WHAT WE DO!
ALEPH SURF
Who We Are
DESERTS BLOOM
JORDAN
DESERTS BLOOM
This trip was the third time that Aleph had been able to visit and assist families in coping with the aftermath of the Syrian war. Many live as foreigners in a neighboring country, where options for regaining autonomy and financial stability through employment are very limited. Through our network of workers in the region, Vanessa has connected and collaborated with a specific group of women in Jordan. This relational outreach is based on skills transfer, product development, and finding avenues for product sales. Amid all of this work, conversations about faith, meaning, and purpose naturally arise. The more time we spend together, the deeper our mutual understanding develops. The progress over the last three years has affirmed our involvement in this project and the region.
You may recall Maria from past newsletters. She is a mother of ten children, one of whom has Down syndrome and another with spina bifida. Maria, a skilled seamstress, and her husband, Abu Solomon, a shepherd, work tirelessly to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Thanks to Vanessa’s efforts, Maria’s products have now reached retail stores in Amman, Jordan—a significant milestone that has connected her with a local market that celebrates her work.
Our second tier of assistance focuses on helping fathers in the household gain a foothold in the local market through entrepreneurship. Rehgert was able to visit with Vanessa on this recent trip and assess the reality on the ground. We understand that aid or charity is not sustainable. The only effective way to lift people out of poverty and dependence is through entrepreneurship tailored to the local context. Many individuals here dream of escaping to Europe or America for a better life. While this is a valid aspiration, the journey to achieve it and the pressure it places on the host nations are not sustainable. Therefore, we aim to invest in entrepreneurship within the individuals’ local contexts, whether in their home country or the country they are currently living in.
We would like to start by investing in Abu Solomon’s sheep herd. With twenty-five sheep, he could generate a steady income, providing his family with a sustainable livelihood. Then Maria, who is currently juggling two jobs as a cleaner and a product maker, could shift her focus entirely to her business if her venture gained momentum. This would allow her to grow her collection and increase her income, helping them as a family achieve economic independence.
We are seeking people, organizations or foundations willing to invest in or provide loans to small business owners or entrepreneurs who are refugees or whose focus is on investing in the Middle East. If you know of any such groups, please get in touch with us at info@alephsurf.org.
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SUMMER GROOVE
BAJA, MEXICO
SUMMER GROOVE
Hey amigos! Sorry it’s been so long between updates. May – September is our busiest season peaking with summer swim lessons and surf programs almost every other day! This year we definitely expanded programmatically but so has our personal capacity, which is exciting to reflect on. November will mark 4 years since making the move from San Diego to La Misión. In our first year, if we had more than 5 kids on a program, I (Jess) would almost go into a panic attack. But we pushed through, and this past summer felt like we really found our groove. We don’t think numbers are the best measure of impact, but it’s encouraging to see the ways God has opened doors and grown our ability to serve the community.
May – September Programs
2021
Trips total: 18
Participations: 138
2022
Trips total: 27
Participations: 195
2023
Trips Total: 28
Participations: 230
2024
Trips Total: 55
Participations: 333
Highlights
Relationships About a third of the kids that joined us this summer were brand new to Aleph programs. We celebrate that, and at the same time we love that the majority of the participants are returners. Every activity is a touch point where we can go a bit deeper and build stronger bonds with these kids. Seeing them advance in their skills has been SO cool but truly the best part is the connection that develops through time spent together.
I had an incredible moment with Nahomi, a girl we’ve known since our 1st year here, who absolutely loves the water. We had a few random weeks when the water was crystal clear at our local beach, so I took the opportunity to introduce her to the world of snorkeling. It took a bit to get used to but as soon as we passed a group of small fish below, I could hear shrills of excitement muffled through her snorkel… and she was hooked. (pun intended)
Leadership One of the main reasons we were able to serve more youth this summer, was due to the dedicated help of our leadership crew of young men age 18-23, most of whom had previously learned how to surf through Aleph. These guys worked hard with gear clean up, water safety, and helping push kids into waves. Dustin was able to take the point system (mentioned in our last post) to the next level and we now have a customized ALEPH mobile app the leaders can use see how many points they have earned, the trip calendar, and the catalog of all the gear they can ‘buy’ with their points! Check out this video to see it.
