Merry Christmas  

Just a Short Note to wish all of you a very Blessed Christmas. 

As I look at the many nativity scenes I can't help but think could we have ever imagined   that the Creator of the universe, the one who holds all things together, would clothe himself in humanity, forsake His glory and become human. Who could have imagined he would be born to a humble home and who could have imagined - He would die on a traitor's cross and who could have imagined he would rise three days later making a spectacle of sin and death? Who could have imagined that the carpenter would be exalted as our hope and example of eternity and that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is LORD? Philippians 2:5-11

Thank You Lord Jesus for coming to make a way for us to be part of your family and for calling us to your mission. 

And thank you to each of you for the part you play with us in His mission to the surfing world. 

Harley Surf Family (remembering warmer water :) But loving the Snow :)

California; Carne Asada Burritos; Colder weather; warm people 

The Americas so far

Shift Colours

The trip to North America went really well and marked our fourth month under sail. As a family we have settled into the rhythm of life on the road. Sharon is keeping pace with home school, the kids are loving life and living an adventure of a life time, and whilst I struggle with keeping my inbox in check, I'm constantly amazed at how God is using Christian Surfers to share His love and grace within the surfing culture. 

Our US East Coast Home the CS Office Base & Multiplication Centre

An early start up 04:30am and off to the airport through CRAZY Peruvian traffic, in every way as warm and gregarious as the people :) 

Cleared customs in Miami and boarded another plane, bound for Norfolk. Arrived at the CS East Coast Camp out at 02:00am the following day.

Christian Surfers East Coast Camp Out Outer Banks North Carolina / Amazing Gospel challenges by ND Dean Plumlee

HUGE NEWS / CHIEF MATE / OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR CS 

It's a pretty well know fact that I am somewhat "Administratively Challenged" and because of this for a while we have been looking to add an extra staff member to the CS International team. I can now publicly confirm that Casey Cruciano has been seconded from team CS US to join us in J-Bay as our operations manager. We are so appreciative of this answer to prayer and for how God has worked all of this out.

Pray for the Cruciano Family moving from their home in North Carolina Outer Banks to J- Bay South Africa in July 2016

PILOTGE 

East Coast  - First a visit to a church in Virginia Beach, then from the Cruciano's home, in North Carolina, to South Carolina, where we overnighted and connected with the Charlston CS Chapter, stayed at Nathan Arkwood's spot and checked in with Bill Hogan. Then through Georgia and onto the CS head office and the Multiplication center in St Augustine, Florida, that would be home for just over two weeks. It was here that we realized that this would be the longest we would be in one place so far on this trip and by now that was AWESOME :)

Friends Shakas and Straw glasses / US East Coast is a beautiful place 

SCHOOLING UNDER SAIL 

Sharon is diligently cracking away with Maths and English and we are even talking about instituting an Afrikaans day just to keep our kids ears in tone, however home school is by no means school at home :) 

Boys in the stocks (AGAIN) / Governors Palace Williamsburg / Civil war enactment BANG! / Taking off with the Wright brothers in Kill Devil Hills = cool School :)

Port St Augustine  

For two and a bit weeks the picturesque town of St Augustine Florida was our home base. It was amazing to be able to be in the mix of the CS US office. I was able to catch up with Dean Plumlee, the national director of CSUS, and get a real handle on their passion to see disciple making disciples. We stayed at the multiplication centre & Office, real close to a beautiful expansive beach. Thank you so much to Paul, Summer, Laurel, Dean and Amy for all you did for us and for sharing your lives with the traveling Harley's.

Harvest Festival Dress up / The Alligator & Crock Farm / The Spanish Fort that was the start of St Augustine 

Come About

Buzzzz my cell phone shouted. A message form Nick Gilmore is always catalytic :) "Hey we have organized this impromptu barbecue for Brett Davis in California and now it seems every one is coming, I think it would be good if you and Dean Plumlee were able to come."
So a scurry of planning and checking and shifting schedules and before we knew it we were on our way to LAX. What an amazing event - there were about 150 people there, some driving over 470 miles to be there. Amazing evening. It was great to catch up with some friends, go for a surf with legends and also have some good time with Lyle from the CS US Board.  

Impromptu Cali Barbie / Dustin & Jessica (who since got engaged WHOOO!) / Sharing a breakfast Burito with legends in the faith :)

Sailing to Disney

Well, it may have been reckless to fund this experience by selling our car, but hey, how many times in your life time will you have kids who are 8 & 12 and be just a few miles down the road from this glittering spectacle. 

We bead farewell to our base in St Augustine for a few days and headed as a family to hang with Mickey and Donald and crew. Wow what a wonderful experience!

