The Surf Change Camp took place again this year. In Santander, Spain, 20 young and adventurous people plunged into the waves to learn how to surf and, in doing so, get to know God better and allow themselves to be transformed by him.

The camp was characterized by a wonderful group dynamic, in which everyone helped each other, laughed together, and learned together how surfing works. We enjoyed beautiful weather in Spain and the waves were mostly ideal for practicing standing on the board.

In addition to surfing and spending time together, they also helped out with practical tasks in everyday camp life. We carried out three work assignments at two different locations. Firstly, we assisted with our accommodation in Santander. There we were allowed to do general gardening work around the house and thus serve our hostess. We carried out our second volunteer assignment in an old monastery, which is now used to provide a place of retreat for people who need it, such as those who want to break free from addiction or people who are searching for their calling. There we were allowed to help tidy up, clean, and prepare an abandoned old house in the forest for painting. This house will be used in the future as a retreat for prayer weekends and as a vacation home for missionaries.

An evangelistic outreach on the beach was also part of the Change Camp. Since many people in the Santander region speak little or no English, and we speak very little Spanish, we have sought creative ways to share the gospel. For example, we wrote Bible verses on the floor with chalk or distributed little notes with encouraging Bible verses. It was wonderful to see how the camp added some color to the beach parking lot and how people passing by were interested in what was written on the ground.

In the evening, we were able to spend time together with God. This was done in praise, in small groups, and also through a message that one of us had prepared and shared. Those were very moving and powerful times.

This week in Spain was a joy for us. It was incredibly beautiful to see how the participants were able to take something away with them for life and how their hearts were touched by God. After a week at Surf Change Camp, we didn’t just go surfing, we made new friends, grew in our faith, and had a great time together. We are grateful for the good weather, the safe journey, and the wonderful moments on the surfboard.