Bethany Hamilton's UNSTOPPABLE movie in AUS cinemas 13th March

Christian Surfers Australia is partnering to bring Bethany Hamilton’s new documentary UNSTOPPABLE to over 40 cinemas in Australia.

IN CINEMAS 13 - 15 MARCH (3 Days Only)

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

As the national promotional partner, Christian Surfers Australia will be running a grass roots awareness campaign to ensure that Bethany’s fans and the general public don’t miss this incredible chance to see her story on the big screen.

As a bonus, every ticket sold will help fundraise for Christian Surfers local missions and national movement to continue our mission in 2020.

We will soon be sending out promotional packs (posters and flyers) to be placed in surf shops, cafe’s, churches and anywhere that surfers gather. Can you help us spread the word?

*Note: More cinemas being added. If you can’t find one near you… request a promo pack and let us know your location and nearest cinema and we’ll try to bring it to you.

The soul surfer from then to now.

The story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who at age 13 was out surfing when she was attacked by a 15-foot tiger shark, a run-in that cost Hamilton her left arm. But not only did Hamilton survive the attack, she was back on the competitive surfing circuit less than a year later. More than a decade later, Hamilton, now a mother, undertakes her greatest challenge: chasing a toddler and the biggest wave of her career. BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE is the untold story of the heart of a champion and her resilience against all odds to become one of the leading professional surfers of our time. Bethany Hamilton is continuously rewriting the rules on being a fearless athlete, and brings new meaning to the phrase “surfs like a girl.”

NEW SWELL 2019 Highlights

By Jessi Muir (National Womens Coordinator)

Some would say it was winter in summer, but that’s just Victoria for you. In early December, the South-East state of Australia greeted 30 Christian Surfers from around Australia, for a week of teachings and experiences based on the Christian Surfers Australia values, led by various leaders from within CSA, who volunteer their time to come and invest into the future of Christian Surfers.

The week began with a session at the famous Bells Beach, lead by Christian Surfers Australia’s National Director, Steve Bailey, who shared on ‘The Wild Call of God’ and what it looks like to follow God in faith and obedience.

The week flowed on from there, with all the crew frothing to get amongst the quality time, the sessions, and of course, the WAVES. Early morning sessions at Winki-pop to onshore arvo grovels at Raafs, the crew made the most of all the conditions, to put to practice the challenge of being a servant surfer, and how that looks out in the line up.

Amongst the daily sessions, the week consisted of a working bee, focused on the value of being a servant leader, to clean up and re-do the unused Christian Surfers Headquarters in Torquay, with faith that the revamp will bring new life to the space.

Servant leadership is a huge part of New Swell, and creating opportunities for the students to serve one another through preparing meals, praying together, surfing like a servant in crowded line ups, and getting involved in the inevitable cleaning up, is what makes the week and the relationships so solid.

The week wrapped up in true Christian Surfers style, with an op shop themed dance party, and a time of reflection. The shared experiences throughout the week really brought everyone together, and for lots of the crew, helped them to tap into the reality of God’s family and what it means to be apart of it. Everyone who came walked away with a strong desire to pursue God more, and to get back to their local Christian Surfers missions to put into practice everything they had learnt.

Raymond Beacroft of Port Macquarie, NSW, and a former CSalt student shared some reflections from his time at New Swell.

“New Swell for me was a time where I experienced a deep sense of camaraderie, a deep sense of fellowship. The biggest things that spoke to me was that in Christ we are family, and that leadership only works if you’ve got a community involved. I learnt that leadership doesn’t just look like someone upfront at a church service sharing the Good News…but it’s an everyday choice to be authentic in who Christ made you.”

Support your Tribe - Now is the time!

Brad shares why supporting the CSA tribe means so much to him personally.

How much would you give to see a life transformed?

'So many people say surfing is like a spiritual journey, but surfers just don't know where they're journeying to.' 

That's one of the CS leadership team talking about the impact an organisation like ours can have within a culture that can be, at times, dark, meaningless and risky. 

So, how much would you give if you knew your donation would directly impact a struggling young person who had lost his way? Or if you knew it would help a young woman trying to understand her place in the world? 

How much would you give to hear the name of Jesus proclaimed on our beaches? How much would you give if you knew it would make a real difference to someone’s salvation?

Paul wrote to the Philippians: "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."

