Surf Ministry
Summer ’05 Update

Hawaii is known the world over for its exotic beaches and endless surf. It draws surfers from all over the world. And that presents a unique harvest field.

New Hope’s Surf Ministry is one way people can enjoy both—surfing and God. Reyna Miyashiro and husband Kirk oversee this “totally excellent” ministry; so as we warm up for summer swells, we connected with them to tap into sweet sets.

Want to try surfing? Join them for free sessions.

Humble Beginnings
The very first surf group started when New Hope was at Stan Sheriff, in the mid-‘90s. The set-up crew needed something to do between set-up before the first service & break down after the last. So they came up with an enjoyable solution: they went surfing.

Today that has grown into a full-blown ministry—with a surf hotline, year-round calendar, and “Experiencing Surf” every Saturday in the summer. And that’s when their numbers, like the surf, swells… to about 40-60 people every weekend.

“In the summer, we surf almost every Saturday” says soul surfer Reyna, who shepherds the surfing flock. “This summer, we’ll have ‘Experiencing Surfing’ from June 11 to August 13. (Except for 4th of July weekend.)”

“Experiencing Surfing”
Reyna is a good teacher, quick to explain “Experiencing Surfing”: “It’s our main event where veteran surfers volunteer to give beginners & first-timers a chance to catch a wave.”

It’s simple: They start the day in prayer & worship. Then to business: a talk on water safety, a quick lesson on land, and a swim test. Being the good teacher, Reyna is strict on punctuality: “Experiencing Surfing begins promptly at 7 am. If you’re late and miss the land lesson & swim test, you will probably not get to surf that day.” Only then, when her flock has been safely secured, does everyone enter the water together.

Before you know it, it’s 10 am, the end of the session and time for potluck. After a water workout, you’ll discover how food never tasted so good!

Surf Camp
The summer season wraps up at the end of August with the 9th Annual Surf Camp: a family camp with surfing, food, speakers & giveaways. Due to permit limitations at Kalaeloa Park, only the first 100 people who register are able to be taken. It’s on August 26-28, Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, so plan now & register early.

Reyna remembers last year: “We were honored to have Tony Moniz speak and share his love of God and his career as a professional surfer.” And, of course, there’s always good surf.

Jump In!
Call Kirk & Reyna’s hotline to hear recorded surf updates & directions: 396-3380. Everyone is invited but you must be in good health, sign a waiver, and pass a swim test. Minors must have guardians present.

New Hope would like to thank Reyna & Kirk Miyashiro and all who volunteer in the Surf Ministry for all of your hard work. What a great way to share Jesus!