If you closed your eyes and looked back to the most formative years in your faith journey, what would come to mind? In Oceanside, California, more than a handful of men who would say those years are happening now.
Within a 1,000-square-foot space, known as the Launchpad, six men live in a community abiding by Acts 2:42-47. It’s a place where they strive to call each other to a higher standard of living by walking together with Jesus. It’s a time for learning, growing and being pushed to a deeper level of faith. And it’s a house committed to being a launching pad to help set the trajectory of a man’s life with Christ.
“If you close your eyes, you can think of men who will look back and see this as a formative time for their spirituality and shaping them before the Lord and in mission together,” says Nic Gilmour. “The whole point of it is a missional endeavor and transforming the world together. The mission is to launch men out to be living for Jesus.”
When Nic and Verity Gilmour bought their home in Oceanside, they dreamed of dedicating part of it to a men’s discipleship house. The Gilmours have been involved with Christian Surfers (CS) since 1999 when they lived in Western Australia. They served in various capacities within CS across Australia until they moved to San Diego in 2014 and later to Oceanside. Nic currently serves on the board of Christian Surfers International.
“Nic had a vision that we could have young men living there and being discipled, and each of them sowing into their local Christian community,” says Verity.
On the left side of their home was a large master bedroom with a living area — a perfect space for a discipleship house. Enlisting the help of Joey Groffie, who was living with them, and others, Nic ripped up the carpet, fixed plumbing and electrical issues, and demolished and reframed walls to create a new living space. They built three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room. They also created a separate entrance and built a 400-square-foot deck to wrap around it.
Although the discipleship house has its own entrance, Verity says it’s easy to bump into one another. Walking into the property, the discipleship house sits on the left side. The main house sits centrally and is where the Gilmours live with their children. The rest of the property is for communal living, including a garage with gym equipment, a gazebo, a fire pit and a jacuzzi.
“It is truly a wonderful and transformative thing to live communally and to live on mission,” says Nic. “It does entail sacrifice. The blessings far outstrip the sacrifice.”
Verity adds, “We have been blessed so much more than we have been a blessing. I think we have received by
far the greatest share of God’s goodness in this setup. It’s a joy to have such a great bunch of people to hang out with and to watch them grow up.”
While remodeling their house, Nic started talking to Cheyne Jobbins, Southwest regional coordinator for CS, about the possibility of CS overseeing the discipleship house. Agreeing to do so, Cheyne worked with the Gilmours to open the Launchpad on September 1, 2023.
To be a part of the Launchpad there is an intensive application process and a covenant for each person to abide by, including serving their local CS chapter, being involved in their church, pouring into others and being mentored.
“THE GOAL IS TO BE RAISING UP YOUNG MEN TO LIVE OUT THEIR PURPOSE. IT’S CALLED THE LAUNCHPAD TO BUILD THEM UP AND SEND THEM OUT TO INTO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED THEM TO DO.”
– Cheyne Jobbins
“The goal is to be raising up young men to live out their purpose,” says Cheyne. “It’s called the Launchpad to build them up and send them out to into what God has called them to do.”
The Launchpad has different meanings for Marco Gratta and Joey Groffie because of their various life stages.
STRENGTHENING ONE’S FAITH
A week before Marco Gratta flew to Baja, Mexico, for Foundations Training with CS, he bought a vintage surfboard in Florida. Scraping the wax off the board, Marco discovered the word “Oceanside.” He didn’t think anything of it. But the following week, Marco was in training with people from Oceanside, California, a city he would move to after graduating college.
When he arrived at Foundations Training, Marco was a new believer — having dedicated his life to Christ just six months prior. Raised in Sarasota, Florida, Marco attended college at the University of Florida in Gainesville to study accounting. While there, he joined a surf club on campus, and one of his friends shared the gospel with him. He gave his life to Christ and soon heard about Christian Surfers.
“My first introduction to CS was a mission trip to Panama,” says Marco. “I fell in love with it.”
Following the trip, Marco attended Foundations Training and continued to be involved with CS. Approaching graduation, Marco started searching for a place to
move to in California near the beach. Through various CS connections, Marco was introduced to the Gilmours who invited him to move in with them. Marco packed up and made the 2,356-mile drive from Gainesville to Oceanside.
