Surfing the Nations Internship

STN Go Fund Me

Hello friends & family!! I’m excited to tell you about an opportunity God recently opened up to me. I’ve been accepted to an internship program with the nonprofit, Surfing The Nations. (STN).  STN’s overarching mission is “to impact local and international communities through the sport of surfing and selfless service by meeting needs and changing lives.” 

This nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers and is based in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Although it's in the name of the nonprofit, I am not going to Hawaii just to surf- it is so, so much more than that! Surfing is one of the focuses of the organization due to the tight knit community and opportunities for fellowship/ ministry within the sport. Since surf culture is huge in Hawaii, it is important we meet the surf community exactly where they are! Internationally, surfing is a way to come alongside people, form relationships, establish trust, and then share the Gospel. That is our chief end: to make Jesus famous among the Nations. 

The purpose of the STN internship is not to teach young adults how to surf, but to teach them how to be servant-leaders both at home and abroad. They are a community made up of people who believe in using their talents and passions – surfing, and beyond – to give back, and bring the message of love and hope, through adventure and outreach!

I am so stoked for the opportunity I have to intern with them this fall! Ever since hearing about this organization 3 years ago my desire to be a part of what they are doing has only increased. I am thanking Jesus that He has opened up doors, and has closed others for me to say yes to Him! This will be a time of intense character training based on biblical principles integrated with discipleship and servant leadership. 

Throughout my time at STN I will be participating in the following each week as STN seeks to cultivate an atmosphere of growth: 

*Biblically-based Class Teaching 

*Bible Studies

*Corporate Prayer Times

*Testimonies

*Fasting/Sabbath Tuesdays

*Feeding The Hungry 

*Surf Lessons

*Community Outreach Projects 

*After-School Programs (Ulu Pono)

*Property/Housing Development

*Connect Groups

I’m expecting that these three months will empower and equip me with the training, tools, and character development skills to help me serve and positively influence my community. I believe I will grow in my faith, be equipped to lead others, have opportunities to serve in the community, and best of all be challenged to live a radical life for Jesus! 

How does STN impact their community?

STN’s volunteer service programs are designed to serve communities both locally and globally through humanitarian services such as youth-at-risk mentoring programs, food distributions, community clean-ups, and building relationships with people who need it most. This organization is dedicated to selfless service. With their Feeding The Hungry program, STN is known locally to be one of the largest food distribution programs on the island of Oahu feeding over 3,000 individuals weekly. 

As a full-time volunteer, I will be equipped to grow as a leader through: mentoring at-risk youth, serving the poor in their Feeding The Hungry program, swim and surf training, and participating in various weekly service projects all geared to serve the community.

Ulu Pono is a Hawaiian phrase that can be translated as "To Thrive on a Righteous Path," and also the name of their after-school children's program. I have such a heart for kids and will have the opportunity to help them reach their full potential by aiding them with homework, art lessons, dance classes, and just loving on them like Jesus. For the most part, the kids who make up Ulu Pono live in the immediate neighborhood and through this program, they get the rare opportunity to feel included and loved.

Here’s how you can help!

Most importantly, I would appreciate any and all prayers! Prayer for my internship as a whole, for safety, for receptivity to the gospel, and for fundraising. I am so excited to see how the Father shows himself as Jehovah Jireh, the Lord my Provider. 

Would you consider being a part of that provision for me? All of the money I raise is going towards my flight, food, and housing. With your kindness and contributions, you can help make this internship possible!  ANY amount is so appreciated. I can not thank you enough in advance for coming alongside me in this adventure of loving like Jesus.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you!

Many Blessings,

Gabrielle Whiting