Over 30 High school and college students from various states spent the weekend studying God’s Word to learn about the many intricacies of following the narrow road. Students that participated in the conference took their own initiative to come and study showing a desire to learn rather than sit at home and bask before the TV.
The weekend had a distinctive intention: study the bible. And we did for 15 hours in a 2-day period. Gregg Garner was the main speaker for the weekend, and was excited to see the students’ determination to become biblically literate.
While focusing on 3 specific scriptures (Matthew 7, 13, and John 3), Gregg taught canonically explaining how the entire Bible is connected. The weekend began with a challenge from Matthew 7 to choose the narrow road that leads to life instead of the broad road that leads to destruction. It was educational and a unique experience to see God’s word relate with so many young people!
During the day on Saturday, the students began studying Matthew 13 in which Jesus teaches his disciples to be good soil that receives the Word as opposed to the hard path, rocky soil, and thorns that do not sustain the Word. They spent the rest of the day discussing their many questions and shared experiences as youth in relation to the taught scriptures. Saturday night, specifically, was special as students showed their desire to learn as they insisted Bible Study continued up to midnight!
The final teaching of the weekend, Sunday morning, focused on Jesus’ dialogue with Nicodemus (John 3). Students were encouraged to experience a birth that comes from above which gives new life via the person of Jesus. Each of these teachings were reviewed, discussed in breakout groups, and pondered often by the conference participants. It was more than a conference; it was an experience.
Below are a few testimonies from the participants:
I have learned a lot from all of the SLAM staff members. I don’t care to be myself here. I always get so energetic and happy here.
- Miles Edens Knoxville, TN
Thank you so much for spreading and teaching me the word of God. You guys truly have the spirit of God and are a good example of how to live the way God intends us to live. I have learned so much and want to continue this journey of learning and following God.
– Steven Chigumira Nashville, TN
Thanks for the wonderful lessons you guys have given to me this weekend.
– David Wells Greencastle, IN
I had an awesome time hanging out with everyone and getting encouraged to walk the “narrow” path into life.
– Matt James Hilliard, OH