“I was really new in my faith,” says Marco. “These past years have been really impactful for my walk with Jesus and who I am becoming. It’s really strengthening my faith and who I am in Christ.”
At first, Marco lived in the downstairs room with Joey at the Gilmours’ house until they built the Launchpad space. Marco and Joey were the first to move in after completing the application and signing the community covenant.
“WE ARE JUST A BUNCH OF YOUNG DUDES TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST. WHAT MAKES THE LAUNCHPAD SPECIAL IS THAT WE GET TO DO THAT TOGETHER – HAVING PEOPLE TO BUILD YOU UP, ENCOURAGE YOU, GUIDE YOU AND PRAY WITH YOU.”
– Marco Gratta
“We are just a bunch of young dudes trying to figure out who we are in Christ,” says Marco. “What makes the Launchpad special is that we get to do that together –having people to build you up, encourage you, guide you and pray with you.”
One of the most meaningful parts for Marco is the opportunity to connect with his roommates, whether it’s one-on-one or spending time as a group. Every
two weeks, they gather to pray, talk about any needs for their living space and share what they are going through. Once a month, they participate in a leadership training where a guest speaker discusses a spiritual discipline. And every Wednesday, the Launchpad hosts the local CS chapter men’s group.
“We get in tons of deep conversations in prayer and support for each other,” says Marco. “Living in community rubs off our edges and shows our blindspots. It’s easy to see where each of us falls short and needs work. It pushes us to serve the Lord all the time and that translates into each of our work lives.”
Not having grown up in a Christian home, Marco says the Launchpad has transformed his spiritual journey and career as an accountant.
“When you are not doing life in community, it’s so much harder,” says Marco. “When I was young in my faith, I was living in Gainesville and that’s like a college party city. It was so difficult to stay strong and live the life we are called to live. The Launchpad helps us to stay in God’s guidance. I see it shaping all of us and taking each of us down the paths that we feel called to.”
BEING IN DEEP COMMUNITY
Before moving to Oceanside, Joey felt isolated in his faith. He didn’t know any Christians and lacked a community to support him. He was struggling to figure out his faith on his own. “God just answered my prayers and led me down to Oceanside,” says Joey.
At the time, Joey was living in his hometown of San Jose. One of his friends told him about a trip to Ecuador with CS. With a passion for surfing and a desire to travel, Joey signed up and met some of his closest
friends on the trip who were involved with CS. Those relationships introduced him to the Gilmours who invited him to move in with them after he finished a sixmonth discipleship training with Youth With A Mission.
“I had just gotten back from a discipleship training school and lived in community for six months, where people were pushing each other to walk with God more intimately, to hear His voice and to serve others,” says Joey. “With the Launchpad, you get to be a part of a community, being discipled and walk with God within the normal realms of everyday living.”
After a year of living in the downstairs of the Gilmours house, the couple started working on renovations with Joey’s help. Joey has been a carpenter for eight years, where he has worked on rough framing and finish framing for home building and remodels.
“The most rewarding part of The Launchpad is getting to be a part of the guys’ lives and experience all of the good things going on,” says Joey. “The growth in my faith and life only started when I moved down here and got into community. That’s the way that God intended it. It’s just an awesome adventure doing it with people, all the good, bad and ugly.”
In November of 2024, Joey was one of the first to be launched out when he married Mikayla Alahuzos, Pacific Northwest regional coordinator of CS.
“I can’t imagine being ready to move up north into a whole new community and marry Mikayla if I hadn’t lived in such a deep, open and vulnerable community. I definitely needed that to grow,” says Joey. “There’s not really hiding or doing your own thing, which can be very scary, especially for me, where I came from a
lonely background. This slowly brought me into a deep community where God doesn’t want me to hide.”
SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION
Taking the idea of the shaping process of a surfboard, members of the Launchpad started a mentorship program for groms (young surfers) within their community to connect parts of the shaping process to biblical concepts. Known as Launchpad Shapes, the discipleship program currently has six young men, ages 12 to 14, who come to the Launchpad every Saturday for three hours to read through scripture and to learn how to repair dings on their surfboards.
“We have a three-part vision for what we do – teaching groms how to do ding repair, teaching how to shape a hand plane and to fiberglass it, and then each grom shaping and glassing their own surfboard,” says Marco.
