The Christian Surfers Podcast

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with Reed Burr - missionary kid, surfer, filmmaker, and full-time staff with Christian Surfers - to unpack a story that moves from faith, to rebellion, and back again through radical encounters with God.Reed grew up in a global missionary family, living across Africa and the United States, learning to surf on the coast of Kenya and Ghana while wrestling with identity, belonging, and belief. Though surrounded by faith, he admits he had to reach a place where he personally questioned everything - from the existence of God to the authenticity of his upbringing.What followed was a raw and unfiltered season of rebellion, distance from faith, and searching for meaning in all the wrong places. But even in the midst of chaos, God was not absent.

Through unexpected encounters, conviction, and moments that couldn’t be explained away, Reed describes how God slowly pulled him back into relationship with Him in a real and personal way.From there, everything changed.Reed shares how a Christian Surfers Bible given to him years earlier became a turning point — eventually leading him to discover Christian Surfers again, pick up the phone, and step into a full-circle calling that now sees him serving full-time as the media and storytelling lead for CS USA.Today, Reed and his wife Priscilla serve together as a family on mission, using media, photography, and storytelling to share the gospel through surf culture and global ministry - while raising their kids and trusting God for provision along the way.This episode is a reminder that faith isn’t inherited - it’s discovered. And sometimes the very thing you run from becomes the thing God uses to bring you home.

Whether you’ve wrestled with belief, walked away from faith, or are trying to figure out what’s real, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to trust that God is still writing your story.Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.

Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

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In this inspiring and faith-filled episode of Christian Surfers Talk Story, host Mark Story Chu sits down with Pastor John Cobian, founder of Cobian Footwear, to talk about surfing, business, ministry, and what it means to boldly follow Jesus in the surf industry.John shares the incredible story behind the launch of Cobian in 1995, from stepping out in faith after losing both his job and relationship, to watching God open unexpected doors through the global surf community. What began with little more than prayer, perseverance, and trust in the Lord grew into a brand that has impacted surfers, kids, families, ministries, and communities around the world.Throughout the conversation, Mark and John reflect on decades of partnership between Cobian and Christian Surfers, the importance of Christian fellowship within the surf industry, and the calling to be “salt and light” wherever God places us. John also opens up about prison outreach, serving orphanages in Mexico, supporting missions through surfing, and how Cobian continues to use its platform to share the hope of Jesus through business and community.

From trade shows and surf trips to worship nights and ministry events, this episode is packed with powerful stories of faith, generosity, and God’s faithfulness over the last 30 years.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, surfer, ministry leader, or someone searching for purpose, this conversation will encourage you to trust God fully and use your gifts to serve others and glorify Him.

Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.

As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus.

You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

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Instagram: @christiansurfers_

In this inspiring episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu chats with Kirk, the Asia Pacific Area Director for Christian Surfers, to discuss his transformative journey from local church ministry to leading a thriving international organization. Kirk shares his personal faith story, a powerful spiritual encounter that deepened his relationship with Jesus, and the vision that drives Christian Surfers' exponential growth across the Asia Pacific region. 

With a core philosophy of "equipping leaders to equip leaders," Kirk reveals how the ministry is not just growing, but multiplying across nations, from Hong Kong to Japan and beyond. Tune in to hear about God’s provision, the heart behind the mission, and how you can support the movement.Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.

As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. 
You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

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Instagram:   / @christiansurfers_   

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In this episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with longtime friend and surf missionary Chris Chon at the 2025 Christian Surfers International Gathering in Bali last year. 

Chris shares his powerful testimony - from growing up in Southern California with a troubled family background to finding Jesus in Alaska of all places, and eventually pioneering Christian Surfers Taiwan. He opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs of surf ministry in Asia, the early days of planting a team in Taiwan, and his new role as East Asia Coordinator for Christian Surfers International. Ironically, Mark is of Taiwanese descent.

You’ll hear stories of surfing next to temples, building grassroots movements with just a few people, and the vision for raising up national leaders across Asia. Chris also shares prayer requests, future plans, and how others can get involved in this exciting kingdom work.

Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.  As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Facebook:   / csinternational   
Instagram:   / @christiansurfers_ 
  
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In this inspiring episode, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with professional surfer Jessie Van Niekerk as she opens up about the realities of life on the Challenger Series, the mental and emotional toll of elite competition, and how she stays grounded in faith through it all.

Jessie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at navigating the surf world’s pressures, the importance of surrounding yourself with a solid support system, and why losing more than winning is part of the journey.

We also dive into her entrepreneurial side - how she founded her plant-based protein bar brand, Bubble Out, born from a need for healthy fuel on the road - and her role on the Amazon Prime reality show "Surf Girls." Jessie shares how she uses every platform, including TV, to authentically share her values and glorify God.

Whether you’re a young athlete, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a purpose, Jessie’s story will challenge and encourage you to stay true to who you are - even in the spotlight. Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.

Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Facebook: / csinternational
Instagram: / @christiansuurfers_