'Without Christian Surfers, I wouldn't be where am I today, or who I am today,' Tim says. 

We're coming to the end of this year's annual Support Your Tribe campaign.. and we are already so grateful for the generous response this year. 

But there is lots to do. 

For the next 12 months, CSA has three main goals:

• VISION GAP: To grow our missions and reach new communities with the gospel.

• IMPACTFUL EVENTS: To be salt and light in our surfing communities with more influential events like Paddle Against Poverty.

• RAISING LEADERS: To raise up & equip the next generation of surf missionaries.

CSA all about seeing lives changed, and every cent we raise will go towards that end goal. 

The groms at Christian Surfers Philip Island (VIC) share what they love about being part of CS.

If you've been waiting for the right time to support CSA - that time is now!

Please give generously... and let's stand shoulder to shoulder and share the good news together. 

SUPPORT YOUR TRIBE: RAISING LEADERS

Every year at CSA's annual conference, I make a point of chatting to as many of the crew as possible, to ask them what they've appreciated most about CS in the past year. And, every year, the most common answer is 'the leaders', especially the way they interact, mentor and stand beside those coming up through the ranks.

"The leaders and the people who've been on the camps have really encouraged me to pursue that calling God has placed on my heart," says Judah from CS Coffs.

Steve Biddulph, the Aussie psychologist & best selling author of Raising Boys in the 21st Century, has quite a bit to say about this:

"From about fourteen years of age, boys need mentors - other adults who care about them personally and help them move gradually into the larger world... If there are no mentors around, then a young man will fall into a lot of potholes on the road to adulthood."

In his follow-up book Raising Girls, he sees similar issues:

"Although teenage (girls) are naturally drawn to mentors, role models, “cool aunties”, and so on, there aren’t as many adults in kids' lives today. Girls probably spend 80% less time with older women than they used to. So it becomes a kind of ghetto.”

And, in the book of Titus, older woman are implored to set an example to the younger women, training them in behaviour, kindness and love.

For years Christian Surfers has led the way in shaping, mentoring and leading its young people in our local missions. For many, it's their first step into a life of leadership.

Currently, we have two epic programs specifically designed to mentor & train young people. We hope you enjoy reading about our fantastic training programs that raise great leaders and hearing from what our young people have to say about CS.

Blessings - Tracey Kirkland (CSA Board Member)

Judah & Lillie (Coffs ) + Josh (Gold Coast) share about their favourite experiences doing New Swell in the past.

NEW SWELL: New Swell is a week-long intensive program aimed at growing young leaders in their relationship with God and helping to steer their journey into ministry. The event includes sessions and experiences to equip them with resources, wisdom, direction and connection to the wider CS community, to encourage and grow their impact in their local, national and international surfing communities.

We asked Sam to tell us what he thought about his decision to join CSalt in 2019 as a media student.

CSALT: CSalt is a one year ultimate adventure of experience, personal growth and faith formation. Taught in the classroom of the big wide world, students travel together to many amazing surfing locations, whilst undertaking fully accredited learning and on-the-job, front line training. In 2020, CSalt students will be able to enrol in a “Diploma in Leadership, Ministry, Business, Screen and Media or Music Industry" fully accredited through Alphacrucis College Australia. CSalt will offer three extracurricular electives that are designed to produce leaders in their subsequent vocations: CSalt Media, CSalt Sounds and CSalt Pro.

Raising future leaders is vital in preparing CSA for the future... and it's so exciting to see the work God is doing in our young men and women.

Any funds raised this month during our Support Your Tribe campaign goes directly to the vital work of CSA, including these awesome programs.

Please give generously and help us continue the work God has called us all to do.

Let's support this mighty tribe. Let's let the surfing community know that Jesus has come FOR THEM.

From all the CSA family, thank you so much to all who give generously.

May God bless you richly.

PADDLING WITH PURPOSE

I was speaking with a work colleague recently who was struggling with the direction his life was taking. 'What's the purpose of it all?' he said. 'I mean, what is it all for?' 

It's a question most of us have asked at some stage. Without a purpose, we lack direction, motivation or passion. 

Often when you speak to someone who has recently given their lives to Jesus, they'll tell you how they've found new meaning and purpose. What used to be all about 'my plans and my ideas', is now all about God and his plans. It's an exciting time.

