SWAT was formed in 1998 by Joel Veenstra when he realized that there is a need for schools, churches, and other community organizations to have low-cost entertainment for gatherings, fund-raisers, and ministry opportunities. SWAT's first year included 9 members.
The 1999-2000 school year was a successful sophomore year for the troupe. They packed the house for two on-campus general admission shows during Parents' Weekend, and performed over 50 other shows all around the Grand Rapids, MI area, ministering to over 250 people.
2000-2001 was the year SWAT came into its own. It was the last year of the last remaining members of the team's maiden cast; it was also the first year for five whole new people, some of whom had been born not ten minutes previous. The team had many successful performances, and there was laughter and fun all around.
We are now in our sixth year as a team, and we are nine members strong. We continue to look for new ways to deliver God's message through our shows and, as always, his joy and gift of laughter. We eagerly await what God is going to do through us and among us.