Day in the life on a G.O.A.T trip

What is GOAT?

G.O.A.T. stands for Global Outreach Adventure Training. GOAT is a trip for students in our Leadership Training Program (LTP) here at STN. As its name suggests, it’s a three-week journey full of adventure, training, and outreach, globally. To give a clear picture of what it’s like to be on this trip, I want to walk through each aspect of a G.O.A.T. experience.

(G)lobal

On my G.O.A.T. trip, my team traveled to Peru and Chile in South America. We visited the cities of Lima and Cusco in Peru, as well as Santiago and Pichilemu in Chile. Before traveling, each of us wrote a research paper about these nations. We studied and included information on culture and society, local religions, the economy, and political systems. This assignment helped educate us and made us excited to experience the places we were learning about. We also prepared a paper outlining our goals, aspirations, and vision for the trip/what we hoped to experience, learn, and accomplish. 

(O)utreach

Outreach on G.O.A.T. looks different depending on where we travel. Sometimes we connect with established ministries, and other times we build brand-new relationships. Traveling to Peru and Chile, our team focused on forming new connections. We took a relational, evangelistic approach, visiting plazas and city hubs in each location.

In Lima, Peru, we brought a suitcase full of clothing donations to a crowded public beach. We caught the sight of many of those around us. As we welcomed people to take whatever they needed and shared who we were as Christian missionaries we used that opportunity to share the gospel. Another method we often use is worship. On this trip, one of the leaders on our trip, Josiah, an incredible worship leader, would play reggae-style worship music in plazas. People were immediately drawn in, and from there we were able to meet, talk, and love on those who gathered.

One day in Cusco, I led our outreach with the goal of handing out both gospel tracts and flowers at a local market. As Josiah played worship music, we danced and invited people from the market to join us. We handed out three huge bouquets of flowers and were able to bless so many people. That same day, we emptied two full suitcases of clothing donations. I still remember standing in the middle of a crowd, handing out clothes one by one and saying, “This is a gift for you from Jesus.” This outreach led to a generous tour guide offering a free tour  

Before the trip, we had also connected with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Chile. At their base we helped with yard and property work, it was such a fun opportunity to connect with this community (if you’re reading this, we miss you guys!). This connection was especially meaningful because we got to see their impact within the surf history and community in South America. In Pichilemu, Chile, we held a public Bible study where several curious strangers stopped to listen, one of my friends was able to translate our bible study and pray for a man who was standing close by and grinning from ear to ear.

I can’t forget to mention shopping and cuisine! Whenever we would walk through shops, purchase souvenirs, sit at dining tables, or eat out at restaurants, we always look for opportunity. Opportunities to tell others about God’s grace and promises for them and to share our donations and time generously with them. We grabbed lunch at a cafe one afternoon and were served by two sweet ladies, we asked if they had any kids in need of clothing and we learned they both had multiple. The next day, we were able to stop by the same cafe with donation suitcases and give to them as well as share great conversation with each other.

If it isn’t apparent yet, when it comes to planning outreaches at Surfing The Nations, we are free to be creative in the ways we reach the communities and nations we visit! 

(A)dventure

G.O.A.T. trips aren’t just about training, each one is packed with action and adventure. During our time in South America, I had the chance to lead our “adventure day” to the one and only Machu Picchu! Every outreach trip to a new nation needs an adventure day, to experience more culture, keep the team united and excited, and to live as our motto states, “outside the box”! We woke up early, caught a bus, then took a long and cozy train ride, then hopped onto another bus taking switchback roads up a massive mountain to reach this wonder of the world. Once there, our entertaining tour guide walked us through the ancient city and gave us a history lesson.

I was able to surf in South America as well. Pichilemu had cold waters that tested my skill and endurance. I remember being out in the water smelling like empanadas, and the temperature making my hands and feet numb. Our group was able to explore new cities, and discover new city plazas. I especially love trying the local cuisine out, we were able to visit multiple cafes and restaurants throughout our travels, experiencing unique cultures and making new friends along the way. 

(T)raining

Throughout the trip, every trainee was entrusted with several days to lead. Leading a day on G.O.A.T. involves planning everything: wake-up times, space for quiet time, meals, outreach, transportation, team morale, and the full-day schedule from start to finish. We’re responsible for keeping the team healthy, energized, and positive.

Many of my assigned leadership days were during our travel. I had to keep track of details like passport checks, flight reservations, arrival times at our hostels, and everyone’s energy levels. One of my main responsibilities for the entirety of our trip was managing over eight checked bags of team supplies and donations, what was in each one and who was assigned to carry it.

We didn’t only lead days but were also given assigned days to be a second. Being a second alot of the time means making the first (the leader) look good, taking care of minor important tasks, and being the strength behind the scenes keeping the day flowing. You are the leaders assistant. Having the dynamic of first and second challenged our team to learn to work and communicate to those with different personalities. This can be challenging and feel overwhelming and heavy at times, but proves to be rewarding every time. I thought of it like this, “I get a chance to learn to love and grow deeper in relationships with people I get to do life with”.

At the end of each day, we gathered for a team debrief, a time to reflect on the day and give constructive feedback to the leader and to the second. Even when leading felt intense, debrief was a gracious space to receive feedback and grow in leadership.

Finishing Thoughts

G.O.A.T. is an incredibly fun, challenging, and growth-filled trip. It showed me that with God’s strengthening grace and a bit of creativity, I have what it takes to lead and to step into crazy, awesome adventures. This trip pushes trainees outside their comfort zones and gives everyone opportunities to use their gifts in creative, out-of-the-box ways.

Our LTP program is an amazing opportunity to learn to live radically for God. If you’re reading this and want a taste of this adventure, take the step! Attend one of our internships or jump into our Leadership Training Program, and come live outside the box with Surfing The Nations.