Volunteers This summer we had folks from all over come help. Half being local baja folks and half from the U.S. It was such a beautiful picture of God’s kingdom. People working together, past language and cultural differences to love on this next generation.
In May Brennen with Witness Studios visited to help record our story and was also able to capture some great drone footage. We had Wendy from Ensenada and Annie from San Diego come and take some really nice professional photos for a few surf sessions. (The kids who were able to join those programs were stoked!)
Dreams, Goals and Ways to Get Involved
| We received a $15,000 donation towards a van! | Donate towards our goal of $20,000 If you see a decent 12 passenger van email us! |
| Our property design with EMI is wrapping up! | If your gifted in construction in anyway and want to help, fill out our Volunteer Inquiry |
| Planning for 2025 | Check out our Programs Calendar Consider becoming a Monthly Donor |
| Pray for our dreams of a rock climbing gym, adoption, and paid positions for our leadership crew. |
Fill out ourCommunication Form
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We are grateful to all who have been able to come along side us through this journey.
Love Jess & Dustin
Dustin@alephsurf.org
Jess@alephsurf.org
YOUNG LIFE BIERA
BIERA, MOZAMBIQUE
YOUNG LIFE
This past month we had the privilege of partnering again with the vibrant Young Life community in Beira, Mozambique. Working alongside this transformative ministry was a powerful reminder of the incredible potential and resilience of Africa’s youth.
The young people we met are intelligent, driven, and skilled. Their unwavering dedication to Jesus and their vision for a brighter future for their country were deeply uplifting. Despite their limited resources, they invest wholeheartedly in supporting one another and sharing their faith, creating a significant impact within their community.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Young Life in Beira is its ability to cultivate a true sense of family among its members. We heard countless heartfelt testimonies from students who were drawn to the Young Life club by the sight of their peers joyfully engaging in activities, supporting one another, and learning English together. This authentic sense of belonging and care inspired many to seek out this extraordinary community.
When asked about Young Life, the answer is beautifully straightforward: “It’s all about knowing Jesus and loving people like He did.” Though this response might seem unconventional at first, it sparks curiosity and invites deeper exploration. The rapidly growing number of participants—now over a thousand and expanding weekly—bears witness to the profound human need for love, recognition, and connection that Young Life Mozambique is so effectively addressing.
During our week together, we had the honor of leading a camp focused on the Bible narrative. This experience allowed us to explore some of life’s most profound questions, such as “Why are we here?” and “What is my purpose?” By delving into the Bible, we provided tools for understanding and developing a relationship with the Lord.
We also encountered several students in need of scholarships. These students are already enrolled in school but struggle to contribute to their communities due to the demands of working multiple jobs to support their families while pursuing their education. Aleph’s scholarship program is designed for motivated youths like these. We are committed to supporting many of the students we met, helping them achieve their future goals.
Leaving Mozambique, we felt a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the remarkable work being accomplished by Young Life. We are truly thankful for this enriching partnership and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference together.
CALLING ALL WOMEN
zambia
calling all women
This was our 5th time working in Livingston, Zambia. I have to say it is one of my favorite countries in southern Africa.
Most probably it is because of the wonderful heartwarming people. This coupled with the grassy plains with the scattering of thorn trees, elephants roaming wild and, of course, the mighty Victoria Falls.
If you havn’t been to Zambia, I would put it on yoru bucket list. The Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and has been named one of the top “Seven Wonders of the World”. And fun fact it was named by the legendary David Livingston.
We have an ongoing relationship with an organization called Future Hope in Zambia. Having the joy of returning yearly to serve this small community.
This year Pastor Hildah Chunga wanted us to come specifically for the women in the community. They are the ones that are often serving behind the scenes and don’t get to sit and enjoy the camp. These 90 vibrant ladies were excited and hungry to learn. We started in Genesis with the origin of our faith and worked slowly through all the way to Jesus’s Revealing in Revelation.
