A Glimpse Into My Day-to-Day at Surfing The Nations Hawaii

Each day at Surfing The Nations (STN) in Wahiawa, Hawaii follows a consistent rhythm but always leaves room for adventure. As staff/volunteers at STN, our mornings begin with quiet time, an intentional moment of reflection and prayer that refuels us for a day of faith-based outreach and service. Afterward, we gather for morning meetings that vary throughout the week, including staff gatherings, spiritual teachings, guest speakers, prayer intercession for nations, and vibrant times of worship.

From 9 to 5, we dive into the heart of our outreach program and organizational work. This could mean anything from creative marketing tasks to volunteer opportunities in the community, or even surf training sessions with our interns. Every day looks different. Sometimes we’re planning events, building relationships on the streets, or strengthening the backbone of our Christian ministry behind the scenes.

My Roles and Responsibilities

I’m involved in several departments, and I love the variety they bring. I serve in our Lifestyle Department, which equips our organization to live out faith in action the very essence of our Christian fellowship. In marketing, I get to creatively share our stories, mission, and events through digital content. I’m also part of the worship administration team, helping organize sets and cultivate spaces where people can encounter God.

Each of these roles stretches me in unique ways and allows me to serve both creatively and intentionally. Whether I’m coordinating worship, creating media, or joining an outreach program in the community, I’m learning to combine passion with purpose. That's what Surfing The Nations Hawaii is all about.

Living in Hawaii

Life in Wahiawa, Hawaii has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. There’s always something happening from local events to community needs and I’ve learned the value of being interruptible. Ministry often happens in spontaneous moments, whether that’s praying with a neighbor or listening to a friend in need.

This island life has shown me how community outreach and Christian fellowship naturally intersect. Here, I’ve discovered that volunteering in Hawaii isn’t just about projects, it's about people. It’s about learning that every conversation, every wave, and every shared meal can become part of God’s greater adventure.

STN Community vs. “Normal” Community

The STN community is something rare; it's a family built on faith, service, and intentional living. We work side by side, worship together, and encourage each other through life’s challenges. In a world where it’s easy to feel isolated, STN reminds me daily that I’m surrounded by a supportive community that genuinely cares.

Through shared meals, morning devotionals, and outreach on the streets, I’ve seen how Christian community in Hawaii transforms hearts. It’s not just about doing ministry it’s about being the ministry.

Surfing and Faith

Before coming to Oahu, I was already hooked on surfing, paddling out at my local break in South Carolina or road-tripping to Florida and California. But living here has taken that passion to a new level. Surfing in Hawaii is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that reflects the same adrenaline and adventure I experience in my faith journey.

When I’m in the water, all the noise fades. It’s just me, the ocean, and God. Surfing has become a sacred space, a time of prayer, reflection, and connection with others in the lineup. There’s something powerful about sharing stories of faith with old and new friends between waves, combining adventure and ministry in such a natural way.

Surfing reminds me that God often meets us as we’re in action, in the movement, in the stillness, and in the beauty of creation. It’s a perfect picture of what faith-based adventure really looks like.

Finishing Thoughts

Living and serving at Surfing The Nations Hawaii has been an incredible journey of growth, community, and faith. Each day brings new challenges, lessons, and opportunities to live with purpose.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to join a Christian volunteer or training program in Hawaii, or you feel called to step into mission work that blends adventure, adrenaline, and outreach, I encourage you to take that first step.

There’s a whole world of connection, community, and purpose waiting here. Come be part of the Surfing The Nations community!

— Gabriel Neugebauer