Preach What You Practice .....

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. Hebrews 13:15

The 2008 season of Upward Basketball and Cheerleading in the Tall City is now under way, and will run every Saturday through March 1. Upward is "an evangelistic sports ministry specifically designed for K5 through sixth-grade boys and girls that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in every child." But one doesn't need to have a child in that age group - or even have a child - to get involved as an adult volunteer.

I have just finished my second Saturday morning as a volunteer, delivering devotionals during the half-times. As the teams rest, refresh themselves, and get briefed by their coaches (also volunteers, as are the referees and the time/scorekeepers), I talk to the family members in the stands for 3-5 minutes, delivering a little bit of Scripture, a brief inspirational message, an invitation to come to church, and a prayer. The devotional can be your own personal testimony, or the church can provide you with material that relates to what the participating children are learning about Jesus during their weekly team devotional times.

We need YOUR help ..... We are in need of more people willing to do half-time devotionals. Please contact Laurie Boldrick (682-3133) or Scott Kain (684-8440) if you are interested.

Participating local churches supporting the program are: First Baptist-Midland, First Presbyterian-Midland, Crestview Baptist-Midland, First Church of the Nazarene-Odessa, Sherwood Baptist-Odessa, First Baptist-Odessa, Second Baptist-Odessa ..... but EVERYONE is welcome to get involved and be a part of this program!