UPWARD is one of the most exciting, encouraging and evangelistic outreaches that I know. In life, I have a passion for my Savior, spouse, son (and daughter), siblings, sports and souls. It is my privilege to be a nationally endorsed speaker for both www.Upward.org and www.Compassion.com Both groups are PHENOMENAL at reaching others with the love of God.

I have been blessed to speak at multiple UPWARD events at their annual awards banquets for basketball, football and soccer across America as a featured speaker. Recently, at one event we had 1,450 in attendance. Just in the last four events preaching for UPWARD God has shown up in a most special way drawing people to Himself and I had a front row seat to witness 673 professions of faith. That is not exaggeration but evangelism. What I love is that UPWARD often reaches more people on Saturday than the same church does on Sunday. Its wonderful when we reach out and not expect everyone to just “walk in.” What is encouraging is that just as many parents as players profess Christ with this great outreach. TO GOD BE THE GLORY – Great Things HE hath done! This past Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 God saved 112 players and parents to Himself at Oakland United Methodist Church in Charles Town, WV. The very next night, another 91 were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life at Glen Burnie Baptist Church in MD. I love that Bible verse: “If I (Jesus) be lifted UP, I will draw ALL men unto Me.” It never gets old seeing souls saved and watching God work. He works and we worship.

Part of the reason for the success of this great outreach is threefold: Upward is INTENTIONAL, RELATIONAL & SPIRITUAL. It is intentional in that they have a message and on mission. Those whom labor in love with this program help create a safe haven for youth to have fun, learn teamwork, meet new friends and risk losing. Lets face it, being a kid is fun but scary. Upward INTENTIONALLY attempts to attract folks from outside the church to feel comfortable coming to God’s House. It is a “no-rock” zone where folks don’t judge or throw rocks.

Another valuable asset is they’re RELATIONAL. God wired us to have fellowship and interaction with each other. Upward is not only building unity in the community but a healthy environment were scores of selfless adults have sacrificially invested their time and talents to encourage all whom walk into an Upward league. They know it takes courage to try something different, visit a new place and belong to something bigger than self. Coaches, clergy and concerned citizens are both intentional and relational making all feel like winners in this game called life. They nurture, encourage, instruct valuable lessons that assist them on the court (field) and in the real world. Repeatedly, I have seen young boys shoot at the wrong basket and girls accidentally kick in the wrong goal but in this recreational league NO ONE screams, loses their top or gets irate. Why? Because those linked with UPWARD know the real score, goal and win is SPIRITUAL. What matters most is not what happens on the field but in the heart.

Spiritually speaking, I am not referring to some cult but Christ. Not a guru but God and like “Chick-fil-A” if you think they’re all about chicken than you missed the biggest NUGGET of all (Jesus). The Bible is clear, “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world in lose their soul?” Society puts too much emphasis on winning on the field but turns a blind eye to failures off the court. We worship professional success at the expense of personal development or spiritual maturity. As adults, I have met folks whom went undefeated in sports or business and still felt void of love, respect and God.

What I love about UPWARD & COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL is that they both are intentional about loving on others. Secondly, they build more than a brand but invest in a real relationship with those they come in contact. Thirdly, at every game the players and parents will hear the life changing message of Jesus and to help them not only score temporaily but for all eternity. Coaches and leaders invest all year long into the lives of our most precious resource: CHILDREN and by their example and endless encouragement the players (and parents) are both hungry and receptive for the love of God. The Bible says: “One sows and another waters BUT THE LORD brings the increase.”

Last year, over 100,000 kids and adults trusted Christ last year alone with Compassion International. If you would like to SPONSOR A CHILD visit http://www.compassion.com/Sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=105506 No we can’t save the world but we can make a difference. Lives are won one at a time. Yes, hundreds upon hundreds have been saved but with six billion people on the planet and some suggest over half not ready to stand before a Holy God we are a few souls short. The Bible is bold: “He that winneth souls is wise.”

Without question, I am convinced because Compassion reached out (intentional) and loved and labored among the hungry, hurting and homeless (relational) is why so many have come to faith in Christ (spiritual). Upward is no different. Regardless, if you are a CEO, mechanic at the local garage, run a bowling alley, multi-tasking soccer mom or teach Sunday School we can all learn from this lesson and implement them in our daily lives. It’s all about Jesus and may we go onward, reaching outward while loving, leading and living UPWARD.