What if surfing is more than just a hobby or a sport? What if the beach isn’t just a place to relax, but also a place to share the Gospel? In this article, Anniek de Jonge shares her remarkable story of how God fulfilled a dream and how she now lives out and spreads her faith on the waves with Christian Surfers in Australia.
A Desire, a T-shirt, and an Unexpected Encounter
What started as the desire of a fifteen-year-old girl turned into a life-changing journey. Anniek de Jonge first heard about Christian Surfers through a youth camp. “Wow, I want that too,” she thought. Her dream of learning to surf had been alive for years. Then, during a vacation in Portugal, she unexpectedly ran into a couple wearing a Christian Surfers T-shirt. They struck up a conversation over coffee and got along well immediately.
“I had always wanted to meet people from Christian Surfers and just chat about what it’s like,” she shares. “It turned out they had decided to visit that exact place on the same day, after both praying about it separately. We met at exactly the right moment.”
Confirmation in a Dream
The encounter in Portugal stayed with her, but doubts remained. Australia was far and expensive. Then, during a conference, she had a prophetic dream.
“I dreamed I had to check in for a flight but kept getting distracted. Meanwhile, I was given a free pair of shoes – icy-blue Vans with a snowman on them. I wanted to order a pair of Vans before checking in, but they were too small. I ordered a larger size and then the dream ended.”
The next day, someone helped interpret the dream: a plane symbolized a spiritual transition, and shoes represented readiness to bring the Gospel of peace. Long story short: Anniek was invited to go out that winter to share the Gospel. In January, she boarded a plane to Australia.
Pancakes, Surfboards, and Faith Conversations
In Shoalhaven, she joined a local Christian Surfers group. “We meet every other Sunday morning. First we surf, then we have pancakes on the beach followed by a short devotion. We invite people we meet out in the water. Sometimes, really deep conversations pop up right there while waiting for the next wave.”
Sometimes, really deep conversations pop up right there while waiting for the next wave.
The organization also distributes surfer Bibles featuring testimonies from well-known Christian surfers like Bethany Hamilton. They organize events like board swaps and weekend retreats as well.
From the Beach into the City
Anniek shares with enthusiasm: “The leaders here are truly passionate about who God is and about spreading the Gospel. Their goal is to make Him known among surfers. Sure, you can do outreach in cities – but surfers are a mission field too.”
You can do outreach in cities, but surfers are a mission field too.
“Our perspective is from the beach into the city. If someone comes to believe in Jesus on the beach, they go back into the city or their hometown, into their friend group and family. That’s how the Gospel spreads.”
A Life Full of Surprises
Alongside her involvement with Christian Surfers, Anniek works as a barista and volunteers in exchange for accommodation through WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms). God continues to provide in unexpected ways: “I prayed, ‘Lord, could there please be a guitar in every house I stay in?’ A few weeks ago, someone just gave me a guitar. And last week someone gifted me the surfboard exactly in the size that I had been planning to buy. He said he felt God had put it on his heart. Crazy! God is good.”
These blessings open doors to share her faith. “My coworkers told me, ‘It seems like everything just works out for you.’ That’s when I get to share about what God is doing.”
Live the search call
Not everyone is open to the Gospel, but Anniek gladly talks about Jesus on the water. “If people aren’t interested, the conversation just ends. But we long for people to be saved. We want them to know there’s more to life than just surfing or daily life. We long for them to experience how deeply Jesus loves them.”
We long for people to be saved.
Her message to other Christians is clear: “People have questions. Many believe there’s something out there, but they’ve never heard of who that really is. So wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, be open to sharing. People need it – really.”
Enjoying His good gifts
Nevertheless, Anniek lives from a place of ease and joy. “There’s so much brokenness in the world, situations in which we as Christians are called to help. But there is also so much beauty that God wants to give us. You’re allowed to enjoy the good things He provides – whether that’s music, cycling, or your work. It’s amazing how these things connect us with others, and from that place of connection, you can share something about Him.”
It’s amazing how these things connect us with others, and from that place of connection, you can share something about Him.
‘’At the same time,’’ Anniek shares, ‘’God continues to work in her life. I’m not a perfect Christian and I still struggle to grasp His love and grace for me. That’s also what this journey is about. But it doesn’t stop me from sharing His love in conversations. Often, I say something that I myself need to keep hearing over and over again.’’
Want to learn more about Christian Surfers?
Visit www.christiansurfers.net for more information about the global movement.
