If there is one word that Caleb Bowen would use to describe the Surf Mission trip to Peru, it would be “relational.” For the past two years, Christian Surfers U.S. (CSUS) has led a trip to Lima, Peru, to partner alongside and cultivate relationships with the local chapter. The trip entails visiting other CS chapters in Peru to encourage them, hosting beach outreaches and helping with a surf camp.
“The purpose of our trip is to strengthen the relationship between the CS Lima chapter and CSUS,” says Caleb Bowen, the leader of the Peru trip. “It also centers on fellowshipping with them, getting to know the Peruvian CS a little bit more and to serve wherever necessary.”
From April 21 to 29, CSUS will once again lead a Surf Mission trip to Peru.
Building Relationships
Living in Maryland, Caleb is not a part of a specific CS chapter, since there is not one close to where he lives. However, Caleb has been involved in CS for more than 10 years. He’s served in Surf Mission trips to Puerto Rico, South Africa and El Salvador. He’s also consistently at CSUS national events.
Last June, Caleb led a team of nine people from the U.S. to Peru trip alongside Tim O’Neil, from the CSUS St. Augustine chapter. The team traveled across the country (from Florida, New York, Maryland, California and Michigan) to serve in the Surf Mission trip.
While the team was stationed primarily in Lima. They also traveled north to newly starting CS chapters. For the first part of the trip, the team flew to Huanchaco, Peru, where they spent time building relationships with the local chapter.
“One of the reasons I love the Peru trip is that the local chapter is very conversational in their ministry,” says Caleb. “We would all go get breakfast together, go to the beach and do a surf session, and then we would set up the CS tent on the beach to do an outreach.”
Ministry Outreach
One of the days, the team held a kids’ surf camp, with over 100 kids. “We found a bunch of people who were able to donate their boards for the day. We pushed the kids into waves, and we had a group of older teenagers who helped as well,” says Caleb. “That’s what a lot of the ministry looks like – it’s relational, just hanging out in the water with the kids.”
In the afternoons, the team would meet up with the local Peruvian chapters and hold a devotional or worship night. “We usually have dinner with them because food is a big part of their culture,” adds Caleb.
A highlight of the trip for Caleb was being a part of a surf competition in Huanchaco with the local CS chapter. The team put up the tents, provided cash prizes and gave away Surfers Bibles. “It really was a great turnout, and they had some pro surfers come out. It was fantastic,” adds Caleb.
The CSUS team also spent some time immersed in the culture of Peru. One day, they went to a museum in Lima, through the historic district and saw the catacombs. “Watching the relationships foster between the CSUS team and the CS Peru chapter was one of the most rewarding parts of the trip,” says Caleb.
One of the more challenging aspects of the trip was the cultural differences when it comes to food. “I had to learn real quick that in Peru, if you leave anything on your plate, they look at you weirdly and ask if something is wrong with the food,” says Caleb. “I had to brief the team that when we are eating out or at someone’s house, we have to eat all the food or at least ask for a to-go box.”
Key Takeaways
Having been on several Surf Mission trips and now leading them, Caleb encourages others of the importance of learning how others live and serving globally.
“A Surf Mission Trip is such a great opportunity to be taken out of your comfort zone. It’s a fantastic way to see other people and how they live. You realize that other people worship the Lord differently, and they treat life differently,” says Caleb. “It’s such a great opportunity to see the Lord providing for a totally different people group in different scenarios. And it’s a great way to take a look at your own life and to reflect on where the Lord came through for you.”
Caleb looks forward to once again taking a team back to Peru and continuing to cultivate the relationships there. To register for the Surf Mission trip to Peru in April, click here.