The ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) chaplaincy project has been progressing very well and a number of key initiatives have been realised.
Abe Andrews (Men's Tour Chaplain) had a big year setting into his role and wrote from South Africa, "I have spent the past two days at the contest in freezing conditions supporting the surfers in whatever capacity I can. I guess sometimes the World Tour family feels like a tribe and I am the explorer, or outsider hoping to be accepted into the tribe. I just hope my fate is not like some early explorers who got eaten by the tribe."
Liselle Wilsnaugh has also made steady progress in her role as (Women's Tour Chaplain) and writes from Portugal, "It's been a pretty amazing few days as far as the chaplaincy is concerned... I got loads of time to chat to some of the surfers and their families. After my experiences at the previous two contests, God blessed me by giving me loads of favour with everyone. They all greeted me and actually seemed to be okay with me being there. I was able to have really good conversations with a bunch of the girls and their families and friends. It definitely felt like the prayes had kicked in."
Establishing a key chaplain for each ASP region was also a high priority in 2009. Currently Mike Stangel is looking after Hawaii, Lyle Castellaw, North America and Andy Pitt, South Africa. They have been developing event chaplains, building relationships with ASP Staffand providing essential support for Abe and Liselle when travelling in their region.
Mike Stangel comments on the upcoming Hawaiian Triple Crown "I was blown away by the open doors I received as chaplain last year. Randy Rarick has appointed a guy from our church as his successor to develop the pro events so we anticipate even better reception this year."
The Randy Rarick Story
CSI is seeking chaplaincy coordinators for the remaining ASP regions of Australasia , Europe, Japan and South America. Christian Surfers International is continuing to progress chaplaincy as a key initiative globally and along with the service for ASP are also looking into how we can support the ISA in a similar capacity.
Brad Whittaker who pioneered the project in 2008 has continued in a coordination role for the team this year. In addition he has also covered key events in Australasia pending the appointment of a suitable regional chaplains.
If you are interested in supporting our current chaplains or even being a chaplain, Brad will be happy to field your questions and interest.
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Just a quick update on the Men's Chaplaincy for the ASP Surfing World Tour Event: Billabong Pro Teahupoo. Well today was the second day of competition after 3 days of no contest due to poor conditions. Today wasn't much of an improvement in conditions however there was a small pulse in swell and short periods of clean waves. However it did make for difficult heats for the surfers and it really did come down to wave selection and been in the right spot.
Insert Surfer Here
The Tower
JJ stoked at the score board
I spent the day with a few surfers just mainly caddying and encouraging them. Two of the surfers I was with got knocked out of their heats and that is sometimes difficult for these guys to take. However, I was able to give them a bit of support and encouragement desipite their loss.
Celebrate Crook Waves
Bottle Snap
In between competition days I have been spending alot of time with the surfers. We have been surfing and sharing some meals together. This always makes for some good conversations. I have found by hanging out with the surfers that they are becoming more open and trusting of me.
The Boys Getting Ready
Stormy
Not always Perfect
It has been awesome to see that God is using this role to really bring the surfers closer to Him. I had the oppertunity to pray with a surfer after he spoke to me about some issues and things he has been dealing with. I believe the Lord is prompting me to just keep myself open and available to the surfers and He will open the right doors.
Hobgoods and Co Ferries
Harbour Panorama
So continue praying for me while I'm here and keep these surfers close in your prayers.
Thank you and God Bless
Abe Andrews
Men's Surfing World Tour Chaplain - ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) Mission Coordinator - Gold Coast Christian Surfers
Kevin Hemingway - HIC Shaper. Kevin receives 10 years C.S. service award
Tehani & Kevin, and his son Manaari
As you may know the ASP World Tour is currently in Tahiti for the Billabong Pro at the infamous wave Teahupoo. I arrived to the location 2 days ago and have had many opportunities to serve and hangout with the surfers. It has already been an amazing journey which the Lord has richly blessed.
I am staying with a local family and sharing accommodation with the Billabong staff. Yesterday I spent most of the day helping the work crew set up the event area for the opening ceremonies; this was an awesome opportunity to provide some active service for the contest staff.
Last night I met with Kevin from Christian Surfers Tahiti and joined them as they did an outreach near Teahupoo. After the outreach I met up with some of the surfers and shared a meal at their house. It was great to hangout in a relaxed setting where I could continue to build relationships with the surfers.
groms stoked
Dayyan Neve deep
Today was day 1 round 1 of the contest. I was lucky enough to bump into some of the surfers as they headed out to the contest area. I spent the day on their boat watching the contest and caddying for some of the competitors. After the comp I headed out for a few waves with the surfers which was a great time to share and reflect on the day.
Line up
Although it is early in the event I feel the Chaplaincy is beginning to become more established on the tour and I believe the Lord is using me to rebuild and reconnect the surfers to Him. Pray for protection and favour over the next two weeks I’m here and thank the Lord for his provision as he has blessed me to be able to be here.
Panorama water
Perfect
surf barrell
Thank you for your support, prayers and fellowship, I look forward to what lie ahead.
Chaplaincy is a voluntary service and relies on the generosity of donors for it to continue. If you would like to support financially please feel out the attached slip and forward to the given address.
God Bless
Abe Andrews
Men's Surfing World Tour Chaplain - ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) Mission Coordinator - Gold Coast Christian Surfers