The women shared afterward that they had never heard the Bible taught as a whole before. Most had not read the Bible from front to the back either. Even with them being teachers and leaders in the community most shared this was the first time they felt they grasped the larger narrative and that the Bible looked less intimidating now.
With that, they were in complete awe of how simple God has made it for us. It just requires us to sit, read and spend time with Him. He is so faithful to teach and renew our minds. He wants us to get the whole picture of His redemption plan.
Thank you to all who helped make this week happen. The women of Future Hope are so grateful to you all for the food, teaching, and hall that we gathered in. It was rich time of fellowship.
Without you, all this would not have been possible!
Vanessa & Rehgert
CREATING SPACE
Baja, Mexico
Creating Space
The above quote comes from Nouwen’s reflections on hospitality, however as I think about the past three years with Aleph Baja, these words speak profoundly to our experience. Plans, projects, and ideas are important; they give shape and structure to the work. But our efforts are meaningful in touching lives only insofar as we are able to offer a safe space for others.
In one sense this includes the literal places into which we invite youth to play, discover, and challenge themselves: at the crag, on the trail, or in the surf. But even more important are the values, intentions and practices we bring into those spaces. At an even deeper level, it’s about creating space within ourselves to receive and love others as they are, trusting that God is the one who heals and restores. We fall short of this all the time. It’s easy to get caught up in details and logistics. I often need a reminder to simply be present and listen.
The winter months offered a chance to slow down a bit and reconnect with the “why” behind the work. Cold water and bigger waves make this season less ideal for beginners, but has allowed more opportunities for mentoring surf sessions with the older boys. The transition into young adulthood is a lot like riding a wave. It’s exciting, sometimes scary, and involves plenty of trial and error.
We’re exploring ways to continue engaging young adults who have aged out as participants through offering outdoor skill trainings and opportunities to take on leadership roles. We’ve started a simple point system aimed at incentivizing and equipping (quite literally) these older youth. Points earned through assisting on programs can be spent toward buying wetsuits, surfboards, climbing gear, etc.
The rainy days inspired some other new initiatives this year. In response to multiple requests from kids interested in learning English, Jess started up a weekly ESL class. While Jess teaches English, I (Dustin) offer math tutoring – not quite as popular – and have also started up a small chess club on Tuesdays.
Speaking of space, we are very excited to share that as of last week, we have finalized the purchase of property here in La Misión. It’s a significant milestone along a 16-month journey of praying, searching, learning and stepping out in faith. We have big hopes and dreams for this little piece of land: a home where we can put down roots, gear storage for programs, a small climbing gym where youth can train, and a little guest flat for hosting volunteers. It’s a long term vision, and for now we are just entering the design phase. We look forward to sharing more soon.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed and supported us up to this point! Check out this link for a short video from the property.
Saludos,
Dustin & Jess
In the midst of it all we’ve also been able to log in some pizza/game nights, hiking, craft time, a few pool days, some climbing sessions and even a beautiful kayak day after weeks of rain!
TOGO, WEST AFRICA
togo
WEST AFRICA
Togo and Ghana are neighboring countries which made it easy to combine.
We were blessed to have been able to encourage and support our new friends and Christian Surfers partners. We will call them J and M. They keep their names anonymous due to the regional tension. J and M have been surfing at a local break on the border of Benin and have been building community for the past 2 years. Surfing is very new in Togo.
They are both working at a local Missions Hospital but love to have a weekend away to surf and get restored. This has also been an amazing opportunity for them to meet new friends. We spent the time getting to know each other, visiting sites, churches, and the local break and got an insight into their opportunities and challenges. We are praying that God blesses all that they are doing there.
