Based on the Sunshine Coast, founder of Abide Clothing, & a big part of Christian Surfers, Dan Ulyate shares with us his love for the Lord & expressing that through different creative channels & places of service.
”Create and let it all be worship to God. Spending time abiding in God will cause a natural overflow of him and his goodness. This will overflow into what you create. When I play music I cannot help but sing of him and his goodness. If you're in business just wait and see what he starts doing through you. We have been created to create…”
When did you first find Christian Surfers & how did the community resonate with you?
I got connected to CS through a few guys at the church I started going to (Goodlife). They were just a bunch of super rad guys who just walked in a simple love for God and for surfing. Being relatively new to surfing and surf culture I was keen to get amongst it. (Big appreciation to Benny, Dan and Stevo and the others for getting me into it)
Originally from South Africa, what was the decision to make the move to the Sunny Coast?
Well, we moved over as a family. Mum and Dad really liked Aus and decided we would pack up and move here as a new adventure. Also as a way to open my sister and I up to new opportunities and a better lifestyle. It was definitely a big sacrifice for them but I know my sis and I are super grateful for them doing it.
You've been involved in CS as a group leader & know working with the national team designing & developing merch. Can you tell us about this journey & what you're excited to bring to the table?
For sure! I have been a part of CS for about 9 years now, since I was about 16. When I was 20 I got thrown in the deep end and started leading CS on the Sunshine Coast as a mission coordinator. I started to get involved in the National team around that time too, its always felt like my second family in a way. Between all that I had also started a brand during that time. We have been taking about updating the merch of CS for a while and also how we can create a business “arm” of CS. After being given a business and still running the brand it just made sense to me to jump in and upgrade the CSA merch. I loved business, clothing and CS! So here we are, I'm stoked that the hoodies we have released have been selling out. Next is dropping a new t-shirt range which we have been working on for a while. Big thanks to Elise Van Boxtel (design) and others who help out. We have some new stickers and potentially hoodie towels coming :) We want to create high quality, ethical gear for our CS tribe to rep.
One piece of the jigsaw, one moment of God's grace that bought you closer to Him...
Sheesh, yea! I remember during New Swell in 2016, I was worshiping and just felt like God spoke a new identity over me into my heart. Not a audible voice as such but a deep knowing that I was his and I am his son. I couldn’t really go back to my old ways after that!
A line of scripture that encompasses that...
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—”
Ephesians 1:5
You started your own brand- Abide Clothing back in March 2017. What is your why & purpose behind starting this business?
Yea so I hung out at skate parks and surf breaks pretty often and just saw such a lack of identity and purpose amongst the crew I spoke too. I knew there was gold inside of those kids, I wanted a way to bring that out and for them to live with purpose. So through inspiration from another brand I admired at the time I started Abide Culture. To equip and inspire people to find and live with a purpose, to live the life they were created for. The essence of life is to Abide in our creator, God. I assure you that you will find more than just purpose there :) John 15
Ideas for the future of Abide?
Heaps, people often ask, “so how are you helping people find purpose?” I often just say we inspire them to find it. This is great but we’re keen to not only inspire but also to equip in this next season. Keen to do this through events we run and limited runs of clothing we produce. Mentoring is a big big need too, so potentially creating some kind of platform for that also. That’s all I will share for now… haha
Tips for helping others channel their creativity into serving the Lord?
Create and let it all be worship to God. Spending time abiding in God will cause a natural overflow of him and his goodness. This will overflow into what you create. When I play music I cannot help but sing of him and his goodness. If you're in business just wait and see what he starts doing through you. We have been created to create.
What makes you happiest?
Logging Noosa at sunset with a bunch of mates would be up there! It’s pretty glorious. Good food and music is a beauty too!
Favourite worship album?
Tough one, but I would say my favourite of all time would be the “Garden” (Live) Album by United Pursuit.
