In this inspiring episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu chats with Kirk, the Asia Pacific Area Director for Christian Surfers, to discuss his transformative journey from local church ministry to leading a thriving international organization. Kirk shares his personal faith story, a powerful spiritual encounter that deepened his relationship with Jesus, and the vision that drives Christian Surfers' exponential growth across the Asia Pacific region. 

With a core philosophy of "equipping leaders to equip leaders," Kirk reveals how the ministry is not just growing, but multiplying across nations, from Hong Kong to Japan and beyond. Tune in to hear about God’s provision, the heart behind the mission, and how you can support the movement.Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.

As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. 
You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

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In this episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with longtime friend and surf missionary Chris Chon at the 2025 Christian Surfers International Gathering in Bali last year. 

Chris shares his powerful testimony - from growing up in Southern California with a troubled family background to finding Jesus in Alaska of all places, and eventually pioneering Christian Surfers Taiwan. He opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs of surf ministry in Asia, the early days of planting a team in Taiwan, and his new role as East Asia Coordinator for Christian Surfers International. Ironically, Mark is of Taiwanese descent.

You’ll hear stories of surfing next to temples, building grassroots movements with just a few people, and the vision for raising up national leaders across Asia. Chris also shares prayer requests, future plans, and how others can get involved in this exciting kingdom work.

Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.  As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

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Instagram:   / @christiansurfers_ 
  
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In this inspiring episode, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with professional surfer Jessie Van Niekerk as she opens up about the realities of life on the Challenger Series, the mental and emotional toll of elite competition, and how she stays grounded in faith through it all.

Jessie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at navigating the surf world’s pressures, the importance of surrounding yourself with a solid support system, and why losing more than winning is part of the journey.

We also dive into her entrepreneurial side - how she founded her plant-based protein bar brand, Bubble Out, born from a need for healthy fuel on the road - and her role on the Amazon Prime reality show "Surf Girls." Jessie shares how she uses every platform, including TV, to authentically share her values and glorify God.

Whether you’re a young athlete, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a purpose, Jessie’s story will challenge and encourage you to stay true to who you are - even in the spotlight. Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.

Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

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This week on the Christian Surfers Podcast, your host, Mark Sawyer-Chu, sits down with Hannah Leary from FCA Action Sports. Hannah serves as an Area Representative in the Carolinas, stepping into a role FCA had been praying to fill for over a decade.

Her journey to this point is a powerful testament to God’s timing: though she grew up in the church, it wasn’t until a season of personal surrender - praying “send me anywhere” - that she fully committed her life to Jesus. Shortly after, her local church highlighted FCA, and doors swung open for her to bring the Gospel into the action sports world.

In this conversation, we explore how FCA - a ministry historically known for football fields, basketball courts, and mainstream stick & ball sports - is now intentionally reaching every athlete, including surfers, skaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Hannah shares how this expansion led to natural, kingdom-minded partnerships with ministries like Christian Surfers, working together to run Surf Church outreaches, serve at contests, and disciple young athletes.

Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.

Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

In this special episode of Christian Surfers Talk Story, Tim Foreman - bassist of Grammy-winning rock band Switchfoot - joins host Mark Sawyer-Chu for a powerful, personal conversation on faith, music, surfing, and identity.

Tim opens up about his early walk with Jesus, growing up as a pastor’s kid, and how authentic faith shaped his life before fame. Recorded in his vintage gear-filled San Diego studio for the band, this episode journeys through Tim's music career, the origin of the iconic “Bro-Am” surf/music event, and the behind-the-scenes stories of Switchfoot's surf documentary “Fading West.”

They dive into:
• The balance between tour life and surf life
• The heart behind Tim’s solo album “Bongo Chico”
• The legacy of Christian Surfers and North Coast Calvary Chapel
• Surfing with legends like Rob Machado and Tom Curren
• Why belonging before believing matters in surf ministry
Whether you're a music lover, surfer, or simply navigating the tension between calling and community, this episode is a rich blend of reflection, laughter, and faith.

Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

In this episode of the Christian Surfers Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu welcomes follower of Jesus, former WCT surfer, and WSL commentator - Jesse Mendes.

Broadcasting from Amigo Studio in Oceanside, CA, Jesse opens up about his journey from São Paulo to the global surf stage, and more importantly, from childhood faith to a lifelong relationship with Jesus. 

From sharing waves with the world’s best to calling heats on the mic, Jesse has seen it all. But what stands out is his humble spirit, love for his wife Tati and his commitment to living out his faith in the surf industry.

Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

The 23rd annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic (https://www.instagram.com/tommytant/) in Flagler Beach, FL just wrapped!   It’s easily one of the longest-running, community surf contests in Florida with a greater purpose. 

In this raw and real episode, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with former pro surfer, speaker, and brother in Christ, Will Tant, at his new home in Flagler Beach. Together, they reflect on Will’s powerful journey from the rebellious currents of surf culture to the steady anchor of faith in Jesus.

Will opens up about growing up in the tight-knit surf town of Flagler, the deep bond he shared with his brother Tommy, and the devastating loss that turned his world upside down. He candidly shares how grief led him to wrestle with God, eventually finding peace—not through perfection but through grace and community.

From his early surf film days to giving up the sport he loved, being diagnosed with a heart condition, and slowly returning to both surfing and faith, Will’s story is raw, real, and redemptive. This episode is a moving testimony to the power of Christian community, the importance of belonging, and the unwavering hope found in Christ—even in the darkest waves.

Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

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