Basketball Recognition Sunday

This morning we celebrated our basketball ministry during church. Cameron Barnhill, Jordan Souvenance, Bethany Stone, Brandon Favors, Jack Greenwood, Jordan and Jason Volpe were present and we gave thanks for the ministry that Fred and the coaches have had with them.


We didn't have a lot of the kids there this morning and over the years attendance at the service has been up and down. None-the-less it doesn't take away from the ministry we do with the kids all winter long. Fred is going to try and extend our time with them by doing some youth ministry in the coming months.

I do hope that going forward we might take the next step in this ministry and have more of a church presence at the games. It goes back to the idea of the missional church I have been talking about. We need to claim this ministry and start ministering to the kids and their families every week during the winter. The only way we can do that is by being present. I believe God has given us a tremendous opportunity to change lives. Many of the kids come from troubled homes. We can be a support to the families and offer them the love of God.

Several years ago we had a mom and two boys who entered our program. I talked with her every week. She had a bad experience with church and had turned away from God. In my one on one conversations with her that began to change. Imagine what can happen if ten or fifteen of us were present at the games every week, getting to know the families. What an impact we could make. Today was a beginning. Pray about it and let's see what God can do.

I want to thank Andy Higgins, George Strouse, Patricia Ohlund, George Rezendes, Cliff Vanase and the others who volunteered to spend a few minutes sharing their testimonies and stories with the kids this past season. Only God knows what seeds were planted.

We are planning a pizza party for the kids in a few weeks. I'll let you know when it is. Maybe some of you can join us.

Cal.