On Easter Weekend, the CSALT crew headed South on a 13 hr drive from JBay to Lamberts Bay in the Western Cape. We decided to break the trip up, so we stopped in Worcester. During our drive, we stopped to check out Vic Bay and a few coffee shops on the way. It started to get dark real quick and of course, being South Africa, a 15 km detour ended up being 30 km in the pitch black. We almost missed the turn off and had some hints of feeling lost. We said quick prayers and believed we were on the right path. As we rounded a dirt road corner, a shining cross guided us on the mountain peak. We knew that God was our pillar by night. From that point onward, these crosses came across our path in the darkness. There even happens to be 2 crosses on top of our accommodation here in Lamberts Bay. It’s so amazing how God has His heart set on these little communities on the other side of the world.

Our first morning in Lamberts, we decided to go for a surf at Yo-Yo’s break. My lefts need some work, but it has been so much fun being in the water, bailing, ducking massive white walls of water and laughing with the other girls. Andy’s got into a routine of bringing Snickers bars with him into the water so we can surf longer. After the surf, we met with Francois who has been running the Christian Surfers club here. Lamberts Bay was a rich fishing community, but now has the sad effects of unemployment due to no fish. It still has the surrounding potato farming which employs a handful of locals, but it is not enough to sustain all of them. You will often find beggars come up to the car asking for money or food. Some of them are very genuine, but some of them use it for alcohol or drugs. Illegal selling of Crayfish is also very common which puts a lot of these people in poor standing with the community and Police. We asked Francois what the biggest need is here in Lamberts Bay and he answered “food”. How do we reach that need? You can feed a man a banana and some bread after grocery shopping, or give him money for food today, but he will be hungry again tomorrow. It’s been a constant unanswered question since we’ve been here. There is no work and no incomes.

Francois has found a possible answer and it starts with the youth. His invested time in the guys here has led them to win body boarding competitions through “AngloAmerican” and build relationships through the sport of surfing!! I am still blown away at how God is using surfing to bring glory to Him. We spent one day in a neighboring town called Elands Bay hoping to reach the local kids there and spend some time with them in the water. No one showed except for one girl named Nicole. The CSALT girls were able to invest in teaching her how to surf and mentor her throughout the day. Francois, Andy, Alex and the few Lamberts guys were still waiting to see if any other kids would show up. After waiting an hour or so, 16 kids came walking down the beach with surfboards and body boards eager to get in the water! We were all so shocked. God is full of surprises. We were not expecting Him to move the way He did that day. The local guys led prayer, exercises and surf lessons. Us as leaders stood on the shorelines amazed at this leadership. They have been equipped enough to lead themselves and their friends to a productive and fulfilled life in Christ. I cannot explain the joy that comes when a kid catches his first wave and even more joy when they are encouraging and teaching each other!

Andy shared his testimony and Katherine followed up with the Gospel message which led these guys to give their lives to serve and follow Jesus.

We put on a mini surf contest at Yo-Yos beach break. We had best wipe-outs, best sportsman, best wave and tricks. These guys rip on body boards. We were able to put a slide show on for them at the surf shed that night and give away some cool prizes. Francois wanted to make a wire globe to put up so that the guys could see different Christian Surfers Organisations around the world. God is using surfing to change and shape these precious lives! The least of these are the greatest in the Kingdom of God.

A personal Testimony:

Sitting in the backline shaking through these 5 ft waves, paddling as wide as possible. Trying to remember God’s protection and possibilities. Why can’t I get over this fear? I know that surfing is such an amazing gift from God, but why can’t I enjoy it to the fullest? Everyone around me has the biggest grins on their faces and seem to be in a heavenly place. My defeat has got the best of me, I can’t wipe away this fear and all I want to do is be on the shoreline. I can’t do it anymore. I want to love Your waves Lord.
Waking up in the morning, I cried out to God. I want to serve you so badly in Surfing. I want to progress so that I can enjoy your Creation in the most amazing ways. I know You want to bless your children. Please can you speak to my heart? You calmed my heart. You gave me hope. Psalm 121. You gave me confidence and joy. You pushed me into big waves. You played with me in the water and brought amazing girls to encourage me. You brought a great husband who shares the love of surfing to me. His jaw drops in amazement at where You’ve taken me. Thank You for strengthening me in an invisible way. I have never had so much fun surfing than now Lord and it is all because of You. You are greater.

Surfing Elands Bay-Lefts

Click HERE to sneak a peak at the CSALT 2013 Missions album