With Oceanside being home to a bustling shaping industry, Marco and Joey visited different shapers sharing their vision before getting started and asking for advice. Several organizations and shapers donated old tools and supplies to get them started.
“It was really cool because they were super into the idea and the concept of bringing shaping into these young kids’ minds,” says Marco. “I think it was something cool for the shaping community of Oceanside to see.”
When the groms come to the Launchpad on Saturdays, they start by gathering for a Bible study where they read four to five verses. The leaders follow the reading with questions to prompt discussion, which can last up to an hour.
“The discussion is something that I am personally really
moved by and excited about,” says Marco. “We aren’t shaping boards yet, but that’s okay because that’s not the end goal. The end goal is to help the Lord shape these kids’ lives, and if we shape a board out of it that’s cool too.”
A rewarding aspect of Launchpad Shapes for Joey was working with young men and sharing the different parts of the surfing culture.
“They are showing up, and they are ready to see if they can push you away,” says Joey. “There’s the beauty when they come acting crazy to push you away and being able to stand there and be like, ‘We’re not going anywhere.’”
Marco shares that several of the groms have a similar story to his, not having grown up in a Christian home. Since starting Launchpad Shapes, two of the six groms have given their lives to Christ and have been baptized.
EXPANDING THE LAUNCHPAD
Seeing the fruit of the Launchpad and Launchpad Shapes, the Gilmours and Cheyne are planning for a women’s discipleship house in the near future.
“We would love to do a similar setup for women,” says Verity. “The area we live in is very expensive so it’s very hard for them to stay once they leave home. Our heart is to retain our fantastic young leaders so that they can continue to sow into the surfing community. And if we don’t have anywhere for them to live, then we lose them.”
“OUR HEART IS TO RETAIN OUR FANTASTIC YOUNG LEADERS SO THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SOW INTO THE SURFING COMMUNITY. AND IF WE DON’T HAVE ANYWHERE FOR THEM TO LIVE, THEN WE LOSE THEM.”
– Verity Gilmour
For updates on the Launchpad and future plans, visit christiansurfers.com.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
CHILE
EXPERIENCING GOD IN BREAKING POINTS
PHOTOS BY: SOLVEIG JOBBINS
Everyone has a breaking point – a moment when they can no longer handle the pressure. In surfing, those words interchanged, “point break”, describes when a wave meets a headland or jetty and peels down the shoreline. It forms a long, smooth wave unlikely to close out or break before reaching the shore. It’s a dream for most surfers. But to reach that point of perfection the wave has to encounter something.
Like the beauty of a point break, the moment someone experiences a breaking point can be transformational in their life if they allow it to be. That juncture can happen on a mission trip when people step outside their comfort zones and serve others.
“It’s beautiful to see how even though we are stretched, the Lord really uses it to reveal truths that maybe we wouldn’t have noticed until we get into the place of being uncomfortable like hitting a breaking point or feeling weak,” says Solveig Jobbins. “You have to rely on the Lord to keep going. All of a sudden your ears are a little bit more open to what God is trying to say for a while.”
For nearly eight years, Solveig and her husband, Cheyne, have led a Surf & Serve trip with Christian Surfers (CS) to Pichilemu, Chile – also known as the World Surfing Capital. Cheyne serves as the Southwest
regional coordinator for CS, and Solveig has been involved with CS for over a decade. Their most recent trip to Chile was in early April of 2024 where they led a team of 16.
Throughout the years of leading the Surf & Serve to Chile, Solveig says she’s noticed the trip can lead to a tipping point.
“IT’S
BEAUTIFUL TO SEE HOW EVEN THOUGH WE ARE STRETCHED, THE LORD REALLY USES IT TO REVEAL TRUTHS THAT MAYBE WE WOULDN’T HAVE NOTICED UNTIL WE GET INTO THE PLACE OF BEING UNCOMFORTABLE LIKE HITTING A BREAKING POINT OR FEELING WEAK. YOU HAVE TO RELY ON THE LORD TO KEEP GOING.”
— Solveig Jobbins
“I feel like it’s a growth trip for the people who are on the team,” she says. “We definitely tell people prior to signing up what they’re getting in for because it usually
breaks people. After the trip is done, you’re like, ‘That was intense but so amazing.’”
