What happens when you gather a group of young people together, free from the pressures of everyday life, to focus purely on worship, prayer, and building community? That's exactly what Praise Break set out to do—create a space where youth could reconnect with God, reflect on their faith, and support one another in their spiritual journeys. The event, led by Fa Niua, the Director of Recruiting at Southwestern Adventist University, was designed as a spiritual retreat, offering young people the chance to step away from their daily routines and dive deeper into their faith.
The Weekend
The Praise Break weekend was structured to be a holistic experience, blending powerful worship moments with interactive activities that encouraged personal reflection and community connection. From the very start, the youth were fully engaged—singing, praying, and participating in group discussions. Centered around the theme "Who Am I?", the sessions sparked honest conversations, helping attendees connect with themselves and each other on a deeper level.
On Friday night, the youth were moved to come forward for prayer, many sharing their struggles and victories with one another. It was a vulnerable and unifying moment. On Saturday night, the event shifted to an open discussion where both youth and sponsors spoke about their faith, personal growth, and challenges. Some shared how they felt "chosen" and confident in their faith, while others expressed struggles with hesitation and shyness. This honest conversation strengthened the sense of community and reminded everyone that God meets us where we are.
The overall response was incredibly positive. Many attendees said they felt closer to God and gained a better understanding of their identity in Him. The energy was high, and many participants eagerly asked when the next Praise Break would take place.
The Unsung Heroes
The energy and enthusiasm of our students truly brought Praise Break to life, but none of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our volunteers and leaders. They coordinated everything from behind-the-scenes logistics to leading small groups, prayer teams, and workshops. Guest speakers Olga Falakiseni, Anthony Lyder, Luisa Tauatevalu, Gabriel Perea, and Kepueli Tauatevalu also played a crucial role, delivering messages that resonated deeply with the youth. Their authenticity and ability to connect with the participants helped create a safe space where everyone felt free to reflect, share, and grow.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my Admissions and Enrollment team for their dedication and support, SLAD for their collaboration, Ana Patterson for her leadership and encouragement, Keene Church for their invaluable support, the Texas Youth and Young Adults of the Texas Conference for their contributions, and Pastor Moody for his partnership in bringing Praise Break to the youth in our Union," said Fa.
Looking Ahead
The feedback from both the youth and their leaders was truly heartwarming. Many participants shared how much they had grown in their faith, and several leaders expressed how inspired they were by the openness and courage shown by the youth. Some even described the weekend as a turning point in their spiritual journeys.
"The sense of unity was incredible," Fa said. "The youth not only grew spiritually but also formed meaningful connections with one another. It was amazing to see them supported in a way that encouraged them to pursue God more passionately."
As for the future of Praise Break? Plans are already in the works for next year, and Fa is excited to continue offering this unique experience to the youth. "Praise Break has become more than just an event; it's a movement that helps our youth grow closer to God while building lasting relationships," she said.

View the Praise Break photo album here.