Soul Surfest: Sun, Sand, Surf, and Saving Souls

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Located on the southeastern coast of Australia is the beautiful region of Coffs Harbour.  It is known for its rolling hills, rainforests, beaches, and ideal weather conditions for surfing.  It is also known for holding the annual Soul Surfest Surfing competition.

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Nineteen years ago, a few members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints decided to start a surfing competition to help a couple teenaged boys that were struggling in life. 

In the world of surfing, there is an unwritten rule that if someone is in trouble on the water, you drop everything to help them.  In this case, they started a surfing competition to help these boys.

They were also following the teachings of Jesus Christ that taught “. . . if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine. . . and seeketh that which is gone astray?” (Matthew 18:12)

Garth Mackie, one of the competition founders said, “Once a year we can get together as surfers to not only share our love for the water, but to also share our beliefs and strengthen each other.”

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The event allows surfers of all ages to compete in a sport they love, while spending time with members of their faith and community friends. Participants come from all over Australia and, this year, one competitor came from Brazil.

The surfing competition is on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Competitors and their families gather for a devotional on Friday evening, and a family dance on Saturday.  For many of the families, Soul Surfest is a time for family reunions and reconnecting friendships built over several years.

Simon, who has competed in Soul Surfest over 16 times, said, “I love coming to Surfest because I get to spend time with people who love the ocean and Jesus Christ.  My children see good people, good surfers, and people who love the Lord.  When I think of Surfest I think of love, community, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

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For those attending, there was a feeling of love and being accepted for who you are. The event is an excellent example of lifting others by following the teachings of Jesus Christ to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).

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