Sabbatical ahead for CSUK National Director

It was recently announced that Phil will be stepping down in Summer 2025 from his role as National Director of Christian Surfers UK (CSUK). Phil and Annie have faithfully served CSUK for over 30 years and have shown unwavering commitment. As a family, they have made many sacrifices over the years as they have served the surfing community. 

The CSUK trustee body has committed to support Phil and Annie through this transition process, and as part of this we are providing an opportunity for a sabbatical for Phil and hopefully for some of the time, Annie too. The sabbatical will provide an opportunity for reflection, retreat, restoration, and rest; importantly a time to seek God for what He has for their future. It will provide an opportunity too for Phil to undertake some training, which could assist him gaining future employment. Phil has identified some areas where he would like to travel during this time, connecting with individuals who have been important in his journey and connecting with others who will support them going forward.  Phil is planning to be away on sabbatical for June, July and August and we have plans in place to support our usual events such as the CSUK National Gathering, Creation Fest and Boardmasters, along with continuing to support CSUK day to day.

SUPPORT PHIL AND ANNIE

We can honour Phil and Annie by praying for them during this time and by providing a one-off financial gift for this richly deserved sabbatical. 

After careful consideration and prayer, to facilitate time for retreat, travel, and training/development for the next chapter, we are setting a faith target of £5,000 to support Phil and Annie for the three months. 

There are a couple of ways you can give, ideally before the sabbatical starts on 1 June.

Giving directly to Phil’s account held by Stewardship (If you are a tax payer this will add a further 25% to your donation, but not cost you anything extra.)

By direct bank transfer:
Please contact Ali at office@christiansurfers.co.uk for further details

Let’s get behind Phil and Annie at this time – Mike, Andi, Alice, Rob, Chelsea, Ben, Helen, Andrew & Jonathan  (CSUK trustees)

Some thoughts from Phil…

The last few months have been quite an emotional rollercoaster for Annie and me as we begin to come to terms with what this change and transition will mean. I suppose after 30+ years in the ministry the magnitude of this phase of transition is pretty large, which is why something like this sabbatical is so, so important. I have never considered it before, which may have been an error on my behalf, after charging hard for all these years, not really stopping and resting has been quite a challenge.

I so appreciate the trustees suggesting this time, and if you are able to help both in prayer and financially it would be amazing, as in faith I am stepping out looking to book various retreats, visitations and training programmes, which obviously have a financial cost which Annie and I don’t have at the moment.

To really be able to make the most of these three months it would be incredible if the finances came in to support this so that it doesn’t become a concern and a burden, but more a time of thanksgiving and listening to what God has in store.

We so appreciate your friendship and support over all these years, and we know God has got a very exciting next chapter ahead, so in advance of that it’s so good to take time out to reflect and begin to investigate what we believe that to be.

Phil Williams, National Director, CSUK