Our God is a God of the details, amazingly it just so happened that good friends from back in South Africa, who are now living and working in the USA, just happened to be there at Disney over the same exact dates as we were. Now what are the chances of that !!!

A real blessing and memories we will cherish forever :) 

Harley's and Scharffenorth @ Disney

Sailing to the Caribbean Seas and the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful and interesting place. It was where the Spanish colonials first set up shop. So in down town Santo Domingo you will find a number of picturesque remnants of this era. 

Nathan with Christopher Columbus / Thanks Rafael for showing us around (Rafael is the National Leader of CS in the Dominican) 

On arriving we were greeted at the airport by Dustin Miller, the CS Regional Coordinator, for the Central and North America region. Dustin and Emily live on the north shore. Thanks for making the long drive to fetch us Dustin :) 

The DR with Dustin Miller below and Rafael above 

An all boys camp out - Nathan, Dustin and I jumped in a buss for a 6 hour ride from the North Shore down South to connect with the National Leader of the DR Rafael Ferreras at his Surf School. 

An amazing national event with over 150 campers from all over the DR. Sleeping on the beach is a great adventure and in a rain storm a leaky tent makes it all the more so. 

CS Camp Out in the DR with my Boy / Read more on the CS Site  

Hanging out seeing where Emily teaches and getting a better picture of the Millers World. 

Other CS Ports of Call in Central America 

With the family setting up camp in the DR - myself and Dustin Miller headed out to connect with Mike Proctor and the CS Crew in Panama. Great to see how seriously the guys are taking governance, and it was a privilege to sit with Dustin, as he and Mike asked a pastor to join the Board of CS Panama. 24 Hrs later and we were on our way for some leadership meetings in Costa Rica. Damian Boza, the National Leader of Costa Rica, fetched us and we were off to Jaco, for some good surf and great meetings, then back to the DR. Really excited to see the development of a regional leadership team for the Americas taking place. 

 After Surf Breakie with CS  Legends. / Nathy mesmorized by beautiful DR Sunset / Mike Proctor Rodo and CS Pnama Crew / Rafael ND of DR & Huan.

Parting Shot 

Next stop "California" :) 

CONTENTAL COURSE CHANGE

SETTING SAIL FROM UK TO PERU

The last time I blogged, we were on Leg One. The UK. (England; Scotland ;Whales; North Ireland & Cornwall LOL) Sorry about the Rugby guys - Ouch and I can hear Nev from NZ saying the same thing :)

20kg Luggage cul (44 LBS)

Since then we have undergone two continental trips.

Fantasy vs Reality of intercontinental travel. Still smiling :)

Leaving Bristol, at 00:45 with no sleep with the very generous Melcome who drove us to Heathrow, so we could get there three hours early - the mandatory check in for international flights. Arrived at 03:00am to discover that as it was the first flight of the day the airport only opens at 04:30am Nice :) 

Fortunately we had done a luggage cull, Yip 20kg lighter, so basically a family of four with a ticket that allows us to have X2 23kg bags each = 184KG is now traveling with under 90kg (proud Dad) I sold this one by promising we could buy some new stuff some where, but due to the slipping Rand this may not materialize LOL

CONTINENTAL COURSE SOUTH AMERICA 

SAILING INTO PERU

So we have decided to name each of the cars we drive in, by the going through the names of the Disciples.

Simon Peter was a beautiful golf and navigated the picturesque narrow streets of the english countryside. Peru however was a whole different story. Driving in Peru is an experience second to none. It's crazy but has a beautiful, noisy, warm gregarious rhythm. The hugest thank you to Aldo and Stella, as they became our drivers and enabled us to get around without risk of injury and death:)

Peru prior to rush hour; Simon Peter our UK Companion, James driven by Aldo & Stella in Peru / Glad it wasn't us :)

SETTING SAIL FOR THE BEACH HOUSE @ PUNTA HERMOSA PERU

Fresh off the plane, it was straight to Ruth's house which would be our base in Lima, then SLEEEEP Friday and we were off to the beautiful beach house of Punta Hermosa. Aldo has kindly donated some time to CS to use this amazing facility opposite amazing surf breaks for our surf house accommodation.... so watch this space. 
That night we were able to join in a Local CS Peru meeting. 

Praise and Worship at Punta Hermosa CS Gathering 

One thing I'm finding over and over, is that it doesn't matter where you connect with CS, the heart of the people to see surfers have opportunity to know and follow Jesus - is always the same. So humbled and encouraged by this. 
It was exciting to join this crew where the very next day, they served at a National Peruvian Surf Contest in Punta Hermosa. Awesome Job guys. 

