Hawaiian Dreams

Each time I return to Hawaii its with mixed feelings. The place holds such mystique for the surfer with its famous surf breaks and massive swell as well as the beautiful climate and backdrop. But it is also a chaotic place of overcrowding, intimidation, traffic, and lost people. This trip was focused on fundraising, chaplaincy, International Conference preparation and a pioneering short-term mission.

A 9-hour flight feels short now and with just a 4-hour time difference it's an easy one on my body. Cal Fisher met me at the airport and we drove through the pineapple fields where the North Shore opens up, virtually unchanged since I first visited in 1981. Of course it has changed some, but nothing like the rampant tourism of the South Shore and you still dodge the odd chicken on the road, which does pose the question, "Why did the chicken decide to cross the road?" "To get to the surf of course!" Everyone surfs here. It is not a subculture, it is the culture and one reason I sense Christian Surfers has never really formally taken off in Hawaii. 

We stay at Eric and Sue Arakawa's place and I appreciate their faithful example and hospitality. There is a huge amount to organise for the fundraiser and a team from 'The Mission' church are helping gather auction items, organise tables, deal with caterers and plan decorations. We have focused on chaplaincy as it is an easily understood part of our mission, with Mike Stangel already having been chaplain to the Triple Crown the past four seasons. For most of the 140 attendees that Saturday night it is their first exposure to CS, so I see it as awareness raising as much as fundraising. Highlights include: Abe Andrews' bed hair as we wake him up for a live video Skype call, a powerful video testimony of Abe's chaplaincy from the ground crew of the ASP, Muelas from Peru sharing his testimony, one of the last boards in Andy Irons' Hawaiian quiver purchased by CS South Bay's Mark Chu, incredible food by Camp Homelani, over 15 church leaders receiving an insight into surf ministry, 12 shiny Christmas trees dominating the room.

For 7 years I had pitched the idea of a concentrated mission to the world's surfers as they travel in Hawaii. This year we finally tested the waters with a handful from Japan, Peru, the Canary Islands, Brazil and Australia who came for 3 weeks to pray, befriend and share. The local churches were invited and 'The MIssion' was our main partner. "I have been so inspired and reminded of the international mission opportunity right here in my backyard," said Christian, a 35-year-old local surfer. We hope to do this again, expanded following our conference in 2012. Special thanks to Andy and Jenny Carruthers for leading the team there.

Back in the old sugar mill, Eric's factory is a mix of high-tech surfboard manufacture and slow traditional craft. Erics showroom is a revolving door of pro surfers, industry leaders and local legends. World Tour veteran Jeremy Flores from Reunion Island drops in to get his big wave board for the Eddie and as he hobbles by is asked if he would like prayer for his injured ankle. "Sure, I would love that!" And our table of friends gets to stand by him as Eric prays right there. Jeremy is obvously moved and says, "I know God does all things for a reason." A local artist does amazing fibreglass art that hangs in galleries around the world, but has its beginnings amongst the red mud of the old sugar mill. 

We check out Camp Mokuleia and are stoked with our venue for the November 2012 10th anniversary International Conference. It's rustic and will be a combination of high school camp and world leadership conference right on the waters edge! We negotiate a heap of details and Cal has a big job ahead of him as the leader of the host region. Turtles flap about in the aqua bay and a monk seal is basking in the afternoon shadows. I can already visualise 200 surfers filling the place and overflowing into the camping area. I only hope we don't rock the locals too much!

The Eddie. The world's best big wave surfers come to compete at Waimea Bay in memory of Eddie Aikau who laid down his life for his friends paddling for help in the dark after their boat capsized. Sadly he violated the common conviction of staying with the boat and all were rescued later. I attend the opening ceremony and the world's elite are there with Quiksilver branding it all. A Hawaiian priest talks a lot of the 'manna' of Eddie and before I know it, it sounds like Eddie is a kind of Jesus right down to his 'power' being available to all in the water. Waaaayyyyyy too much in that. How sad we will deify a man who dies bravely but impotently, and ignore Christ who dies bravely and triumphantly. 

Flying home after just 5 days I reflect that it was another action packed Hawaiian visit. I also have a 9' Waimea gun poking out of my board bag with a cardboard box to protect it. At $170 it has become my Christmas gift from Gill. When I hold it under my arm I know I will never use it seriously, but it sure feels good! I think Hawaii is more paradise than nightmare when shared with godly friends and our egos left at home. I'll be back in November with 200 of my friends, and we will see how it is then!

ILT EXTREME! Video

ILT Meeting 2011

So, how 'hardcore' is the International Leadership Team of CSI? I figured I'd find out when we hosted them at our place over October 16-22 and test their limits. I think we all will remember the week at 'Team Extreme' as we worked hard and played hard!!!

First up on Saturday 15th we had a great intimate partners dinner hosted by the wonderful Steve and Dior Mahnken at Cronulla. What a great place to meet on the waterfront and be reminded about God at work in CSI and be entertained and challenged by Taylor's piano, Kotsy's speech, Marcus' greeting, the CSI promo DVD and my presentation.

