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Podcast: KORKAST Interviews Chris Lauri from BFC
 Feb 23rd show we had the founder, Chris Lauri, of Boarders For Christ as the Guest. Click Here and download the 2/23 podcast
Chris' BIO:
Chris Lauri is 30 years old, and hales from Coeurdalene, ID. Chris is a visionary and a pioneer in skateboard and snowboard ministry. Since his conversion in 1996, his ability to dream has grown more and more. Barely a year after Chris' faith became his own, He founded a ministry called Boarders for Christ, what has now become one of the mostdistinguished skateboard ministries in the world, determined to spread the Love of God, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Boarders For Christ, after 12 years of ministry, continues to push the envelope and develop creative ways to take that life changing message to a culture in desperate need. He is a husband, father and a devout follower of Jesus Christ.
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 CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
Video Premiere
Saturday, February 28 @ 7pm
Cinema Paradiso
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Alexander, Under Every Green Tree, Jump Buck!, The Color Grey live in downtown Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, February 28 @ 8:30pm
Godfathers Palace 1921 S Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL
 Skate with Pro Skater Julie Kindstrand @ Ramp 48
Find out her reason for hope
Tuesday, March 3rd @ 7pm 6290 NW 27th Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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OREGON
UNITED KINGDOM
- 31 March Christian Skaters UK open network meeting - Please join us for the open network meeting held at Renewal Christian Centre in Solihull, Birmingham UK on Tuesday March 31 from 10am - 4pm
This is an open meeting for anyone interested in the skate, inline or BMX ministries.
- 29 May Pentecost Festival London
- 24 July Soul Survivor - Christian Skaters are looking for a team of volunteers to oversee the activities of the Lift venue for these 5 days. This is a great opportunity to share your faith to like minded skaters through building of relationships. More details to follow, if you are available to serve at this event please contact Phil at -
phil@christianskaters.co.uk
More information at soulsurvivor.com/uk
DENMARK
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SKATE AROUND THE GLOBE:
Christian Skater UK Launches Their New Site
 It's official! Christian Skaters UK has launched their new website. Check them out! (Just click on the image to the left) Jamaica Update With the school year in full swing the Skate park's after-school program is rolling along Monday through Saturday. After almost 9 months of providing this skate ministry to the youth of Jamaica Stephen is happy to report that they have been completely injury free! The kids are progressing in the art of skateboarding, learning valuable life lessons, building meaningful relationships with both their peers and leaders, motivated to attend and excel in school and, most of all, being introduced to and making decisions for Christ. Read the full update here. Guatemala UpdateThe park plan has been laid out for a new skate ministry to be set up in Coban. This park will be portable so that they may reach all of Guatemala. Please pray for In His Steps International as they begin raising the funds to purchase the material needed. The ramps will be pre-cut in Florida, then shipped over where our team will meet to assemble and train the leadership team. Click here to read the vision. |
RESOURCES:
 So you want to start a skate ministry but have some roadblocks with your churches concerns for safety & insurance? Here are some resources to help!
The Reality of Skateboarding Safety
Planning Your Skatepark Campaign
Benefits of Skateboarding
Below are
a few example report forms for skateparks:
Skatepark Orientation
Incident Report
Injury Report
Skatepark Opening Report
Christian Skaters has been given a way to provide insurance for skaters for only $25/ea per year. Email us to find out more!
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HELP US MAKE AN IMPACT: Join the cause
 Christian Skaters
is on a mission to change the world. How? Well, we have a vision of a
skate ministry within skating distance of every skater around the
world. This is a tall order, but we know that the God we are called to
serve can do anything. Did you know? Childhood
obesity rates have risen dramatically over the past 30 years. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 19 percent of
young people aged 6-11 years are obese, while more than 17 percent of
12 to 19 year olds are.The CDC estimates that the total cost of obesity in the United States
in the year 2000 was $117 billion. While some cases of obesity may be
caused by genetics or other factors, most are the result of modifiable
behaviors such as overeating, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of
exercise. Read more...
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It's Coming
What do you have planned?
Email us your events!
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DO SOMETHING: Start a Local Skateboard Ministry
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This is from an oldie but goodie, by Freedom Skateboards. The answers are from various skate ministries around the US.
"Starting
a skateboard ministry to reach out to your local skate community is a
great ministry to create or be involved with, it takes a lot of work
but is very rewarding.
In this article we have asked several skateboard ministries and
Christian skateboard companies some basic how to questions when it
comes to starting a ministry like this. Even if you've already started
your own skate ministry their may be a few tips and ideas that could
help.
What have been the keys to a successful skateboard ministry that you've seen?
