Our Story

In 2004, visionaries Jonny Nelson, a 16-year-old skater passionate about Jesus, and Randy Monroe, a community-focused businessman, teamed up with the Luis Palau Association to create JSAW. They opened a massive indoor skate park in Chanhassen, MN, which served around 3,000 youth. When funding ran out in 2006, JSAW donated the skatepark to two summer camps in northern Minnesota. During this period, the ministry continued on with JSAW hosting Bible studies, outreach and mentoring at various Twin Cities skateparks, lakes and ski/snowboard resorts.

In 2008, JSAW started having a significant impact throughout the US, touring with groups like the Billy Graham Association and Luis Palau, sharing the gospel with over 160,000 youth through skateboard demonstrations.

In 2010 JSAW began to have a global impact, helping to develop action sports ministries in Panama, Guatemala, Dubai, Ethiopia, Brazil, India, and Egypt. Today, JSAW provides grants, leadership training, and ministry resources to 67 ministry partners in 46 countries.

In 2013 JSAW established Help Boardshop and Indoor Skatepark in Edina as its new headquarters. Locally, JSAW offers small groups, outreach, mentoring, and leadership programs alongside skateboard, snowboard, and wakeboard activities. Our staff and volunteers build relationships with riders, guiding them through the disciple-making process modeled by Jesus.

JSAW is a 501c3 non-profit organization and our tax ID # is 35-2231614. For more information, view our Non-profit Report on GuideStar.

Mission
Making riders into disciples.

Vision
Transforming action sports culture

Values
Servant Leadership, Relentless Faith and Authenticity

Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible is God's word, and that God loves us so much that he sent his only Son Jesus Christ into the world to die on a cross to forgive our sin, be resurrected from the dead and that whoever believes in Jesus will be saved and will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.