Bryan Jennings lived the typical teenage life, but found it empty and unfulfilling. One night, God prompted him to open the Bible gathering dust on his desk, and that night he gave his life to Christ. A professional surfer, Bryan founded Walking on Water in 1995 with the vision to use his ability to share his faith with young people. His initial idea was to hold an overnight surf camp for middle and high school students in his hometown of San Diego. But what started as a small gathering of ten students has grown into a worldwide ministry reaching thousands of people—and particularly the elusive emerging generations—for Christ.
Besides offering these camping opportunities to kids from all over the world, Walking on Water rents theaters, bars, school auditoriums and other venues to premiere their surf films and then present the gospel. The films grab and hold the attention of teens and young adults, speaking in their language and relaying the exciting testimonies of surfing champions such as C. T. Taylor, Chris O’Rourke, C. J. Hobgood, Matt Beacham, Tim Curran, Jesse Hines, Noah Snyder and others. Tours included stops in 34 cities around the country, with additional audiences seeing the films at outreach events and internationally.
The showings are held free of charge to attenders in partnership with local churches, Christian Surfer chapters and other parachurch organizations and individuals. Over the past few years, literally thousands of people—young and old, male and female, surfer and non-surfer—have made decisions for Jesus Christ through these showings and tours.
Bryan gives all the glory of his success to God, saying, “He has given me true peace, my professional surfing career, true friends and a ministry that uses surfing to share the love of Jesus with young people all over the world.” Bryan’s presentation promises a thrilling, relevant experience for viewers of all ages and offers a perfect opportunity to invite young people in your community to your outreach event.
As I was growing up, my friends and I were doing what many teenagers are doing today – drinking, having sex before marriage and swearing. I was left feeling very empty. One night I decided to read the Bible that had been sitting, gathering dust, on my desk.
I flipped open the Bible and the very first scripture I read was Isaiah 1:18, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…if you are willing and obedient, you will inherit the best of the land, but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”
After reading that scripture, I knew that God was giving me two choices. I could either obey Him and be blessed, or I could resist Him and be miserable. I had already experienced for the previous 17 years what life is like when I chose to resist God and try to do things my way. I knew I needed to live my life the way God wanted me to, so I prayed to God.
That night, right there in my room I asked Him to change my life, and He did. Since then He has given me true peace, my professional surfing career, true friends and a ministry that uses surfing to share the love of Jesus with young people all over the world.