1. Keep Jesus Christ FIRST!
2. Consistency: something our youth are missing from home life, school and society.
3. Keeping your word.
4. Sold out staff for Jesus: so everyone is on the same page ("a house divided will fall")
Keeping it consistent on whatever night you choose. Don't try to cram
Jesus down them, just build relationships and share what God has done
in your life. Skaters are a different breed. If you have any Christian
skaters, that would help but is not necessary just love on them and
show them you care.
I can't speak about others, for us it has been to " Seek first the Kingdom of God"
Total reliance on God and his direction! And also a huge love for kids
and skateboarding, otherwise it wont work. Always remember
skateboarders can see posers from a mile away.
At my former church, we started a skateboard ministry. A successful
component to the success of our ministry was a senior pastor and a
church board who supported me as we reached out to the skaters in the
area. I believe that the most important component to any skateboard
ministry is to have people involved that have a passion to reach out to
this culture. Skaters are used to getting harassed by people. When we
opened our skateboard park, kids and parents were blown away because we
were offering the kids a free place to skate. Jesus brought us those
kids who needed to hear about Him.
What are some pitfalls/mistakes that you have come across?
In the beginning we tried to control things, the
biggest mistake one can make is try to control or direct "GODS"
ministry. Remember he appoints and anoints, but he is in control. As
easy as he gives he can take away - so yield to the holy spirit and be
humble.
Badly built ramps, Pastor that goes up and preaches at them for to long
and talks in terms they don't understand. Not being consistent in the
nights they hold it on. Not predicting a large turn out (not ready for
the crowd) poor planning (plan out things in detail)
Christians as a whole need to work together, not compete against each other. We are all on the same team we should play like it!
Basically doing things on your own, as you know it can't be done that way.
What is the most important thing in a ministry like this?
To have fun, remember you are working with the lost. Expect swearing,
drugs, sexual gestures, and worse. To reach these kids you need to love
them where they're at, set a good example, and don't try to "get them
saved" - just plant the seed Jesus will do the rest. The word will not
return void - so trust in the Lord and be a disciple not a savior.
Love show them that you care and that you are there for them
To use the gift that God has given us "Skateboarding", to relate to the youth, through a sport they love and can relate to.
Finding skateboarders that have the heart for kids and one that the
kids look up to. Unfortunately that's like finding a needle in a hay
stack. Or you can just start slow with a youth pastor that loves
skating and kids, may not rip but has style.
Like any ministry, patience with dealing with people and the anointing
and leading of the Holy Spirit. The kids aren't waiting to hear what
you have to say; they are looking at how you live your life. I believe
everyone is looking for someone who will encourage them and show them
the love of Jesus. Many of the kids who came to the park, made comments
to me as to I can't believe you are a pastor. You don't judge us. You
are one of us.
Would you suggest building ramps or just visiting skateparks?
I would suggest building a ramp course and holding a skate church. This
brings attendance to the church, this equates to revenue, and
ultimately better equipment than when your program starts. It also
gives consistency and a place for the youth to hang that has some
rules. Also, you can stop the skating each week night the park is open
and give a 10-15 min. message. If the seed is planted and an
individual/s want to know more about Jesus then they can plug into a
regular bible study or Sunday service. Just DO NOT use the skate night
to force the decision - but rather as a night to plant.
I would suggest building ramps, this depends on if you have the
facilities or not. Parking lots are cool and you can go portable. I've
seen successful ministries that go to parks too. Little harder on there
turf but there's many ideas you can do.
Building ramps and having skate times for skateboarders in the area.
Invite them, love on them and skate with them, that's all they want.
Skate for 2 hours and then have the youth pastor or whomever is running
the ministry that the skaters look up to, speak for 10 minutes in
between the 2 hour session, it works. The spirit will convict them and
seeds will be planted, I have seen it. This is just one way of many.
Then you bring in pro skaters etc. to come in and share also to bridge the gap between church and skater. In a
world that condemns skateboarding you have given them a place where
they can ride, God will work there..
It all depends on your situation. Many small churches get all the kids
from their local area and rent a skateboard park. Many skateboard parks
will rent out their park during off areas either late at night or early
in the morning. These small churches rent out the park and open it up
to the skaters in the area. During the night, they will stop and do a
small Bible study. If your church has the money and the space to build
a park, go for it! You will not need to advertise that your church has
a park, kids will do all the advertising for you.
What do you need to get started?
A servant that's willing to spend time with them.
A parking lot, basketball court. Get a couple rails, put them out, then
add a box and then quarter pipes, etc. Start small, skaters don't
always need the huge skatepark.
You need people who are passionate about this culture. You don't need a
staff of skaters to start a skateboarding ministry, although it helps
to have skaters on your team. The main thing you need is a vision and a
passion to see skaters come to know Jesus. Starting a park is not hard;
however, maintaining your focus can be hard. You will have kids that
challenge you and some that don't want to cooperate, but you will also
have kids who are hungry and searching for Jesus.
What problems might you run into starting and running a ministry like this?
