Dear Church Family,
As November arrives, so does one of the most amazing ministries of this church: Upward basketball!
We have seen the Lord raise up some new ministries in the past year, and it is encouraging to see that the residents of our county have the opportunity to see the love of Jesus Christ in action through these new ministries. However, I have seen that Upward basketball is the ministry that most has brought the most impact to the community of any outreach that we do. When conversing with people in our area, time and again I hear someone say, “Oh yeah, I know where your church is. That’s where my child played Upward basketball.”
So now we are cranking up again: practices begin in November and games in December. This year, God has blessed us with 230 children who comprise 32 teams. Also, the Methodist Church is involved this year by expanding the program for boys and girls grades 7-12. About 60 young people have signed up for that new program.
Upward Director Don Powers (one of the many hats Bro. Don wears!) and the staff are asking for our church’s prayer support for this ministry. Pray that the program will stay focused on what it is designed to do: to bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the hearts of children and families. Pray that our coaches will see and utilize the spiritual platform that this ministry offers. Pray for Bro. Mark as he keeps the concession stand going (with proceeds benefitting missions!) Pray for our halftime preaching and teaching ministry, and our prayer room. At this writing, we still lack 5 of the 32 coaches. Please pray that God will raise up those who want to invest in children through Upward basketball.
Upward basketball requires a lot of hard work and many resources. However, Upward basketball is presently our church’s most powerful witness in the community. It is quite possibly one of the best gifts God has given this church. Would you join this ministry as a prayer partner?
In Christian love, John Howell Jr.