|PIC1|Christian surfers, skaters, roller bladders and BMX ministry representatives came together last week to hash out plans for the development of a brand new skate ministry in the UK.

The inaugural conference of Christian Skaters UK comes off the back of 18 months of ground work and networking by Christians already involved in various aspects of skate ministry, and was headed up by the National Director of Christian Surfers UK, Phil Williams.

Conference speakers included leaders from Christian Skaters USA, as well as skate ministry representatives from organisations such as Luis Palau Ministries, American Ramp Company and Splinter Skate Parks.

|PIC2|During last week's conference at Dundee's Factory Skatepark, speakers said that God was changing the lives of young people through skating.

Christian Skaters UK will link organisations already involved in skate, BMX and rollerblade ministry as well as support individuals who are passionate about their sport and faith.

"This will be a huge task, but we believe it is a God inspired decision," said Williams.

He said that Christian Skaters UK would continue to link closely with Christian skate ministries in the States as well as mainland Europe.

|PIC3|"We very much want to widen this out to the European contacts made over the weekend, and are praying for the right direction and timing for this ministry to grow throughout Europe," he said.

A team will be put together in the next four months to take the ministry's development further, and a website and resources for those involved in reaching skaters for Christ are in the planning stages.

"Partnerships with local churches will be key to this ongoing outreach," added Williams.

A number of UK ministries were also represented at the conference, including Sutton Ramp Events, Oasis (Clitheroe), Bath YFC (One Eighty), Projekts Skatepark Manchester and Urban Warriors.