European Regional Conference

Onshore winds, no swell and 10 degree temperatures are not what one expects in South West France entering summer. Even more if you are driving 17 hours from Germany for the 7th European CS Conference. However for Jonas and four other Germans coming from the river wave of Munich, they were stoked to meet Christian Surfers and get some inspiration for surf mission. 

Phil Williams did a great job gathering 35 surfers from six nations to worship, share, learn and be refreshed for mission to their nations. Special thanks to our French host the gentle giant with an overflowing household of kids - Christophe Parenty.

We heard from Joseba about the media opportunities he has to break down Christian stereotypes amongst the unreached Basque people and set up a surf culture exchange with the Irish. There was Nuno from Portugal entering surf chaplaincy. Kock and Jaap continuing to impact the Dutch Surf Association and supporting CS Brazil with a SUP paddle fundraiser event held on the Rhine River! Marc and the Spaniards are growing into a national movement after their 2nd National Conference. Andreas from Switzerland reported on more outreach surf camps being organised. The video on the UK Jesus Surf Classic revealed the long term impact of 20 years of ministry. Mark shared the huge challenges of doing surf mission to a North African Islamic nation.

And the rain kept coming. Cold and raining. We went for a surf anyway first day then next day a large windswell poured whitewash over breakwalls and showered all who would play chicken with the sea. We had a small disaster as I put diesel into a petrol car (it did have a diesel glow plug light on the dash!) and we were stranded in Hossegor. Dave Reynard helped me borrow some hose from someone's yard?!? and it became a right of passage for the trip to siphon petrol and cop a mouthful of diesel that would be burped for the rest of the day. 

The theme Phil had set was "don't wait for perfect conditions" and challenged all that after we pray and reflect we then have to move! Gill reinforced this from Psalm 73 and Johnny Hillman gave a great word from 1 Kings and God's call to Gideon to "go with the strength you have" not the strength you don't have. 

As five lively Germans headed out in their yellow VW bus the sun broke through. It had been an inspiring meeting in one of our neediest continents. Surfing has grown yet the church has declined in Europe. 

Gill has joined me child-free for this trip (a very pleasant companion) and we head off to Bristol for the next phase of our Europe trip.