The church board, Insurance, finances, City ordinances
You will have to work hard. For some this is answered prayer, for
others a burden. Maintenance on the ramps, putting on contest,
advertisement. As the word gets out the kid's flock in.
Elders that don't see skateboarding as a valuable outreach and dealing with the insurance politics.
What are the rewards?
Oh, it is so cool when some hard nosed punk (excuse the term) gives his
life to Jesus in complete surrender over time because you took time to
reach him on his level in a subtle, loving, and caring way. THIS IS
WHAT I LIVE FOR.
Changed lives for Christ, Through the years I've seen thousands of youth get right.
The reason that Christ commanded us to go and make disciples of all
nations is because in doing so we become what we preach. That is the
reward.
The hardest skateboarders that would never step inside a church make a
commitment to Christ at your skate ministry and basically doing what
god has put you on this earth to do. If you love skateboarding use it
for his glory and it is awesome.
Seeing kids come to know Jesus and seeing them getting plugged into a
youth group. It is not about how many kids come out, it is about kids
exchanging the bondage of sin with the love of Jesus because when the
"Son sets you free, you are free indeed."
Any other advice?
Don't worry about what people think about the kids that will come and
skate. Always remember skateboarding is what I call a mission field on
four 52mm wheels. Don't worry about anti skateboarders opinions. The
only opinion that counts is gods!! Ask His today.
This ministry is just as necessary as the music ministry of a church.
Over the past 15 years, our culture has changed so much. Skaters are
bombarded with all kinds of worldly influences. They need Jesus. If you
are a youth pastor, lay leader or just someone who has a passion for
skaters, don't give up. If everyone keeps telling you that you are
crazy, keep pushing the issue. God will complete the good work that He
started in you!!"
Want to get started, email us today
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WHO: Julie Kindstrand
 Julie is only 15, but when she skates she means business. "If you get the chance to skate with Julie you'll be blown away. She
grinds pool coping harder than most grown men and flies over hips like
she has wings. Her natural ability to ride vertical and roundwall
terrain is uncanny. this may be your first introduction to Julie, but
it won't be the last." is how Christian Hosoi describes her in his interview in Juice Magazine. I had the chance to see her rip it up in her backyard bowl with some amazing skaters like Christian, Jay Alabamy, Josh Harmony, Richard Mulder, Shawn Mandoli and so many others.  She can definately hold her ground. But, life for this up and coming pro has not always been roses. Living in the limelight at such a young age is tough for anyone. She didn't always make the right choices, but she knows that she is loved and her trials have made her testimony of the love and grace of Jesus as her saviour that much stronger. If you live in the South Florida area, come skate with Julie and the CS crew next Tuesday at Ramp 48. We ask that you all pray for her as she skates for Christian Skaters in the Florida Bowl Riders Cup. May the Lord use her God-given talent of skating to be a witness to the amazing things He continues to do in her life. |
PRAYER REQUEST:
 Do you have a prayer request?
Please email us and let us know how we can be praying for you!
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GET INVOLVED: Opportunities to serve in Skate Ministry
 Serve as a Skate missionary in the UK, Sweden, or Guatemala. Christian Skaters are looking for dedicated skaters who love the Lord to serve as missionaries in various skate ministries.
 Street Team...Help spread the word about Christian Skaters. Volunteers are needed to spread the word online and at events throughout the world. If you believe in our mission and want to serve, let us know.
 Intern...Want some hands-on experience in Skate Ministry? Join us at our hometown park, participate in our Skater's Bible Study, serve at our Free Saturday morning Skate lessons, get tips and see if skate ministry is for you. Motivated interns with a heart to serve are wanted.
Want to serve longer? Our campus offers a Bible College & School of Worship where you can grow while serving at our skate ministry.
 Build Ramps on Skate Missions...Help
us plant skate churches around the world. Short term mission
opportunities are available throughout South and Central America this
year.
Join Skate Church in Redwood for their 6th annual Mexico Missions Trip to San Luis Rio Colorado. This year our outreach includes nightly skateboarding outreaches, skateboarding & bible lessons for children, and remodeling the home of a needy family. Currently they are also raising funds for this remodeling project. I would like to give you the opportunity to be a part of making it a reality. $2 pays for a 2''x4'', $12 pays for a sheet of plywood, $14 pays for a sheet of drywall, and $50 pays for a sheet of corrugated steel roofing. Donations can be made directly online by clicking here. Please indicate "Skatechurch Missions Trip" in the Designation box. Prayer needs for our trip: Pray that God uses this trip to transform the hearts of the students who come on the trip. Pray that enough money comes in for the trip for students to come who cannot afford to come. Pray that skaters in San Luis Rio Colorado make lasting decisions for Christ. For more information or to join the Mexico trip email Chris Davidson.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, SIMPLY REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
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