It was a big surprise next day to hike the guys into our tent site from the top of the cliffs above my place to our hosts Tim and Kathryn Berry. I promised them it was a 5-star meeting room and 1000-star sleeping room as we camped out in tents for the next week! They loved the leeches, spiders and lizards and Sergio lost his legs for the rest of the week, "I'm a city boy, not a country boy!" he claims. However, there was some respite as the guys sat in the hot tub watching the Rugby World Cup on the big outdoor flatscreen with the odd beverage...after sneaking out of church early?!

We had an amazing time with our 2010 International Conference speaker Tim Meyers for three days of leadership development, debating issues of burnout and vitality, the nature of church and discipleship, international leadership and influence. It was an incredible privilege to glean from this brother. "Work hard and play hard" was our motto, so after the first morning of discussion and thinking, we threw Phil and Roy off a cliff, hang-gliding at Stanwell Park. Happy 50th Phil! That night the guys had to stay connected with the 'grass roots' and donned a crazy range of fancy dress to play dodgeball with our local CS groms. How Roy managed to keep attention sharing the gospel dressed in a bear suit is beyond me?! The late night camp fire was a great ending for our discussion and reflections and bunking down in the tents we got to hear all the classic Australian bush noises.

Next morning Tuesday we woke with the Kookaburra alarm. The chatty birds were our wake up call each day at daybreak...or before. Again we worked hard with Tim, then went and played hard with a drive into the National Park and a surf at Garie. The late night discussions around the campfire were stimulating.

Wednesday was Tim's last session with us, and you can't have an international speaker along and not show them some hospitality so we took him and the team to the 'cave of death' in Kiama. Tim says he will never let his international staff complain about how they 'rough it' ever again!! Crazy fun jumping off a cliff and swimming 100m into the dark of a sea cave. Great to have a meal at the home of Marcus Judge, our Board Chairman, and thanks Anne for an awesome meal.

Thursday was a day to review the world geographically as well as review our world strategies. Again, it was very special to reflect upon all that God has done amongst us and the many challenges as well. Boys being boys, it became a roof jumping challenge for the 7m diving tower. Since I have a wood fire and had run out of timber, I figured an afternoon activity of chainsaw work and log splitting would be fun. I drove away with a full trailer of timber...the guys with a full hand of blisters. Gordy is the master of the chainsaw and fell an 8m tree.

Friday was a special combined day with the CSI Board of Directors as we reviewed our systems and structures and dreamed about the future. A world swim race was held and South Africa's Roy Harley and Aussie board member Brad Whittaker are the fastest in the pool. We combined these two teams with our office team of great volunteers for a dinner at our place, Gill, the wonder host, was not phased with 25 of us there. So special to have Lisa and Phil Imisides out together after years of Phil's illness. Eric Arakawa presented Phil Williams with another 50th gift, a new surfboard.

Saturday was a Board meeting and thanks to input from Alan Vink who joined us all the way from NZ to consult, ever appreciate his wisdom. There was spirited debate about church partnering, our vision statement, affiliation and how they could support myself and the future. 

I must say, it was sad seeing the guys head off to the airport over Sunday and rather boring at the office next week (no offense to you Aaron) after such a week. I know it will go down as a life changing, team building experience and much vision and Godly principle laid that will echo into the future.

So for the 2011 International Leadership Team Meeting, it was 'Team Extreme' and I'm so encouraged we have an extreme, Godly team who also know how to have a heap of fun. Christian Surfers is in good hands.

USA: The Land of Big

Big cups, big meals, big trucks, big malls, big people. It's also big hearted, big Christian culture, big developments in Christian Surfers and of course big Dean Plumlee our CSUS Director. Ok, I'm joking Dean, he's 60kg wringing wet but got a huge heart and such a godly, talented leader.


During the course of travel I finished reading "When Helping Hurts" about how aid can be misunderstood, and I was ticking off how many mistakes I've made doing mission trips! Ouch.  

Wednesday. I had a great time with Cal our North America RC and we talked about the nations in his region, visited the national staff, checked out the new national training centre they're about to embark upon and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Coral. The Bible says, "...there are not many fathers amongst you..." but Cal is one and a spiritual father to many.

Thursday had us get the best waves I've ever had in Florida with a zipping left-hand bank at Metanzas Inlet. Casey was stylish as usual on boards from 5' to 9'. We all got stung by jellyfish - Dean looking like they chewed him up! By divine appointment Jon from Puerto Rico happened to be in town so we had some vital discussion there, and I didn't have to leave the country! I love being in the same time zone to call any USA friends and supporters. Good fundraiser with Cal's supporters and I typically hear, "I had no idea CS was so developed!" 

Friday. Back on the plane, long talks with Cal. In LA my old friend Mark Curtis who founded the Christian Surfing Association back in 1984 puts us up. 

