Feb 9, 20193 min read

Student Testimonies from SLAM Bible Conference

There’s something special that happens when a group of young people comes together for the sole purpose of worshipping the Lord and growing in their knowledge of His Word. Recently, students gathered from Nashville, TN; Paragould, AR; and Arcola, IN for a weekend of worship, bible study, and discussion. From the moment the SLAM Bible conference began, students were ready. They rushed to the front of the room, jumping in the air, hands stretched out in worship. There was a sincere, tangible desire to know and experience the Lord in the room.

As the weekend continued, students had the opportunity to continue in worship, hear the Word, and ask questions about their faith and how to live it out in a world that doesn’t know God. See testimonies of the some ways that participants were impacted over the course of this weekend!

Several students spoke of the powerful moments they experienced through praying for one another.

“I can’t describe how great it felt to worship the Lord with all my friends. Thank you all so much for coming up and sharing the love of Christ with us.” - Zach Butler, Arcola, IL

”I was impacted by prayer this weekend, seeing the different ways people could pray for others and be prayed for.” - Elianah Vanderschoot, Nashville, TN

“This weekend was really eye opening for me. I felt the Lord urging me to give all of myself to Him; in prayer, in worship, and in constant service to others. I was struggling to do this at first, but the Lord reminded me to trust Him. Which can often seem so simple, but I’m learning that trust is so important when it comes to having a strong relationship with God.” - Merci Warren, Nashville, TN

“Thanks for continuing to provide for our spiritual need every time we see y’all.” - Ben Crane, Arcola, IL

Worship provided the opportunity for students to connect with God and experience unity with their peers as they sought him together.

“Feeling restored!! Thank you all” - Wendy McDaniel, Leader, Paragould, AR

“This weekend Jesus completely opened my eyes to seeing my life through his perspective. He gave me clarity to see how he’s turned up in the midst of this last season of my life. I woke up the morning after a deep time of worship feeling so much lighter, renewed, and freed.” - Genesis Garner, Nashville, TN

“The Lord was undeniably present and provided comfort and growth that I had been needing. I have been struggling with the next steps to take in my life and this Bible Talk helped to clarify a path. It also helps to inspire me to be more disciplined and to turn to Christ in all I do. It is a hard walk but I’m grateful for the support of my friends and SLAM missions. It was an amazing weekend from being in God’s Word and learning his voice, to creating new relationships and strengthening old ones.” Olivia Beaverson, Paragould, AR

Though students were from three different states, new friendships were quickly formed when given the opportunity to sing, dance, and perform other creative arts together.

“This weekend I learned the importance of practicing my spirituality. We learn from 1 Samuel that knowing God’s voice takes practice. I’m excited to start developing my ear for the Lord through responding in faith when I hear Him speaking.” - Blake Botzum, Nashville, TN

“Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord (Romans 12:11).” We saw students exhibit a deep passion for the Lord this weekend that culminated in commitments made to serve him. We’re thankful for how God is moving in the lives of these young people and pray they will continue forward in faith and passion for him!