Our mentors like to remind us “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” The metaphor pairs well with an African proverb, “If you want to go fast go alone; If you want to go far go together.” Working toward deep and lasting change in lives and communities is not a short term project.
Change is often uncomfortable, and 2025 is shaping up to be full of change for Aleph Baja. God has opened doors and moved in ways beyond what we could have imagined. We’re excited to share a few highlights, and a glimpse of where we are headed.
Thanks for “going together” with us!
LEAVING THE NEST
Since 2021 Aleph Baja has operated as a branch within Aleph Surf International. Through much prayer and discussion with the directors (our mentors), we agreed it’s time to ‘leave the nest’ and form a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation to sustain the growth of this work in Mexico.
In March, we filed to form a separate nonprofit corporation registered in California and met for the first time together with our newly formed board of directors. We are currently waiting US federal approval for our 501(c)3 status.
While this is a big transition for us right now, we don’t expect to roll out any changes for donors until the start of 2026.
SHED PROJECT
We have a new gear shed! Huge thanks and shout-out to Bob and Ward from Grace Church Long Beach for fundraising and making the trip down to help us realize the dream! It’s already made a big difference in keeping our equipment protected, organized, and accessible.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
We kicked off the year with a beach clean-up event, partnering with community leaders to engage youth in environmental stewardship at our local beach.
In February we started ESL class, with an average of 20 students joining us each week. Speaking English is a valuable work skill in Northern Baja, and these hours have been a fun space of learning and connection.
In March we took 3 of Aleph boys to participate in a local youth surf competition. Though they didn’t advance, it was great to be a part of the growing Baja surf community.
FINANCIAL
Big thanks to GroundSwell Aid for helping us line up a $2,000 grant to purchase much needed gear for our programs.
In January we set a goal to increase our consistent monthly support to $4,000/month. As of March we’re at $3,920! SO CLOSE.
We’re incredibly grateful to each of you who made that possible! If you’re interested in being that person to close the gap with $40/month click the link!
PERSONAL
We’re in the permit process to start our first phase of construction! We hope to break ground some time this summer.
In February, we were so blessed to join Grace Long Beach (one of our supporting churches) on a 4-day Psalms retreat. What a gift to spend an entire weekend in prayer, unhurried conversation, and listening for God’s voice. It was encouraging, challenging, and life-giving.
It’s always a highlight to get to share our special town with people we love. Red & Vanessa, our mentors from Aleph Surf International, came for a visit, along with the Douglas family and Jess’s mom.
We are filled with gratitude for your continued prayers, generosity, and encouragement. Thank you for walking with us as we seek to bring restoration through recreation, build community, and point youth in Northern Baja toward hope, purpose, and the love of Jesus.
Dustin & Jess
If you would like to get involved (i.e. volunteering, gear donation or financial donation)
email us!
Dustin@alephsurf.org
Jess@alephsurf.org