Saturday. It's a team meeting at 7:30 over breakky to finalize the fundraiser that night. Another meeting to discuss our International Conference. What do you do when you're "meetinged out"? Go shopping at Marshalls cheap discontinued lines. How could I refuse a $3 lime green rubber belt, or $10 felt hat, or Dean's $14 fake frilled dress shirt or Cals $10 Levis slippers!? After retail therapy we head off to a surf ministry network meeting with old and new partners. Then to the CS Chaplains Fundraiser in San Clemente. Thanks to Lyle Castellaw's team building, wonder sisters Stacey and Julie have transformed the community centre. Mark Chu and other CS leaders have rallied around 175 attendees! Pro surfer Damien Hobgood is interviewed regarding the impact of the CS chaplains, I share, items are auctioned, good food and music are provided and Hawaiian shaper Eric Arakawa exhorts us to be courageous Christians under pressure. The chaplains Abe and Liselle are a bit overwhelmed being the centre of attention when their role is not to be. What a great night!!

Sunday. Breakfast with CSUS chairman Lyle, what a great man. I preach twice at Shoreline church about God being on the move and us being willing to move with him. Special to be with Pastor George Hulse and to cheer on Walking on Water's Director Bryan Jennings who was both commissioned for ministry and his new baby girl Ella dedicated. We do the sacred walk to Trestles and the Hurley Pro contest where we see Abe in chaplain action. Then engage in running the gauntlet across the train tracks and "no entry" signs as timeless generations of surfers have done. Back to Lyle's and a highlight meeting with Dean. So challenged to be a more godly man. Goodbyes and onto LAX.

Monday. I'm supposed to be writing you from home. But a weight restriction bumped me off the standby ticket and I'm left behind! It's 1am at the Holiday Inn hotel. Bummed. I've talked to Gill, and now I've talked to you all. Goodnight see you in Australia soon. I love this job - really is such a privilege. 

Santa Cruz Reunion

After a long flight it was a sweet reunion with old Santa Cruz friends. We spent 3 months here in 1999 and so appreciated Trevor and Tracey Kendall for Trevor's time as CSUS Director and so much more. I honor them for their part in our history. Good to see the old Steamers Lane and eat bagels!!

Tahiti Visit Video

Tahiti Day 5: Nehemiah Day

Another perfect day in paradise, but today is 'Nehemiah Day' and we need to rebuild Kevin's sea wall that has a huge hole punched in it from the swell. He has also lost about 15 cubic meters of sand from his yard. Without the repair their place is pretty vulnerable. Tehani is stoked and with the 'human backhoe' poi man we easily work through the day concreting lava rocks back into place.

The conversation flows easily as we reflect on our week. The waves were impressive, but our conversation revolves more about how we can be better godly men and how CS Tahiti can better serve the community and make an impact for the gospel. As physically beautiful the place is, like anywhere, the darkness of human hearts spoils things and we know Jesus can make a difference.

It also happens to be my birthday in Australia, so I get a heap of well wishes. Kevin drops us out to Tapuuna reef for a surf. By the time we get out there after the 30 min paddle its 5:30pm and we watch the amazing sunset over Morea and surf our way into the dark. A couple of friendly local guys offer to tow us back to shore, and we are glad to not be navigating the reef pass in the dark!

We go out for a birthday dinner and celebrate our week together. Gifts are exchanged and Kevin's kids Manaari and Heirani are great examples as they help and serve with dessert and Tehani's amazing chocolate tart!!

We do the late night pack up and then pray. Tired but very happy, what a great birthday.

Next day we are up at 4am and off to the airport where we meet so many pro surfers, photographers and staff. They are all very happy with the contest, waves, images and results. We also are very happy to have encouraged leaders, networked partners, encouraged a faithful family and practically served the Heminways.

Check out my album on Facebook for more photos.

Tahiti Day 4: Finals Time

Another perfect glassy offshore morning as I look across the lagoon where our tent is pitched. My back is complaining and I only slept a few hours but we've had morning prayer, discussed more of the future of the mission and caught up with Abe Andrews, the ASP Men's World Tour chaplain.

Gordy and I do the 15 minute paddle out again to catch the last 4 heats of the contest. We can't believe our luck...well it's way more then luck as we booked these tickets 6 months ago never imagining we will have seen one of the most memorable surf events in history.

We see tube after tube with an excited crowd from the best seat in the house sitting on a surfboard in the channel. Kelly Slater and Owen Wright put on an amazing final and the "old bald man" Slater, age 39, defeats the 23-year-old rookie.

The hooter goes, everyone flocks to the finalists...and only 4 paddle over to the break. I figure I might as well be one of them and since they all make it look so easy...actually it isn't!

I had local advice, "Be careful paddling for a smaller inside one because those west bowl sets can nail you," quietly nudging me...as I paddled for a smaller inside one when it came.

The largest west bowl set of the day; huge, blue, and a solid 8ft, pitching right on my head! I quickly realized I couldn't out paddle it so bailed in a metre of water and experienced some of the most violent turbulence ever. Took another on the head, creased a rail but was still able to get one tube and a couple of left overs and paddle back in.

Saw the end of the presentation ceremony, watched Kelly mobbed and Owen left alone. Caught up with Abe again then back to Papeete to Kevin's where we inspected a car sized hole in his front yard that had been sucked out of a hole in his sea wall due to the massive impact of the swell. Tehani cooks us a great dinner and we are treated by the kids Manaari and Heirani with dessert. Email catch up, a late night prayer and it's another midnight.

I would like to come another time and get to know this place!