By Kiah Roufs
I attended SLAM throughout my middle and high school years, and each time it never failed to be an amazing experience. SLAM provided a safe space to love and serve God with other young people my age. Not only did we work together to serve the Nashville community, but we also worshiped freely, had a blast learning the Bible, and played games. From the beginning to the end of the week, you felt like a new person. The facilitated times of discussion, worship, and service really shaped me into a better person. As a young person, figuring out what to do with your summer is always a big question.
SLAM became the highlight of every summer, even setting my mind and actions on doing good beforehand and afterward. SLAM empowers students to continue the work they did during their SLAM week. A couple of weeks before it started, I would be praying and preparing myself. After the week, I was so on fire for the Lord that I would testify and excitedly read the Bible in my free time. What better way to spend your summer than by striving after God and having a great time doing it? SLAM truly sparks enthusiasm in youth to serve and follow God.
One of my favorite memories was from a worship night during my 7th-grade year. The whole group was really moved by God, and the worship went on for hours. I remember that night as the moment I knew I wanted to follow God with my whole life and made that commitment to Him. It was a beautiful night, with youth praying for one another—praying for people they didn’t know, as well as new and old friends. After that wonderful time, the speaker came and taught us the Word, and I remember everyone being so hungry for it. To end the night, we had an 80’s-themed neon dance party during Late Nites. I danced with my new friends, celebrated, laughed, and just had a great time. This memory stands out because I know God was working, giving us His joy and peace, and unifying us.
As I grew older, my role at SLAM changed. God taught me how to be a leader for the younger participants. With the experience and wisdom from my previous SLAM weeks, I not only served in the projects but also mentored younger kids. One memory I have as an upperclassman is praying before SLAM week that I could be a good example for those younger than me. My friends and I would show genuine excitement for worship by racing to the front and giving it our all. We loved it. Worship was the highlight of the week 9 out of 10 times. During one particular week, we were the first to the front every time, except for the last two nights. On the second-to-last night, the middle schoolers ran up to the front with such genuine excitement for worship. They had a blast, made an effort to connect with God, and it was beautiful to witness.
A couple of years later, I was no longer a participant at SLAM, but a wonderful opportunity opened up for me during my mission trip that summer—I got to help facilitate SLAM! This week was such a blessing. My mission team and I participated in a week of SLAM in Nashville as part of our mission trip experience. Being on the other side of the SLAM program made me appreciate all my years as a participant even more. The amount of care and intentionality that goes into each aspect of the program is incredible. I got to witness youth experiencing God—some for the first time and others growing in their love for Him. Throughout the week, I facilitated service projects, saw the impact they were making on others, and supported and encouraged them in their efforts. I felt so blessed to be a part of creating Late Nites, helping with worship, and making the week memorable and impactful for the youth, praying that they would experience the same love and support I did all those years.
Overall, SLAM is an incredible experience for youth. I never regretted attending for all 8+ years. SLAM was a much-needed venue for me to grow in my calling and my relationship with the Lord. It provided focused time away from the craziness of summer to concentrate on the things that really matter. I’m so thankful I got to be a part of SLAM. My prayer is that those entering the SLAM program for the first time will not take this incredible opportunity for granted. Opportunities like this don’t come often, and the Lord can move in any place and time you give Him. I still serve the Lord today and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I’m forever grateful for SLAM, a place that helped shape my walk with the Lord.
Comments