Our purpose at CSA has remained unchanged. It's to give every surfer and every surfing community in Australia an opportunity to know and follow Jesus. 

And, every day across the country, we're putting our faith into action. But how can we use our surfing to help others? 

One exciting initiative CSA is involved in is an event with real purpose... 'Paddle Against Poverty'. 

Tracey Kirkland (CSA Board Member)

What is Paddle Against Poverty? 

It's a community event designed to be fun and challenging, while raising money for poverty stricken areas of the world.

This Saturday's event is a 5km paddle off the beaches of Cronulla, in southern Sydney.

Where does the money go that's raised by the paddlers? 

Each time the event is run, the organisers select an area of need. This month, the recipient is Mercy Huts in Indonesia. 

What is Mercy Huts? 

Mercy Huts is a charity that runs not-for-profit beachfront retreats on Rote Island. 100% of the tourism money they make is used to empower local communities living in poverty in remote areas of Indonesia through community development projects, education, employment and training. 

How can I get involved in Paddle Against Poverty?

For more details, click HERE. 

'Paddle Against Poverty was one of the most frothing things I did last year,' Scott said. 'It was so much fun but, even better, it was great to think we were really making a difference.' 

Support Your Tribe

On the Mercy Huts Facebook page it reads: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' 

CSA knows that all too well. But we have much to do and we need your help. 

'Without the CSA crew, I don't know where I'd be,' Emma said. 'They've shown me, just by the way they live, the way they treat those around them, what it really means to serve Jesus. It's epic.' 

This month is CSA's annual Support Your Tribe fundraising drive.

We're raising money for the important work of CSA on our beaches and we're relying on you to help make the difference.

Please donate today. 

THE VISION GAP (Support Your Tribe 2019)

Last week I climbed a ladder at my mum's house with the aim of cleaning out her gutters. Her house is on a slope so, at one end, it was easy going but the further along I went, the harder it was to postion the ladder so I could reach the roof. The last section of guttering proved impossible because, no matter how I positioned the ladder, I could not bridge the gap. I needed help.  

Sometimes in the offices of CSA we feel a bit like I did that day. We have so much we want to achieve and we can see the task at hand but, because of funding or circumstance, we just can't bridge the gap between our vision 'to share the good news of Jesus with surfers across Australia' and our capabilities. 

But we're optimistic because we know that, for God, anything and everything is possible.

Dawn service & paddle out - Easter 2019 National Gathering

Our annual Support Your Tribe fundraiser kicks off this week with excitement and hope. We already have so much to be thankful for.

• CSA currently has 22 mission hubs covering multiple surf communities and reaching hundreds of surfers every week.

• CSA has 121 active mission leaders, trained and supported by 8 regional coordinators and a National Director.

• 277 tribe members have joined this year alone.

But the mission field is large.

• Along 36,000 km of coastline, on 12,000 beaches, there are 218 boardriders clubs that have more than 20,000 local members.

• Approx 420,000 people surf in Australia at least once a year.

So, while our existing hubs are doing an amazing work serving their local communities and seeing lives transformed, there are obvious gaps. 

• For every 1 CS leader, there's 163 surfers that are members of a boardriders club.

• For every 1 CS mission hub, there's 10 boardriders clubs.

• For every 1 CS leader, there's 3,442 regular surfers and 20,491 recreational surfers.

So, it goes without saying, we need your help to bridge the gaps. 

• Please pray for Support Your Tribe as we aim to raise vital funds for the work and future of CSA.

• Please prayerfully consider what you can donate this month.

Help us see the gaps closed with thriving mission hubs in more locations. Help us to train and support developing leaders, and support our existing staff to ensure longevity and effectiveness. 

This is God's work. Let's fund it properly. Let this be the month you decide to partner with CSA and, together, let's let the world know who Jesus is and what a difference he can make.

Let's support this mighty tribe. Let's let the surfing community know that Jesus has come FOR THEM.

From all the CSA family, thank you so much to all who give generously.

May God bless you richly.

Q+A with Gayle Renzenbrink

1. Who are you, and where are you from?

Hi I'm Gayle Renzenbrink and I come from the fisherman's flats of Queenscliff, Victoria.

2. How did you first get involved in Christian Surfers, and what is your role now?

I first got involved in Christian Surfers over 20 years ago when Mark Johnstone invited me into the core group for Victoria/Tasmania. Currently my role is WSL Women's Longboard Chaplain. In this role I have learnt to preach the Gospel and use as few words as possible!  

