10th-15th August 2008
- Location: J Bay South Africa
Event Info
CS International Leaders Conference
Related News: September 01
CSI Conference Report
Christian Surfer International Conference 2008
The Christian Surfers International Conference held at Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa in August was both inspirational and challenging. The conference centre was based at the infamous Cape St. Francis whose long right-handers feature on the cult movie classic ‘Endless Summer’. Cirsty De Gruchy, Emily McDowell and I represented Jersey to join 150 other CS members from across the globe for the week long event. The conference involved worship, guest speakers and regional progress reports amongst some great surf sessions, local activities and socialising with the CS International community.
Through the teaching we were reminded of the real heart of Christian Surfer’s – it’s all about the mission, to know Christ and make Him known. The latter is often not only a secondary intention, but sometimes left out altogether. How many of us enjoy and think of CS as just a ‘cool group to be part of’? We are joining two of our dearest passions together and sharing that with likeminded people. We are hanging out, surfing and sharing together and it strengthens our walk, right? Whilst this is an essential part of what CS is about, CS is not solely a self faith-enhancing ministry. CS is about developing relationships with non-Christian surfers and ultimately being instrumental in leading them to eternity with the creator of our waves. We must not forget or under-prioritise this mission.
One of the speakers, South African Terran Williams, who came to Christ through CS, taught on leadership specifically within CS and also shared a tangible message on leading people to Christ. The other main speaker, Shane Claybourne shared about living selflessly and having a heart for the poor and needy. The inspiring Philadelphian who has lived and worked with Mother Teresa shared some challenging experiences and truths which further highlighted my own human sin and selfishness – good stuff! His challenge to us was to find our own Calcutta and spread the word!
The surf was cranking through the week and there were many opportunities to surf Cape St. Francis or the neighbouring Jeffrey’s Bay breaks. Cruising the Supertubes line-up each morning were not only CS surfers but also numerous indo-pacific humpback dolphins and a southern right whale and her calf – very special times. Fortunately, no sharks were spotted - the highest danger was the razor sharp rocks at Supertubes which one often encountered getting in and out of the water. Other opportunities at the conference were visiting a lion park, a beach clean at Jeffrey’s, shopping at the Billabong factory store and experiencing a local shanty-town. After the conference about 20 of us went on safari to Shamwari Private Game reserve which was an incredible experience.
The conference really gave us a deeper passion for the heart of CS International and a desire to get amongst the surfing community in Jersey. To not just hang out with and serve local surfers, but challenge them spiritually to provoke the biggest and most important decision they will ever make.
Dan McDowell.
Deprecated Event Article
Christian Surfer International Conference 2008
The Christian Surfers International Conference held at Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa in August was both inspirational and challenging. The conference centre was based at the infamous Cape St. Francis whose long right-handers feature on the cult movie classic ‘Endless Summer’. Cirsty De Gruchy, Emily McDowell and I represented Jersey to join 150 other CS members from across the globe for the week long event. The conference involved worship, guest speakers and regional progress reports amongst some great surf sessions, local activities and socialising with the CS International community.
Through the teaching we were reminded of the real heart of Christian Surfer’s – it’s all about the mission, to know Christ and make Him known. The latter is often not only a secondary intention, but sometimes left out altogether. How many of us enjoy and think of CS as just a ‘cool group to be part of’? We are joining two of our dearest passions together and sharing that with likeminded people. We are hanging out, surfing and sharing together and it strengthens our walk, right? Whilst this is an essential part of what CS is about, CS is not solely a self faith-enhancing ministry. CS is about developing relationships with non-Christian surfers and ultimately being instrumental in leading them to eternity with the creator of our waves. We must not forget or under-prioritise this mission.
One of the speakers, South African Terran Williams, who came to Christ through CS, taught on leadership specifically within CS and also shared a tangible message on leading people to Christ. The other main speaker, Shane Claybourne shared about living selflessly and having a heart for the poor and needy. The inspiring Philadelphian who has lived and worked with Mother Teresa shared some challenging experiences and truths which further highlighted my own human sin and selfishness – good stuff! His challenge to us was to find our own Calcutta and spread the word!
The surf was cranking through the week and there were many opportunities to surf Cape St. Francis or the neighbouring Jeffrey’s Bay breaks. Cruising the Supertubes line-up each morning were not only CS surfers but also numerous indo-pacific humpback dolphins and a southern right whale and her calf – very special times. Fortunately, no sharks were spotted - the highest danger was the razor sharp rocks at Supertubes which one often encountered getting in and out of the water. Other opportunities at the conference were visiting a lion park, a beach clean at Jeffrey’s, shopping at the Billabong factory store and experiencing a local shanty-town. After the conference about 20 of us went on safari to Shamwari Private Game reserve which was an incredible experience.
The conference really gave us a deeper passion for the heart of CS International and a desire to get amongst the surfing community in Jersey. To not just hang out with and serve local surfers, but challenge them spiritually to provoke the biggest and most important decision they will ever make.
Dan McDowell.
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