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Welcome To: The Heart of Mesa |
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A Church With A Heart for god, his word, and his people |
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Upward Basketball |
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Upward Basketball is a program that the Heart of Mesa started using three years ago. Our goal, as a church, was to minister to the children of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where God has called us to be a light for Him. Upward Basketball was the perfect program allowing us to work with children and their families through a basketball league. This league takes place each year for a total of ten weeks. The children who participate are between first and eighth grade and are split into teams to play a total of eight games. Through Upward Basketball we are able to get jerseys, tee-shirts, and other prizes for the children who participate in this program.
Every Monday a group of coaches from the Heart of Mesa leads practice, and then every Saturday the teams get a chance to play against one another. Something that makes this more than just basketball, though, is that the coaches give devotionals at each practice and each game talking about Jesus and the love that He has for each one of us. This allows us to truly minister to the children in this community.
This is our third year implementing Upward Basketball at the Salt River Indian Community. Each year, as we’ve grown to learn about and love the children, we have seen a better response on the parts of those who live within this community. We have gained the trust of the children, and now when we go out to the basketball courts, children follow.
Along with this ministry we have been able to reach out to the teenagers who show up on the basketball courts each week. The first year we started this ministry, the older teenagers never wanted anything to do with us or our ministry. Now, as soon as practices with the younger children are completed, the teenagers stick around and play games with us. We have been able to gain their trust as well.
With every year that passes by, those of us who have been apart of Upward Basketball have truly been amazed by what God has done on the Indian Community. The ministry has been tough, at times, but God has been faithful in working in miraculous ways. We believe that this is a ministry God has given the Heart of Mesa, and because of this we have seen blessings on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.
We are always looking forward to those who would like to be a part of this ministry. Coaches and referees are always welcome along with those who would like to donate team snacks. Most of all, we would cherish your prayers as we continue to minister to the children. |
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HEARTOFMESA.ORG |
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Visit the Heart of Mesa “Online Community” |