JUSTICE’S BROTHERS
GHANA
JUSTICE'S BROTHERS
Our journey began with a serendipitous encounter with Justice Kwofi at an Action Sports Network gathering in Ghana back in December 2017. A follower of Jesus and a passionate surfer from the West of Ghana, Justice’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance. At this December gathering, Rehgert met Justice and has stayed in contact ever since. Since then, Justice and his friends started their own surf school called Justice’s Brothers and, recently, a girl’s outreach called the Obibini Girls Surf Club. Fast forward to 2024, we embarked on a mission to spread the message of hope and faith through an Aleph Discovery Seminar and Surf Camp in their village, a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose.
Planning a seminar and surf camp from South Africa, primarily through email and WhatsApp, and then traveling to places like Ghana, necessitates a ‘use what you can’ and ‘go with the flow’ approach to make things work. The journey of 160 miles by car took us a staggering 9 hours. Securing venues was also a challenge, often requiring complex communication networks. However, where there is a will, there is a way. We conducted our seminars on the roof of the surf club, on benches in front of people’s homes, and in the facilities of local church leaders who graciously allowed us to use their spaces for two days. These experiences were a testament to our trust in God’s guidance throughout the process. We also made a conscious effort to support the local economy, purchasing materials, bibles, and stationary from local vendors in the village, and engaging local cooks or restaurants to cater for all our participants during these seminars.
We ran our Aleph Discovery Seminar from 25 to 29 March in Busua, Ghana. Rehgert also ran foundations training with a group of surfers who follow Jesus and want to start the first Christian Surfers Chapter in Ghana.
We were deeply grateful for the opportunity to share the word of God in Ghana. We encountered a dynamic and young group of believers who need discipleship and leadership. We were surprised when the group shared about how many humanitarian groups there have been in Busua to help out, but no one has been there with the focus to share about the Bible or Jesus. The challenges they face are significant, with a clear need for mentors to come in and support this emerging ministry. While hungry for the word, the youth are also easily distracted by social media and the other scenes that unfold in this small but influential village. The presence of aid workers and tourists, who often come to ‘party’ on the weekends, and numerous aid groups and charities, who do ‘good’ but disrupt the natural flow of things in these communities, further complicates the situation. The influence of modernity, even in these remote villages, is palpable. Even here, the most sought-after ‘job’ is to be an influencer. We fervently pray for the local church to be strengthened here and for the shared word to take root. We humbly request your continued prayers for Justice Brothers, the girls and the village of Busua, Ghana.
MILESTONES
LA MISION, MEXICO
mILESTONES
This November marked the passing of three years since Jess and I moved to Baja. The time has flown by. Though most days it still feels like we are just getting started, sometimes we catch a glimpse of how far God has already brought us since the first year. I’m learning more and more how our personal journey is just one part of the larger Aleph Baja story. There is a crew of unsung heroes who have invested their time, skills and finances into making this vision a reality. Every shared surf, climb, tutoring session, burrito, game night, conversation, and prayer is an extension of the love and support that has been poured into us and the Aleph ministry through friends, family, churches and community partners. As we share a few highlights from the fall season and past year, we want celebrate the collective work of all who have made these moments possible.
One of our favorite fall initiatives this year was “Club Escalar,” an after school climbing class aimed at introducing local youth ages 12 – 17 to rock climbing. Over the course of six weeks, nine youth learned the fundamentals of climbing, rappelling and belaying. Along the way we explored themes of trust, overcoming fears, perseverance and supporting one another – reflecting on how the lessons learned through climbing can be applied in life.
| 2023 Milestones | 2024 Hopes & Dreams |
|---|---|
 Renewed Dustin’s SPI certification We both now have our Mexican residency Upgraded personal vehicle for better mileage Found a local Spanish tutor for Jess Strengthened partnerships Joined Mission Increase to receive training Formalized agreement with Strong Tower Ministries to borrow van for programs |
→ Buy property → Begin building a home & ministry space → Start adoption process → Invest more in education & tutoring support → Host more US volunteers → Grow our monthly support base → Increase engagement with Aleph supporters and champions |
A personal highlight from this program was creating an apprenticeship position for one of the older boys, Eric. His role involved helping set up routes, supporting as a belayer, and gear management. Eric has dreams of pushing his climbing to higher levels as well as gaining the skills needed to work as a climbing guide. As an assistant instructor, we were able to offer him a small stipend as well as training and mentorship toward his goals.
