Surf Church Wins Followers in Portugal

SCRIPT:

VO: Talk to any avid surfer, and they’ll tell you it’s not just the waves

it’s understanding the oceans rhythm and learning to read patterns—the subtle movements of swells, timing of breaks, and how wind shapes the waves.

SAMUEL CIANELLI, Surf Church Leader
(“The water is the connection you have with nature. When you are surfing, you just connect with the water.”)

Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, Samuel Cianelli is no stranger to the ocean and learned to surf before he could swim—riding the waves BECAME as much a part of his life as family and friends

CIANELLI
(“You enjoy the atmosphere. You enjoy the nature, the wind, you look at the waves and it brings you calm and peace and it’s even more special when I come with my kids for example and my young daughter and we surf together and she’s just enjoying the water in her face.”)

Cianelli says this connection to water goes beyond the physical

it’s ALSO deeply spiritual for him.

CIANELLI
(“When I’m surfing and I’m in the ocean and I see a wave, I can see God and I can relate to God when I’m in the ocean and surfers, they think the same. Maybe they don’t believe in God, they don’t worship something, but they understand nature.”)

He says the unpredictable nature of the waves, mirrors life’s ebb and flow—its highs and lows, challenges, and moments of grace.

[CIANELLI
(“We can compare the Holy Spirit with a wave. You don’t control it. You see it, you feel it. And the only thing you can do is navigate through it or on it and in my case with a surf board. So that’s my deepest time with God is my connection, my devotional time with God. It happens in this connection with the water.”)

Cianelli had always dreamed of merging his two loves—faith and surfing.

So, a few years ago, he left behind Brazil’s sun-soaked beaches and moved five thousand miles to Portugal’s Atlantic coast.

Famous for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and the aroma of fresh pasteis de nata, the city of porto has become a popular tourist destination.

What drew the pastor here, though, were the stunning coastlines and vibrant surf culture.

CIANELLI
(“Today when we talk about surfing, Portugal is getting very, very close to being one of the biggest countries in surf. People from all over come to Portugal because they want to experience what Portugal has to offer.”)

Cianelli started organizing informal gatherings on the beach. He began with simple BBQs and surf lessons, inviting anyone curious enough to join.

Soon, the beach became his church.

CIANELLI
(“It is my church, exactly. That’s my everyday office, every day if I could but as many times as I can, as many chances I have I’m here. I’m in my church, in my place, where I connect with God, I connect with people. I have a devotional with God, and I can share who Jesus is through my everyday life.”)

Gradually, People of different nationalities and backgrounds came together, united by their love for the ocean and a thirst for deeper connections.

STANDUP:
GEORGE THOMAS, PORTO, PORTUGAL
(“Pastor Samuel moved his family from Brazil all the way here to Porto, Portugal, back in 2014. A year later, Surf Church was started with 3 families. Today, some 13 nations are represented, and their goal is to build 50 churches across this country. “)

CIANELLI
(“We want to plant 50 churches, not with a building but with this mindset: You can be church everywhere. You can be church even in your house, in a small group and that’s our goal is really to spread the message that Jesus wants a deep personal relationship with you that goes beyond buildings.”)

Sunday services begin at the beach.

CIANELLI
(“Sun or rain, cold or warmest day, we are here every time. Every Sunday. We are here. We serve together. We gather a group of people, sometimes more or sometimes less. But we gather a group of people. We drive our car to the beach. We meet here. We serve together. We connect.”)

(SAMUEL BAPTIZING UKRAINIAN REFUGEE)

(“In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”)

One Sunday morning, church members witnessed Uliana Yarova get baptized in the Atlantic Ocean. As she emerged, laughter and cheers erupted from her new family, echoing HER joy.

ULIANA YAROVA, Ukrainian Surf Church member
(“I’m really excited. I can’t explain my feelings, you know. I like it. I like this church.”)

The Ukrainian teenager fled her war-torn country with her family and found refuge in Porto—and in Surf Church.

Also baptized, her brother Zakharii and their mother Nataliia was there to witness the special occasion.

CIANELLI
(“I believe the best word to describe Surf Church today is a lighthouse. We are safe place where people from all over the world can come and find community, find family, find faith in Jesus.”)

What started as a simple BEACH gathering here has grown into a beacon of hope, offering a belonging and purpose to people from all walks of life.

In the end, Cianelli says it’s moved way beyond surfing—to include navigating life together, with faith, love, and a shared commitment to something greater, all woven together by the simple act of riding waves and serving Jesus.

George Thomas, CBN News, Porto, Portugal.

Story Provided By:
Stephen Little, Sr. News Producer, CBN News

Producing Organization
CBN News

Recording Location
Porto, Portugal

Reporter / Producer
George Thomas

People Interviewed and their Titles
SAMUEL CIANELLI, Surf Church Pastor

GEORGE THOMAS, PORTO, PORTUGAL (standup)
ULIANA YAROVA, Ukrainian Surf Church member