Beach Mission: Sharing the gospel over the summer break

During the summer break, many of our students are actively involved in missions trips and Christian camps, putting into practice what they have learned in College. We asked Sam Charles, Bachelor of Theology student and Student Minister at St Alban’s Anglican Church, to share about the beach mission trip he went on recently.

1. Why did you decide to go on beach mission?

I decided to go on beach mission as I felt it would be beneficial to gain some experience in evangelism, as well as obey Jesus’ commands in the great commission. I’ve been going for the past six years now and felt vindicated in that decision as it continually presents me with challenges as well as encouragement in evangelising to the people of Ocean Beach Caravan Park in Denmark.

2. Please tell us about the beach mission you were a part of.

I went on the Denmark Beach Mission run by Scripture Union, which went for ten days (27 December 2024 – 5 January 2025) at Ocean Beach Caravan Park. The team I served on had 45-50 people from a diverse range of backgrounds and churches; with a mix of young adults, families and seniors. We ran a range of activities and events with the hope of engaging and developing relationships to be able to share the good news about Jesus. Our schedule revolved around our primary program and teens program. The primary program is aimed at primary school aged children – playing games, singing songs, face painting, viewing a drama and learning about the bible. The children learned how there is one overarching story about Jesus through a Bible overview. The teens program met every evening for games and a Bible study in small groups. Both those with a church background and others with little exposure to Christianity attended.

The rest of the program included various events for the whole family such as paella nights, quiz night, bush dance, slip-n-slide and camper’s church on Sunday. These were all popular, with some events attracting over 100 people.

There was also the opportunity for evangelistic talks by people on the team, such as a Bible talk on a particular theme or a personal testimony. These were all excellent and really encouraging. They proclaimed Jesus faithfully and covered peace, rest, considering Jesus for yourself and finding purpose and meaning in life.

3. What did you enjoy about it?

There are three main reasons I enjoy Denmark Beach Mission. Firstly, the practical outworking of faith. It’s such a joy to see a group of Christians working together in unity under Christ using their different gifts and strengths to evangelise. It’s a boots-on-the-ground time and is both an effective and practical work of faith in the lives of believers. In James’ letter Christians are exhorted to not be merely hearers of the word but also doers, and I believe that beach mission enables Christians to do that.

Secondly, the fellowship and discipleship amongst the team. The nature of beach mission means that we spend ten days living together in close proximity, which invariably means that relationships will be formed and strengthened. Often some of the most encouraging times on mission are when we don’t have anything on the program. It’s common for people to be chatting to one another and praying for each other about both the mission, and their life back home. It’s undoubtedly an enriching time. We’re nourished by the Word in our daily Bible studies, which also contributes to our efforts in evangelism and fellowship.

Lastly, it’s fun and engaging – beach missions are always enjoyable. Being able to spread the gospel in a beautiful setting like Denmark with people who are wanting to further the Kingdom of God contributes to a great occasion. I was encouraged when a guy on the team called Tim and myself met a lady and her son at the paella night. We were chatting and I enquired if they had a church background and they replied that they hadn’t but that they were spiritual. I then asked if she would like a copy of Mark’s Gospel and she said yes. She had run out of books to read while they were down so this afforded us this opportunity to offer her one. When I returned with Mark’s Gospel, her son stated that he would like one as well. Tim and I farewelled them, encouraging them to read what we’d given them and to consider Jesus. We added them to the list of people who we are praying for post mission in anticipation that they will hopefully read what we gave them and come to faith and repent accordingly.

4. How has your training at Trinity equipped you to share the gospel with people on beach mission?

Through my training at Trinity, I have attained a clearer picture of both how to present the gospel, and its ramifications. This means I am better equipped to share it with people, while recognising as well that ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who transforms people and not our attempts at evangelism. Nevertheless studying theology has ensured that I am able to answer probing questions more aptly and present the gospel in all of its richness.

In terms of topics that continually come up in conversation with non-believers at the caravan park, I have found what we learn in systematic theology to be particularly helpful. People often have questions pertaining to topics like the trinity, core beliefs of the faith and suffering, and I have found having an overall grasp of a range of topics in the Bible gives you a better opportunity to answer the questions that may be posed.

What’s been most beneficial in my studies at Trinity in conjunction with attending beach mission has been an understanding of what’s important. If we keep Christ as the focus of the mission and realise that it’s God’s work of salvation in the lives of the people that we’re witnessing to, then the mission itself can be considered a success. We’re to remain faithful in prayer and have a sound understanding of the Scriptures in our interactions to foster gospel ministry, that will hopefully bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.