CS Punta Hermosa Serving the National Event. Competitors view and Judges view 

Water Shot CS Peru Crew with food, fruit, water etc for competitors

Pelicans in the line up 

SETTING SAIL TO ONE OF CS PERU's PARTNER CHURCHES - THE ALLIANCE CHURCH- MIRAFLORES.

Sunday Morning it was up and at em to get back to Lima, where Aldo's church had given us an amazing opportunity to present the work of Christian Surfers. I'm so thankful to their openness and graciousness in giving us this space as well as their backing and support of the work Aldo, Stella and the awesome CS Peru team. Takkie you are a legend thanks for all the media :) 

Thank you Mr Ventura for the awesome Job your doing :)

Aldo with Antonio, the National Director for CS Peru. Thanks guys for looking after us as a family so well :) 

Cool surf spot - A little left called Whyko (no idea on spelling) with Da Boys Antonio and local Chef Andreas = Best Ceviche EVER!!! at his restaurant. Absolute must for any foodie surfer :) 

SETTING SAIL FOR SAO PALO - BRAZIL

After hanging in Lima for a week, being so well fed by Ruth's mom, Rebecca who was an amazing host. (Reminded me of my Nana :) Aldo and I headed over to join BD and the Brazilian Leadership team for some crucial meetings. This was no surf trip - this was a red eye(flight) all the way. We were headed to the Brazilian capital, to have a meeting around Governance. I have to say that this is becoming more and more of a recurring theme. Governance is about People, not structure, where we have good governance and healthy people in places of authority over us, we have healthy missions. Where we don't sooner or later.....we seem to have a road block. 
This is not the time to get into detail but I have to say that I left feeling encouraged and stoked to know that we as a mission are able to tackle the tough stuff. I applaud all the crew in the photo.

Godly meetings by an amazing group of brothers  - go the Brazilian CS Storm :)

On a lighter note it was fantastic to connect with BD and observe first hand the value of a Founder Advisor in our movement. He empowered us and inspired us on to the future. Thanks BD.

It was also a miracle because I met a social media phantom. Up until today no one knew if he really existed. Palario. So to give you and idea why I say this. On average most CS face book pages around the world range in the vicinity of 1000 to 5000 to some 15 000 likes depended on the size of the surfing population. BUT then comes brazil. 55 794- WOW!
You Go Guys. I encourage you to find a way to use this for the kingdom :) Hey if you haven't already go and like the page 

SETTING SAIL FOR VENEZUELA AND THE CS AMERICAS CONFERENCE 

Another batch of red eye flights with Aldo. Thank you for all you give brother :) I so appreciate it. 

Photo from top right: left -Takkie CS Peru veritable legend of all things and a great worker, media guy and disciple maker; middle-CS Chille, good surfer and another legend. & right-Louis Jnr, who surfed with us and served with us. I see where his dad gets it. 
Dustin Miller our very own CS Central and North America RC. Diligently and hard at work doing training with the leaders from across S and Central America. 
Louis Snr is the national leader of CS Venezula. It has not always been easy but it was exciting to see what is happening on the ground - well done brother, especially under difficult circumstances.     

I have to share another story. From another brother from CS Panama that blew me away in the feedback session. Rodo is one of the CS Panama leaders with Mike & Lory Proctor. Almost every Friday this upwardly mobile lawyer drives 300km / 186 miles down the coast to connect with a group of grommies from his town who surf but who dont know Jesus. Rodo CS Salutes and honors you brother. You are the reason we do what we do. May God bless you and may you see all those grommies baptized and following Christ :)

Rodo driving above :) 

Great job Dustin, Aldo and Louis-this was a special gathering and most encouraging.

SETTING SAIL BACK TO PERU

Another red eye flight, with Aldo, back to Peru to join our last weekly gathering with the crew from Lima. We met so many people that are so close to our hearts. Peru has to be one of the foodie capitals of the world, and it has the warm hospitable loving CS people to make sure you experience all of it. A great team working so hard to see Jesus come to surfers. A honor and a privilege to have been there with you all. 

CS Meeting Lima Crew

Thank you so much Aldo, Estela and Family and the whole CS South America Crew.

See you soon.

Proud Dad moments :)

SETTING SAIL FOR THE USA

I think that is good for the blog for now. We have set our course for the USA and been here for two weeks already. So much to tell and share with you next time. Thanks for your love prayers and support. You are investing in an amazing organization. SOOOOO Stoked :)

Shakas under sail

TBN Shakas

Thanks to Daren Mountain, the CS UK Staff guru, we were able to talk about Christian Surfers and the upcoming Jesus Surf Classic with Leon Schoeman, a fellow Saffer ,now making waves with TBN in the UK (program scheduled to run mid October )

Shakas at TBN Studios London with Leon Schoeman & CS Legend Darren Mountain 

Festival Shakas

After a short break with Sharon's sister and family in Emsworth, it was back to Nailsea and into a community festival - where Phil, Joe and the crew were raising money for a local skate park. A fantastic community event supported by CS.

