Lifting kids Upward
Ministry finishes successful first season
By JARED PUTNAM

Coaches, including Pastor Jerry Helton (left), direct their team from the bench.

The House of Prayer Family Life Center hosted the final games of it's Upward Unlimited basketball season over the weekend, as organizers and church leaders praised both the program and the individuals involved for making the inaugural season a success.

"I've been around sports all my life," said Pastor Jerry Helton. "I coached basketball from 5th grade through high school and I've always known that sports was a good platform to build character, teamwork, and self esteem. But I have never seen anything like the Upward sports ministry. The emphasis is taken completely off of winning."

Lee Baenninger, League Director of the upcoming Upward Unlimited indoor soccer program, said the whole idea is to involve children that typically have not been involved in the recreation leagues, and use the program as a tool to share the Gospel message.

"It's just a neat idea," said Baenninger. "We have children out here that have never played sports before. The league really concentrates on making sure every kid [gets equal playing time]. Every kid plays the same amount every game. Nobody plays more than the other. "

The defenders give chase on the fast break.

Pastor Helton said that the program essentially removes the negative aspects that can turn many away from sports, such as the pressure to win or failure to make the team. He explained that in the Upward Unlimited program every kid is recognized after each game. "We look for it," said Pastor Helton. "We look for something to help build selfesteem."

The pastor explained that the games have all gone very smoothly, and said that an orientation held at the beginning of the program laid ground rules for the conduct that was expected. "No coaches have challenged a call, and the players and the parents have picked up on that," said Pastor Helton. He added that the parents have been great about cheering for both teams. "The parents have been fantastic. It has been a beautiful thing. We are really excited about what it has done for our kids."

Pastor Helton that he thinks the program will really grow from the first to second year due largely to word of mouth. Baenninger added that approximately half of the kids in the league attend the House of Prayer, but that it is open to anyone. "We've been really pleased," he said. "The turnout has been great."

Kids and coaches join in a circle of prayer before the game.

Pastor Helton said he is excited about soccer as an indoor activity this time of year, and hopes that the program will allow the church to reach out to another part of the community. "What we would really like to do is [use soccer to help] reach out to the Hispanic community," said the pastor.

The guard looks for an open man. Going up for the jump shot.