Testimony of an Upward Coach

 “You are going to coach? (Chuckle, chuckle) “That’s great!”  This is what I usually heard when someone found out that I signed up to help coach Upward basketball.  I don’t blame anyone for being surprised. You see, I’m not really the “sportsy” type.  My only qualifications were a caring heart and a willingness to help.  I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into, but I knew I wanted to be more involved in the Upward program.  I also felt this was what the Lord wanted me to do.  Since my basketball knowledge and skills were so limited, I chose to lead the devotions.  The girls on our team were great.  They had very open hearts and minds.  Their enthusiasm and eagerness to share were at times overwhelming!  It was always a special time for us all to get to know one another and to really make a connection.  During the last devotion time, I shared from my heart about the Lord’s wonderful gift.  I told the girls they could receive the gift of eternal life by praying a special prayer with me.  What an awesome opportunity!  It was made possible because of the Upward program. 

The Upward programs do take a tremendous amount of time from countless people.  But, this is what makes it all worth while; when I asked my team who had prayed with me and truly meant it with all their heart, not one or two, but every hand shot up without hesitation.  That’s SEVEN precious children who will spend eternity with our Savior!  Now I’m sure some of the girls may have made commitments before this, but I know that at least one made a first time commitment.  I know this because she is my own daughter.  Does Upward take a lot of time?  Absolutely!  Is it worth it?  If you aren’t sure, I challenge you to volunteer, just once, and then decide.