MARSHALL— Members of the East Texas Baptist University men’s and women’s basketball teams recently held simultaneous basketball clinics at four apartment complexes near campus.
The basketball players helped more than 120 children improve their basketball skills—and presented a low-key Christian witness.
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ETBU player Jordan Murphy works one on one with a participant. (PHOTO/ETBU Basketball)
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“We had a lot of fun teaching the kids shooting techniques, dribbling, stretching and other things needed to play basketball,” Josh Chambers of Mexia said. “I went because I love working with kids and believe they need positive role models, as well as for someone to show them the love of Jesus.”
The student athletes were blessed as they sought to be a blessing, senior Karlee Wilson of Hallsville noted. “Seeing the kids smile and having fun brought a smile to my face,” Wilson said.
The student volunteers provided individual attention to the young people, freshman
Brandace Latin from Shreveport, La., said.
“There were only a few kids in our group which allowed us to develop relationships thus providing the opportunity to get to know each kid well,” Latin noted.
Junior guard Jessica King from Coppell, enjoyed “seeing how happy they got when they did something right in a drill or won a prize.”
Students also distributed Cross Training Fit Kits to participants at the clinic. Funds provided by the Baptist General Convention of Texas Mary Hill Davis State Mission Offering allowed the ETBU Great Commission Center to purchase items for the kits, including shampoo, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissue, Germ-X, soap, and a Bible verse wristband.
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East Texas Baptist University basketball players Jessica King, Priscilla Galliguez, Brandace Latin, women’s assistant basketball coach Carlos Marbot, Leah Williams, and Tyrell Brown watch two players during a basketball clinic sponsored by the ETBU Great Commission Center. The ETBU basketball teams conducted a clinic to use sports as a means to establish relationships and minister. (PHOTO/ETBU Great Commission Center)
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The basketballs used in the clinic either were given away as prizes or left with the apartment complex manager for future use.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to involve our basketball teams in local community ministry. And because of the flu season, it was decided to purchase items that would promote hygiene and wellness,” Great Commission Center Director Allan Thompson said.
“All the kids seemed very grateful to receive the hygiene packets,” junior Priscilla Galliguez of Waco said.
“They were happy because we were hooping with them, and the packets really topped it off.”
The locations, Belaire Manor Apartments, Ryan’s Crossing, Ward Plaza and the Marshall Housing Authority on Poplar Street, were chosen because of the weekly presence of ETBU students. Students involved with the Baptist Student Ministry visit the four complexes each week for a Kid’s Club ministry.
“At ETBU, we encourage each student to view him or herself as a kingdom citizen whose talents and time are to be put at the disposal of the Lord,” Thompson said.
“It was a great opportunity for the basketball teams to show Christ’s love in a way that kids would understand and enjoy,” Galliguez said.
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