Another highlight (that we HAVE to share) was the recent annual “Cold Water Campout” hosted by Christian Surfers at Punta Cabras. It was a four day adventure packed with surfing, camping, fishing and great conversations. We learned that one of the boys who went this year had never camped or even traveled more than a few hours away from the town he’s grown up in. We always look forward to this trip and the opportunity to deepen relationships and share some good memories.
As 2023 comes to an end, we are filled with gratitude for another year of ministry as well as excitement for some big steps in the new year. Below is a snapshot of some milestones from this year and hopes for 2024.
Thank you all who have supported us along the way. Please continue to pray for us as we make some big decisions in the coming year. If you would like to make a year-end donation, you can do so here.
Have you read your Bibles lately?
ISRAEL
Have you read your Bibles Lately?
Over the past three weeks, we have struggled to make sense of the events that have taken place.
What happened in Israel to innocent men, women, and children is horrific. How could people do such things? It was demonic. So evil, it is beyond this world.
Then, on top of that, we have seen the world in an uproar against Israel’s defense and invasion of Gaza to take out Hamas. This has ignited the world with outbreaks, riots, attacks on Jewish communities, Hitler slurs, and university protests – antisemitism is on the rise. There have been more murders and evil done against Jews in the last three weeks than there have been since the Holocaust.
How is history repeating itself!? Have we not learned from our past? Why are we silent?
This evil is still upon us and how we deal with it will change the state of our world.
This is how Hitler got started. People tolerated evil. People were silent.
Our Israel tour was canceled earlier this month due to events keeping us from going.
Now we know that God didn’t want us there at this time. With this reality, we are thankful yet heavy-hearted.
It seems that people are very confused about what happened. But we shouldn’t be.
We want to encourage everyone or rather challenge you to read your Bibles.
It doesn’t matter whether you believe in the Bible or not. This is the time to find out. We have come to know the God of Israel, the God that inspired the Bible. It has proven itself true, as we read, challenge, question and put the teachings into practice. The places, the people, and the God of Israel have held to His word. The country of Israel itself is proof that the God of the Bible is the one TRUE God.
The narrative in the Bible is one cohesive story. The first 5 books of the Bible set the foundation for the rest. They will help you understand why the world is the way it is & why Israel has been such a controversy over the existence of mankind. The Devil hates the people of the covenant (The Jews). The Devil’s mission is to remove the Jews from the planet because then God’s word would be false. But that hasn’t ever happened and will never happen. Through every genocide done against them – the Spanish Inquisition, Holocaust, and many many more – the Devil has tried hundreds of times to wipe the Jewish people off the map, never being successful.
Currently, there are over 2,000 prophecies that have been fulfilled in the Bible. With that accuracy, you can bet that the rest will be fulfilled. The God of Israel is a promise-keeping God.
There is a promise God gave to a man named Abraham. In the Bible this promise is called a covenant, this covenant the nations rage over ( it is written in Genesis 12). The Abrahamic Covenant is a promise where God blesses Abraham with land, descendants, and a blessing “Those who bless you I will bless, those who curse you, I will curse”. God says that this is an everlasting covenant. As long as the sun, moon, and stars are still in the sky, this promise still stands (Jeremiah 31:35-36).
The nation of Israel is at the center stage of most of the prophecies of the Bible. God shows His glory through the nation of Israel. He uses them as an example and a lighthouse to the nations. To teach the rest of the world who God is. What He had hoped for mankind and how He deals with evil or those who come against Him. Israel is also a time clock to know the day and hour we are in with God. He has used the people of Israel even in their rebellion against God. People can break promises but God never breaks a promise.
Our Discovery camps are all about the Bible. We want to help you read the Bible on your own. It’s a truthful testimony about God in History that will change your life. When you read the Bible as a whole, rather than in sound bits, you get the full picture of God’s plan.
