“Everyone on earth should do a S.L.A.M. Trip for so many reasons. The staff is full of conviction, you get the opportunity to work hard, and you get the invaluable experience of broadening your understanding of the world through powerful immersion in a different culture…”
This is only part of a testimony give by Quinn Leach, a participant from Seattle, when he was asked to recount his experience with S.L.A.M. Trips. Honestly, I could not have summarized the ethos of this program any better. This past August marked the end of our fourth year of S.L.A.M. Trips and each year, I continue to see major growth in the effectiveness of the program for both the traveling groups as well as our Yakama people.
2013 was a beautiful year that involved 17 churches of varying denominations, wonderful staff and volunteers, as well as multiple youth and families from our own Yakama community. A great deal of planning and detail goes into S.L.A.M. Trips each year. I believe the factor that makes the ministry most effective is relationship. Each year, we are more blessed than the last in new friendships. It is incredible to see the connections that are made as we all come together and I hope and believe that S.L.A.M. will continue to reach hundreds more people. People in our community are continuing to be known and served for Yeshua in a good way. If you are interested in attending a S.L.A.M. Trip please contact us. We are already looking forward to Summer 2014!!
For more information:
Ashley Herrera
S.L.A.M. Trips Director
Ashley@mendingwings.net
509.930.7558
Youth Leader/Student Testimonies:
“SLAM has given our youth ministry a structure and vision for service and mission in cross-cultural settings. Our students have been transformed by the experiences, relationships and opportunities given to them through SLAM.” –Amy Jayne, Youth Pastor at Cascade Covenant Church, North Bend, WA.
“Everyone on earth should do a SLAM Trip for so many reasons; the staff is full of conviction, you get the opportunity to work hard and you get the invaluable experience of broadening your understanding of the world through powerful immersion in a different culture. After my experience I immediately wanted to return because I felt like experience was deeply personal and yet far bigger than myself, my youth group and my community as a whole. Sign up for SLAM Trips today!”–Quinn Leach, Student at First Covenant Church, Seattle, WA.
“I don’t even want to call it a mission trip because it was so much more than that. You guys are doing something very unique and amazing and it excites me to know that there are people and organizations like this in the family of Christ. I know we’ll be coming back in the near future.” Jon Silva, Youth Pastor at Calvary Chapel Salem, Salem, Or.
“ I believe our youth came away from the experience with a better understanding of the history of division between our cultures and a greater appreciation for the beliefs and values we hold in common. The lessons we learned in the Yakama Nation will serve us well no matter where we go.” –Pastor David Eppilsheimer, Community of Christ Church, Hillsboro, Or.
“SLAM Trips gave us the opportunity to serve and learn while also having a fun time. Not only that, we have built a relationship to continue learning and serving; bridging two cultures together and glorifying God in the process. I look forward to returning year after year!” –April Leingang, Youth Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Renton,WA.
