Welcome to SWAT,a dance group from Nairobi’s youth ministry. SWAT stands for Singles With A Touch, and the youthful disciples in the troupe have been having a great impact with their low-budget, high-quality performances.

SWAT has performed at church services when the entire Nairobi congregation has gathered at Nyayo National Stadium, at community outreach events of HOPE worldwide, and recently performed in Makindu, 170 kilometres from Nairobi.

In Makindu SWAT took the stage at the awards ceremony of a youth talents week and got rave reviews from the crowd for their performance.

The guest performance by SWAT (which stands for “Singles With A Touch”) went down extremely well with the audience. The guest of honour said, “The dancing by SWAT was very soothing.” One person said, “I wish they had come even earlier in the week and performed during the dance competition.” SWAT stood out for both the purity and the choreography of their dances and returned to the stage by public demand at the conclusion of the event.

SWAT is the brainchild of evangelist John Maleya. About initiating the group John says, “I love fun and especially if we are doing it for God. So, looking at the youth ministry I realized there are many ways they can be kept busy by having fun and doing it for God’s glory. So one Sunday I just asked for names of those who would be interested in being in the dance group and then we started meeting to practice even though we didn’t have a specific function we were looking forward to.

“As time went by we realized that we could add value and colour to our big congregational services or any function that the church is involved in. Also, I realized that by training these youngsters I could instill in some of them a sense of leadership and responsibility. I was confident some within the group would rise up and take charge of it.”

Looking ahead, John says, “We also have plans to start visiting children’s homes and homes for the physically challenged to entertain the children there and somehow put a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts.

“Also, through SWAT we can reach out to youth.”

“A sister recently came to me asking earnestly for her children to be allowed to join SWAT so I think the parents see the benefits of the group,” John adds.

Shiko, one of the SWATers, shares, “I have always enjoyed dancing and have always wished to be in a dance group. SWAT has been the place to be. I have been inspired by the SWAT members giving their best to God.”

Commenting gratefully about the group, Josiah says, “SWAT has helped me overcome my fears and be confident standing before crowds. It has helped me to make a lot of new friends and shown me that I can do something for God.

“SWAT has given me a lot of joy because I can use my talent to praise God and win people to Him.”

Jarrett Odwallo, leader of the church’s youth ministry, is excited about SWAT and says, “SWAT is an encouraging group for the teens. It vividly demonstrates how superior fun in the kingdom can be in comparison to what the world offers our teens.”

SWAT is proving to be a great beacon for the congregation and is encouraging all to take their talents in the spirit of the song “this little light of mine” and shine for God glory.

SWAT truly are singles with a touch – a touch of choreography and spirituality, a touch of fun, faith and friendship – and they continue to touch many lives.