The 10-day trip occurs at the Youth for a Mission (YWAM) training base, where Cheyne spent a year of training after high school. The days commenced with an early sunrise surf session followed by five to seven arduous hours of construction work on a sports facility at the YWAM base. The group worked on several projects simultaneously, including laying tile, working on plumbing, painting ceilings and walls, and pouring concrete.
“We are helping them with construction projects so they can continue doing ministry and serving their community through sports,” says Solveig. “It impacts the community in a lot of different angles, which is awesome.”
“WE ARE LOVING OUR KIDS BY SHOWING THEM THE WORLD AND ALSO SHOWING THEM HOW TO GO DO WHAT THE LORD TELLS US TO DO IN NATIONS: TO GO AND SERVE HIM AND LOVE ON OTHER PEOPLE.”
— Solveig Jobbins
The sports facility and an adjacent pool are open to the community and create opportunities for YWAM to share the gospel. It also acts as a place of refuge during national disasters for the local community.
“The trip encourages people to see outside of themselves,” says Solveig. “Because of the service component of this trip, it really gets your mind to think of how to serve others and be aware of others.”
Being on the Surf & Serve can feel uncomfortable for some – from swatting off mosquitoes in rooms to not having air conditioning at night. And even after a physically exhausting day, the team will walk a couple of miles to town for empanadas.
“The construction is epic to see where you started and where you end off at the end of the trip,” says Solveig. “But, I love the time with the team as we walk down and talk through different things. On the way down, we have discussion topics and pray for each other. It’s a really nice bonding time after a long day of getting into the nitty and gritty. It’s cool to see how Jesus shows up in those conversations on the walks.”
Although every trip has been a memorable highlight of her year, the one in 2024 was even more special but presented its challenges. And if Solveig let it, it could have led to a breaking point.
“I went in not sure how God was going to use it,” says Solveig. “It ended up being my favorite part because I had my daughter with me. Even though she was young, it was a blessing for everyone else.”
In 2024, Solveig and Cheyne brought their fourmonth-old daughter, Lou, with them. Early on, Solveig recognized it would be challenging to participate in construction projects like she normally would. She juggled taking care of Lou while strapping her to her chest so she could tile flooring or sweep.
“My favorite part of having her was it was a fun break for everyone else,” says Solveig. “People would be working and I would walk in with Lou. It brought everyone joy. She was a relief and a quick moment to encourage them.”
If parents question bringing their children on a Surf & Serve, Solveig says she would “100% recommend it.”
“It’s hard with travel, but it’s a blessing in so many different layers,” says Solveig. “If the Lord is putting it in your heart – do it. It’s so bonding for your families. It had its challenges, but those challenges grew me as a mom and grew my husband. I wouldn’t take it back or do it any differently. We are loving our kids by showing them the world and also showing them how to go do what the Lord tells us to do in nations: to go and serve Him and love on other people.”
Solveig anticipates going back to Chile in 2025 with their daughter once again. The Jobbins will lead a Surf & Serve to Pichilemu in March with several people returning from the previous trip. As Solveig looks ahead, she reflects on seeing the internal transformation that takes place in team members’ lives and how it impacts their communities at home.
“Because almost every person on the trip has moments of hearing the Lord or experiencing Him in a new way, they are able to bring that experience and those truths they heard on the trip back to their surfing community,” says Solveig. “They feel encouraged to share what God has done and to serve people in different ways than they would have before.”
For more information on CS trips, visit christiansurfers.com.
CHRISTIAN SURFERS UNITED STATES
EMPOWERING SURFERS TO KNOW JESUS
PHOTOS BY: MALIA ABRAHAMIAN, CASEY CRUCIANO, RILEY DODD, NATE ENNIS, ANNIE SOUTHER, BRODIE TURNER
Christian Surfers United States (CSUS) exists so that every surfer and surfing community would have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. Our mission is fivefold: connect, disciple, serve, partner and equip. In the U.S., CS has 29 chapter gathering locations with over 700 members. These gatherings provide an opportunity to create a genuine community and connect through weekly gatherings, chapter events, campouts, surfing and contest series. Here are some testimonials from our local chapters.