Jesus came at a specific time that was prophesied hundreds of years before His birth in the Book of Daniel and other places in the Bible. His return will also be according to what has been written in the scriptures. The story isn’t over! The prophecies are still being fulfilled in our day
God does not leave us in the dark. The scriptures are our light, hope, joy, instructions, and guide.
We take people to Israel to wake them up to the resounding Truth of God. God gave us the Bible to speak to us, to teach us how we should live and love Him. The Bible teaches how to love one another, nature, and ourselves. God’s ultimate goal is to dwell with us and He will come again to do just that. One day He will return to Zion, Israel.
We need to understand the body of scriptures- all of it. It will strengthen your faith, it will anchor you in these heavy times, and will guide you in your spirit and TRUTH.
With so much information out there right now. I would encourage you to use the Bible as your discerning compass. You should be asking if what people are saying aligns with God’s word. This means all of it. You have to read it in context & chronological order.
Understand the literature you are reading. If it is literal or figurative, poetic or apocalyptic.
God uses many people to express His heart in the bible but all carry the same story and heart.
Below I have given resources that are amazing as you study your Bible on your own. There is so much out there, which is amazing but also requires much wisdom and discernment. When someone prophecies – check it with the Word. When someone takes a stand make sure it’s where Yahweh, the God of the Bible stands.
This will offend people. Saying “I stand with the Word of God”. But who are we living for, God or man? I believe God does not abandon His Word and will fulfill it all. The Bible has proven itself trustworthy.
May we all see Him when He returns and be ready for Him.
Maranatha
RESOURCES
David Pawson – Unlocking the Bible
A British Apologist. He has recently passed away but His life work was life-changing for me as I studied the word on my own. He’s given you an overview of every single book in the Bible. So that you can read it on your own with success. He shares who it was written by, why it was written, when it was written, the type of literature. The whole scenario so that you can read it and understand what you reading – so that you can apply it to your life. ‘Unlocking the Bible’ is the book that was made off of videos he recorded in the 80’s of all the books of the bible. These are available on YouTube too.
| Name | Type | Resource |
| David Pawson
Unlocking the Bible |
Video Teachings on Every Book in the Bible or Book | Great to refer to as you study books of the Bible. Recommend not buying a bible with commentary. Just use Unlocking the Bible to set you up to read the book and let the spirit speak. |
| Frontier Alliance International | App, Website, Videos, Blogs | An excellent resource for all things about The Bible, Israel, and the Return of Jesus. |
| Frontier Alliance Intl
Maranatha Bible Studies |
Audio or Video
Bible Teachings |
The End of the Age– a study of all the prophecies about what will happen when the Lord Jesus returns.
Maranatha Church – What we should look like in His return The Prophecies of Daniel The Book of Revelation |
| Francis Chan | The Israel Project – Video | https://youtu.be/VAh1cKtEc8M?si=gB4ihyXybHQzVPlg |
| Orna – Tabernacle | YouTube
Parts 1& 2 |
Part 1:
https://youtu.be/gdoSTXpKKBE?si=6c6xxVTZE8DzSHK2 Part 2: |
| Covenant & Controversy Part 1, 2, 3, 4 | Youtube Series | https://youtu.be/P0LS88ESDTQ?si=8lR4tHdjs2U4-fYo |
| Sheep Among Wolves Part 1 & 2 | Youtube Series | https://youtu.be/Ndf8RqgNVEY?si=Sk5tgWAVNLg0UK6Z |
| Mystery of Israel – Reggie Kelly | Articles & Video Teachings | A resource to the Mystery of Understanding Israel in the Scriptures |
| Bible Project | App, Podcast | Great for grabbing the patterns of God throughout all the scriptures. Deep dive into many topics in the bible that are hard to understand or maybe you have not thought about. |
|
Sinai to Zion: The Untold Story of the Triumphant Return of Jesus |
Book
Joel Richardson |
Sinai to Zion is an exciting study of how the Bible uses the Exodus story as the basis for its vision concerning the glorious and triumphant return of Jesus the Messiah. |
| Your People Shall be My People
By Don Finto |
Book | Why you should care about the Jewish people. |