3. How has Christian Surfers made a difference in your life?

CS has made a difference in my life because I've experienced people being inclusive, encouraging, supportive and loving to all. 

4. What do you value about CS Girls?

I value Christian Surfers Girls genuine love of life and how happy they are whether in the surf or elsewhere. I love being a Christian Surfer Girl and I will always value being apart of Christian Surfers.

5. What would you say, to encourage girls who are keen to be involved in Christian Surfers?
If you’re a girl who is keen to join CS Girls just go along and see for yourself how friendly it is and how much fun it is to surf with girls who love the waves.

JUNE 19: LUCAS AND ASH BARTLETT Q+A (VIC)

Q. Where do you live & what's your local surf break / community?

I live on Phillip Island off the coast of south east Victoria. My favourite place to surf here is woolamai!

Q. Any recent significant relationship / family news?

Our little family of two will soon be three as Ash is expecting in October! We are super pumped to meet our new little one!

Q. What do you love about being a Regional Coordinator in CS?

I love to empower people to follow their calling into surf mission and to have creative control around what that looks like in their leadership.

Q. How have you grown as a leader in your time within CS?

Well I’ve been in CS for 20 years so it’s fair to say most of my growth can be attributed to my time in CS. But I think I have learnt the importance of not putting the ways we relate to God in a box of “This is how you do it” God is the creator of the wind and waves he’s big and wild and beautifully unpredictable. Our expression of him should be the same!

Q. What importance do you place on leadership within CS in your region?

Leadership is the steering forward of whatever movement of Gods kingdom in our Region God has in trusted to us. In Vicco we celebrate strong leaders and empower those who feel called to walk out a leadership journey. 

Q. What challenges do you face in your role?

Often not having enough leaders with heaps of time up their sleeves can be a challenge. Our society has so much going on so we have some amazing leaders but sometimes they can be spread thinly as there is only so much you can do and only so much time you can do it in!

Q. What are your current hopes and dreams for 2019 and beyond? 

My hope this year is to strengthen our existing missions and raise up new young leaders that can keep these missions healthy for the next season.

Q. For those that would like to support you and your role - what do you need and how would their support make a difference? 

Thanks to the generosity of many friends and family I am currently financially released in my role 1.5 days a week.

I feel if I could increase that support to 2 days per week which is approximately $500 support increase a month I would have further capacity to give the time and attention in needs and also cover some of the travel costs. 

If you’d like to connect more with Lucas about supporting CS Vic pls contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0421 662 320

NG19: JOHNO - TEACHING SESSIONS SUMMARY

When I was first told the theme of conference (Own it) I took some time to think about how this looks. The three topics that came out of my pondering on “Own it” were

Beginnings: both CS and personal

Simple Gospel

I will go

I wanted to focus intentionally on the beginnings of our personal faith as Easter is a great time to reflect on this. The beginnings of CS in Australia is a great testimony of God stirring a small group of late teens to embark out to form CS. The desire is wonderful and truly inspiring. Today CS is an international movement. ‘Every surfer in every surfing community has the opportunity to know and follow Jesus.’

My second session was about the simple gospel, about being aware of a changing environment here in Australia, where society might be preaching a message of the irrelevance of Christianity but individually people are seeking, many knowing that there must be ‘more than this’. I challenged us to not be intimidated by culture but to come back sharing the simplicity of the gospel and stripping away the superficial.

My last session, ‘I will go’ really looked at not allowing our circumstances to prevent us sharing the gospel but rather seeing the importance of our daily lives in providing opportunities to share the love of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For me the Sunday dawn service and baptisms were a highlight and such a powerful proclamation.

Bless ya. Mark J.

NG19: LUCAS & VIC UPDATE

It was totally awesome to host the 2019 national gathering here on Phillip Island  Vic! So blessed by amazing weather and grateful to amazing crew who ventured to the deep south. We are glad you were rewarded I had a couple of conversations with some of the local crew who I thought might be a bit annoyed on the fact there was so many surfers out over Easter. But their attitude was the total opposite! They said how stoked they were that there were such great people out in the water all hooting each other and creating great vibes. The joy and pure stoke of being a Christian Surfer is visible and contagious! We are so grateful to be part of such a wonderful family!