Athletes Reach Out to Community Through BAM Service Projects

BAM huddles together in prayer at a BBQ for freshman athletes and the first event of the year.

Courtesy of Zachary Perkins

Biola athletes have banded together and are extending their reach to the community through an increased number of service projects under the name of “BAM” (Biola Athletic Ministry). Founded in fall 2006 by student athlete Sarah Jensen, BAM encourages unity and spiritual development among Biola athletes.

“BAM exists to establish an eternal perspective and equip players for the work of the Kingdom,” said junior Joshua-Paul Robles, a member of the current BAM leadership team. “It is a vehicle to encourage athletes to be witnesses to others.”

BAM has undergone several major changes this past year, which included an increased number of service projects and more student athlete involvement.

“We did nine service projects this year, while we only did one last year,” said sophomore Chelsea DeLuca, a member of the current BAM leadership team.

Due to its spreading influence both on and off Biola’s campus, more student athletes have become involved in BAM this past year, according to representative Marisa Flores. Student athletes recognize the need to use athletics as a ministry to serve others.

“BAM is a way for athletes to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ,” said sophomore Nick Lazar, a BAM representative and member of the Biola Men’s tennis team. “We have the mission of being servants, and we can be witnesses to fellow athletes and students both on and off campus.”

The themes portrayed by BAM change yearly, with “servitude” as this year’s theme. Members of BAM strive to follow Jesus’ humble example of servitude by extending their reach to the community through an increased number of service projects. The activities BAM organized this past year included a gift-giving event with the Brown Bag ministry around Thanksgiving, “Feed the 500” with the Salvation Army and “Run for the World” during Missions Conference.

Each service project is planned by a different huddle team, or a sub-group of student devotional teams. The experiences gained have been enriching, according to De Luca.

“My huddle went to a convalescent home to play ‘Bingo’ with the residents on Sunday afternoons,” she said. “The initial reaction was one of surprise … the people were really grateful; we got to explain why we were with them and why we go to a Christian university.”

Service projects are only one way BAM encourages bonding between fellow student athletes. To engage in further fellowship, BAM leaders plan BAM nights, team hangouts and huddle meetings. During huddle meetings, team leaders and representatives have devotionals and discuss the teams’ plans. Athletes from the different sports come together to hear a message and worship the Lord during BAM nights.

With the conclusion of the 2007-2008 school year, BAM’s final event is the all-athletes chapel on May 4. Taking place at Calvary Chapel at 7 p.m., the all-athletes chapel will include a message by Pres. Barry Corey.

Members of BAM are just starting to make an impact both on and off Biola’s campus. Leaders of BAM hope to continue to see the ministry grow and develop further by ministering to others and spreading their influence.

“I have seen progression,” said Robles. “We understand that we have influence as athletes; we understand there are stereotypes and we strive to change them … we’re at the place where we can use athletics to make a statement and a change for God’s name.”