MID ATLANTIC REGION
To join a local chapter, visit christiansurfers.com. SOUTHWEST REGION
HAWAII REGION
GULF COAST REGION
“Christian Surfers has been a tremendous blessing in my life, as God has used it to grow me closer to other believers walking with Jesus, who also love surfing. It has also been a way that God allows me to talk to other surfers in the water to plant seeds, or to start a spirit-led conversation about Jesus. My favorite part of Christian Surfers is that not only do we get to surf and have fun as family together as brothers and sisters in the faith, but that the Lord can use us to bring people to Him through surfing and handing coffee out at the beach.”
— Cameron Hrachovina
CS Jacksonville, FL
“CS provided the values and Christian principles I had always been looking for and a community of people I could do life with and share thoughts and ideas about following Jesus while also having a career and family. Over the last two and a half years since learning about Christian Surfers and being a part of the community, God has removed a lot of distractions from my life. God and this community have allowed for my heart to become tender again. And I’m just really excited to be a part of this for the long run, serve on missions and learn how I can help.”
—
Wyatt Jennings
CS Surf City, NC
“CS Girls is a group of surfer girls who are not jealous of each other but are encouraging in the water and in faith. They are girls who are brave and love the water. They include everyone, even those who are not Christians and yet still point them toward God. They welcome any level and age and are so sweet. In fact, it’s such a wonderful thing to be mentored by an older Christian Surfer Girl. I am so grateful for the Bible studies that the older girls plan for us to do together along with the fun activities. They mean a lot to me!”
— Violette Balderson
CS Oceanside, CA
CHRISTIAN SURFERS UNITED STATES
So that every surfer and every surfing community would have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. christiansurfers.com
CSUS MAGAZINE
Cover Photo: Bebe Booth
MAGAZINE TEAM
National Director: David Nehrig
Designer: Reed Burr
Content Creator: Priscilla Burr
Content and Photo Liaison: Leason Dancaescu
Communications Manager: Gracie Stack
Outreach Coordinator: Emily Benedetto
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Malia Abrahamian
Jeannifer Aguilar
Reed Burr
Casey Cruciano
Leason Dancaescu
Karina DeJohn
Riley Dodd
Nate Ennis
Solveig Jobbins
SPECIAL THANKS
Bonnie Bourgeois
Julia Dancaescu
Mary Gordon Kerr
Mail Processing Associates
MAGAZINE PARTNERS
Cobian USA
CSALT Academy
Degree 33
Groundswell Aid
Surf Church Collective
Surf Lakes
Logan Kepu
Maddie Malmsten
David Nehrig
Josh Schieffer
Wil Sherman
Annie Souther
Sarah Stotz
Brodie Turner
Mike Vuocolo
Steve & Trina Pennington
Wendy Tripp
CSUS STAFF MEMBERS
Mikayla Alahuzos
Daniel & Kassi Bacquet
Emily Benedetto
Reed & Priscilla Burr
Nina Coons
Leason Dancaescu
Jacob Galura
CSUS BOARD MEMBERS
Chad Borgestad
Forest Fisher
Mary Gordon Kerr
Jesse Kamm
Larry Garrett
Cheyne Jobbins
David & Amy Nehrig
Colbi Pickett
Gracie Stack
Kyle Sullivan
Gregory Lebovitz
Dave Milton
Bob Pinard
Andy West
WANT TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE?
Reach out to our team about getting connected for our next issue of the CSUS Magazine.
CONTACT INFORMATION PO Box 879
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
For more information or to share your testimony, contact info@christiansurfers.com.
Website: christiansurfers.com
Instagram: @christiansurfers_us Facebook: facebook.com/christian.surfers.us
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2024 by Christian Surfers United States Permissions required for reprints. All rights reserved.
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WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Step 1: Pray about how you can partner with us to make a lasting impact with CS.
Step 2: Consider a financial donation. Christan Surfers is supported by churches, individuals and businesses around the world. As missionaries to surfers and surfing communities, staff are 100% donor supported.
Step 3: Join a local chapter and/or sign up for a mission trip.
Christian Surfers, P.O. Box 879, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 info@christiansurfers.com
Make a donation at christiansurfers.com/give
Or scan the QR Code to give online!
CSUS is recognized as a 501(c)3 in good standing and is supported by individuals, churches and business in ministry partnership with us.