Shadrak Slabs

MISSION:
To build relationships with youths who are deemed "unreachable" through cultural relevancy and action sports rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

VISION:
Near Term
We do not have any intention of trying to out do any other organization/ministry. We are here to come along side churches, youth groups and ministries that exist today and help grow their influence.

Long Term
Indoor/Outdoor Skate Park
A place, where do to our weather in the Pacific Northwest, skating and BMX does not have to come to a screaching halt during our rainy months.

With the help of local churches and business’, we hope to setup a permanent indoor/outdoor skating facility on the Eastside of Seattle. A place where youths can come and demonstrate their talents, hear concerts, see professionals skate and practice, grab some coffee (or whatever foofoo drink they choose), listen to strong Christian music and hold worship service.

An always evolving set of transitions and ramp architecture to keep it fresh and alive drawing kids from all over the Puget Sound Area for years to come.

• fun boxes
• bowls
• rails
• ramps
• pipes

PeeWee section
A place where the little folk can learn to ride their bike or slab in a safe and controlled manner. This is critical to the future viability of the segment and parents whose kids are involved. We want to have a place where older kids can demonstrate to the younger kids how tricks are to be done, skatepark etiquette and how to reach beyond your point of fear to pull off that fabled impossible invert.

What is up with the name Shadrak?
As we strolled into the office of Venture Arts, we tried to come up with a name that was edgy, solid and had hooks into the Bible. Travis hit it….how about Shadrach from Daniel 3? That was it. We were stoked to have this name and then through a little research we decided to use the Hebrew spelling and change it up a little with a backward “k”. The flames on the “s” come from the story below.

Three guys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago, did not worship an idol crafted by king Nebechanezzar. They were thrown into a fire and walked out unscathed. They demonstrated the courage and faith it takes to be a Christian ­ something we are all striving to do ourselves.

Can I get a patio that is 12x15x4”…how much is that? That’s a slab right?

Youths put a lot of trust and self in that hunk of wood beneath their feet. That is not just a board or a deck! It is an expression of themselves as they pick the board company, the design, the color/layout of grip tape, truck company, and stickers. Making sure these kids realize that placing that amount of trust and personal expression in something is the same thing as being a Christian.

Action Sports Focus:
Skating
It is not our intent to show up and throw up the gospel of Jesus Christ. We realize these youths need outlets for their passions and need alternative ways to express their love for theses sports and those involved in them. There are countless

Surfing
Given the coastline of Seattle and how cold that water is, we seek to partner with other organizations to help grow their ministry. We want to help produce videos, staff events, hold video premieres, lick envelopes or whatever they ask us to do as partners. See, it is not about us but rather about HIM!

Snowboarding
This is an area where we have a passion and are evaluating how to best serve this group of youths. We are open to suggestions... send us an email and let us know how you think we can fit in here.

Wakeboarding
These youths may not have many chances to try wakeboarding but because of their skills on the slab (see, we are sold on this term), they pick it up really quickly. The time we spend with youths on the boat helping them get up, attempting tricks and closing out with some wakesurfing is some of the best fun we have had in the summer. It gets hot in Seattle in the summer and who does not like to get wet when it is hot? The time in the boat is also a really great time for these youths to open up in a small, safe environment and ask questions.