I am so excited and I thank God each and everyday for being able to be connected with Upward sports! What’s that? Not sure what Upward is? Well let me clue you in!

Upward Basketball season is upon us.  Practices started a few weeks ago and the kids are already showing signs of better skills!  Although that is an awesome thing to witness, it is NOT what Upward is all about? Upward’s purpose statement is simply this

1.)  SALVATION: To share the love of Jesus Christ with EVERYONE involved in an Upward ministry!

2.)  CHARACTER: To help EVERY child grow as Jesus did spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially.

3.)  SELF ESTEEM: To help EVERY child grow in their understanding and enjoyment of sports.

I highlighted the words “every” and “everybody” in the text above because I was one of those kids that were almost never picked for teams when sides were chosen in sports in OR out of school. But God has made me realize that that’s OK, he has a bigger plan for me as he does for ALL of us! All the kids in Upward are special just because they are! Each child gets an equal chance to shine in this program. It says to me that every child is the same. This is my third time coaching in an Upward program and I have always been involved in some way, and I can tell you from experience it is one of the most rewarding things you can do. The place to be on Saturdays is in the TLC Gym at ZUM watching all those shining stars on the basketball court having fun! A star is given to each and every player after the game. We coaches love to share this time with parents, grandparents, even neighbors! There are stars for best offense, best defense, leadership, scripture verse memorization, and the most important star is for Christlikeness. And, at some point during the season everyone will get that star. It is an amazing time and makes for a great season. Every child is equipped with a uniform, a CD ROM, a magazine called “winner.” Inside this booklet is activities, games, puzzles, and questions and answers to things a young person needs to know.  It also helps them realize how awesome our God is and how much he loves us. We are ALL winners in His eyes.  See you at the game!

 To get involved with helping out, call the church office at 260-638-4108.