PSE

This winter sports season we are introducing a PSE - Progressive Sports Experience through our Upward Sports Basketball League. And this year we are also celebrating ten years of Upward Basketball in Hanover.

I am excited to introduce you to a progressive sports experience that is based on the development of a child's motor skills through sports. The focus of our progressive sports experience is built on age appropriate development for children starting in kindergarten and continuing through the eighth grade. While we will still be committed to ensuring every child has equal playing time and receive biblical instruction for life through relationships with coaches and team huddles, you will see a difference in our approach to coaching and games.

The PSE will provide four levels of growth beginning with kindergarten and first grade. KNowing that these children are single minded focus, coaches will narrow their teaching to dribbling, bounce passes, and understanding what offense and defense really does. Each team will play four players rather than five to create spacing and encourage team play. At the second and third grade level, you will continue to see cross court basketball, with man to man defense and offensive skills being taught. The fourth and fifth grade level will move to a full court game that will introduce zone defense and man to man press during certain time frames of the game. Children will be challenged to run the court, pass, set up offensive plays and defensive strategies. And the final level will be the sixth through eight grade. This level will allow man to man, zone defense, fast breaks, and involve an end of the season tournament.

As we have studied and Upward is introducing, we believe this will enable us to continue to instruct and nurture the children and families in the ways of God and accomplish teaching proper basketball fundamentals and development. Both will prepare children for further sport opportunity and Christ centered decision making.

Sign up now for our PSE ! Register at www.upwardhanover.org. This year we celebrate 10 years of Upward Basketball in Hanover!

A Life for the Gospel

Over the years, my family and I have had the opportunity to serve through sports throughout the world. And in each of the places we have lived or partnered in specific projects, we have found special individuals that have challenged our faith and lives.

Several years ago we traveled to China for the Olympic project. During this two year partnership, we were able to travel to the home and church location of Lottie Moon who served in China during the 1900's. While visiting this site we met Pastor Qin Jia Ye. Even though the political and religious culture of China was difficult, Pastor Qin Jia Ye remained steadfast in his love for God, love for his fellow man, and commitment to share the message of Jesus Christ; even in the face of persecution and government control. His spirit was always welcoming and his smile was a reflection of a life that was filled with love and joy.

On August 31, Pastor Qin Jia Ye and his wife, both in their eighties, were killed in the church by a suspected former "member" of the church. The news was a complete shock to the community, the country, the United States, and myself. While I have met some awesome radical people serving throughout the world, I never really thought that I would read of a friends martyrdom. His work will always be remembered for re-establishing the church after being closed for forty-nine years and several hundred baptisms each year throughout his ministry. He will be remembered, at least by me, to be a man who so loved His Savior that the sacrificial life was worth the cost. For today, he is rejoicing in heaven with his bride and all the saints who have gone before him.

While we as followers of Christ seek to be on mission, why is it that we sit in our comfortable buildings, we live without fear, and we quarrel among ourselves? Dear God, please give us a heart for people who are lost and hurting. Create in us a desire to be part of the impossible and face persecution with confidence from you. Amen!

Run with Horses

Though I am not very knowledgeable about horses, I do love to watch them run. They run with power and they run with stride. The muscle tone that can be observed down the back stretch of the Preakness or the Derby is a beautiful sight. And it can likely be considered the most powerful force of endurance within a 2 minute period.

Jeremiah 12 has something to say to us as well about the power of running horses: Jeremiah 12:5 says "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with the horses?" Wow, what a statement. You see, Jeremiah was in a battle that involved fierce competition. His competitors were with idolaters and wicked priests. Jeremiah was continuing to respond to his call from the Lord to condemn Judah and predict her downfall. And it was during this period where he felt discouragement (12:1). Then God spoke to him saying; the competition has just begun, you have been dealing with minor issues (footmen). How will you handle things when it really gets hard (running with horses)?

None of us likes harsh competition or circumstances. It goes against our fleshly desires to work them out and work through them. But perhaps, like me, you are facing some difficult times or issues. During these times we must hold to the promises of God, in the midst of our pleading for relief, that He will grant us the ability to run with the horses. That He will equip us, strengthen us, and sustain us through these days. Throughout the whole counsel of God's written word we find Him being faithful to carrying people through their circumstances and processes. The book of James is such an encouragement for the believer as we "endure hardship."

Ask God to give you the grace when burdens grow great. Ask God to send strength when the labor increases. Ask God to add mercy and peace in the face trials....And watch patiently for Him to work!

Partnering for a Purpose

This Saturday we host our first Flag Football games of the 2010 Upward Season. And we are looking forward to a season that provides great relationships with players, coaches, and families; as well as great sport development for those playing.

Each year it is great to see how God continues to use people who have stayed committed over the years and how God draws new people to get involved. From League Directors, Coach Commissioners, Coaches, Concession Workers, Field Volunteers, Ref's, and many others who make this season possible.

It's about Partnership - Partnering for a Purpose. People living out their faith together through sports for the purpose of investing in others and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed (James 1:22).

Kick off each week is at 9 AM located at the fields of New Hanover Church off Rte 301. Games continue through Noon. Come out and see how God has equipped His people to partner together through Flag Football. You will also see some great football being played!

Get on the Trolley

The picture featured is Ollie's Trolley in Washington DC. Just two blocks from the White House and south of Metro Center, it is a great place to go for a juicy double cheeseburger and / or a Philly Cheese Steak all the way. It has local character and charm. This has been location to dinners before Washington Wizards games and most recently was our lunch stop while visiting Tyler at George Mason.

I guess you would say this was our last stop before the summer came to a close. We hit DC on Labor Day to visit Tyler and to pick up our new Mac Book Pro. Brendan was able to pal around with Tyler before starting 5th grade today and Rachel Goins took in all the sites of DC, including Tyler (ha ha).

So, I guess after four camps, graduation, college, summer baseball, and family vacation, it's back to the grind of school for another 179 days. And, it's time to get back to the blog.