Our giving as Christians and church members allows us to touch so many. I’m privileged to see the difference our giving makes in the lives our young Upward Basketball players. As a coach, I get to see the players come in from both solid Christian homes and from circumstances very difficult to fathom. To watch these children as they learn is amazing. Their skill levels in basketball can be as different as the life situations that they deal with. I love to watch the novice player as they gain confidence through the season.  That first basket or that first steal is so special and the smile on their face when they accomplish it is indescribable. Watching them develop as a team holds its own rewards. 

You live for the moments when one child shows concern for another who’s having a hard day. You celebrate when a player is more concerned with doing what’s right than what helps them gain status as a player. And most importantly, you enjoy watching as these children grow towards a relationship with Christ. Each week, they hear a devotional at practice. Each week, they have an opportunity to recite a bible verse that they learned.They get to discuss with their coaches how Jesus is important in all that they do. Each child is presented with the gospel message during the season…and lives are changed. 

All of this comes from our giving. Giving is not just our responsibility. Giving is our joy.