Severn Bore Shaka

I have heard about this wave often from Phil and so, it was with a deep sense of excitement that we headed out to catch my first river wave. It was great fun and extremely addictive. I will be back :) 

More than that though, I connected with a serious crew of very dedicated surfers. They know this river and its nuances like any of us would our own local surf spot. A really tight crew - "The Muddy Bothers". 

"That every surfer and their surfing community would have opportunity to now and follow Jesus"

Arial image from the internet couldn't find the name of the Photographer, but such an amazing & powerful image had to use it.
Below the muddy brothers, a tight crew of core surfers, that meet around the tides. It was an honour to connect with this crew. 

French Shakas

Since attending the CS conference in Hossegor, France in 2004, this has always been a surfing community close to my heart. It was fantastic to come back almost 10 years later and see amazing, faithful people sharing the beautiful story of Jesus. The Perenties have layed a solid foundation and connecting with Rich & Reggie, as well as Audrey and Powel, was truly inspiring. Pray for their work and that we would see a harvest beyond what we could imagine in this place.  

From Top Left / Rich & Reggie and the Surf Church Hossegor Crew / Micro beach break beauty / Cold hard reality inside a world war II Bunker / Modern Art taking outside WWII bunker / Thomas & Doerta ding repair in Baritz / Timo YWAM Hossegor. / Cheese and Braai vibes on arrival at Audrey & Powl's house (National Leaders of CS France. 

World Belly Board Shakas 

One of the core strategies of CS all around the world, is serving. This opens up so many opportunities for CS to shine Jesus to our surfing communities. Still it's not every day that you get to serve at the World Belly Board Champs :) This was a fantastic experience. A quirky and extremely different event. No wetsuits and the junior division is for under 60's...LOL

Still it was great to see our CS UK crew involved in judging and generally serving in any way that they could. Also great seeing a number of core surfers and surf industry folk there. Check out the Surf School owner in the Union Jack Onezie. 

Top left / CS Crew dress appropriately for this prestigious occasion. 

Newquay Shakas

A massive thank you to Phil for organizing us a 5 day stint in Newquay, and to our great God for timing the arrival of a swell.:) Newquay is for sure one of the big surfing areas of the UK. It was great to see this in full swing. 

After a really busy and active couple of weeks, it was fantastic to regroup as a family. We went surfing with the kids before the swell arrived and Cailyn stepped on a Weever Fish. A searingly painful blighter with a hypodermic spike that injects a protein based poison. Nice :( some surfers have surfed for 20 years in the Uk and never had this painful experience. Fortunately it wasn't too bad and the life guards put her foot in hot water to break down the effects. 

There was a great run of swell whilst we were there. I even got barreled :) and also managed to catch up on a whole heap of CS Admin and SKYPE calls.

Jesus Surf Classic Shakas 

This is a phenomenal and long standing event on the UK Surf Calendar. Over many years we have often prayed for Phil and the UK crew for this event and for waves. This year I got to live a little of the stress and pressure of this. The UK weather is dynamic. There are lows and highs moving all the time and thus planning a big event like this carries risk and stress. Well done to the crew for stepping out in faith. 

Even Cailyn got into the act and served behind the counter giving change in Pounds and Pence :)

Watching Mike setting up a full skate park in the rain is an excellent example of this. Seeing the volunteers etc come around food stalls, mobile judging stations because of the swift moving tide etc etc. On top of all this CS does not surf in the event. "It's a matter of serving the surfing community," said Phil. 

Check out the links to some of the secular press around the event.

• Surfersvillage
• Surfgirlmag

CS Wales Shaka

Right at the end of our amazing time in the UK, we headed to connect with Johnny and Annie, and got to catch up with some of the CS Wales crew. 

Home School - Checking out a Welsh Coal mine with Annie & Johnny  

How's this for a welsh word?

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (lan-vire-pool-guin-gith-go-ger-u-queern-drob-ooth-clandus-ilio-gogo-goch)

Yip one word. Google it for the translation :) 

CS Welsh Crew meeting in the Hillmans lounge. 

A fantastic time with amazing and phenomenal CS people. We were humbled blessed and amazed.

Finally it was back to Rod and Chris Neal's spot to cull 20kg of luggage and a 100L bag before heading to Peru. 

Thank you UK & Europe. Keep charging so that:

"Every Surfer and every Surfing community will have opportunity to know and follow Jesus" 

Team UK