The Crist Family Journal: A Proud Moment

We celebrated the end of basketball season for Upward on Saturday with a ceremony held at church for all 450+ students. Each child is recognized by name and asked to cross the stage to receive an award. This year a “sport” bag was given to each player which was a great gift, because they are perfect for summer camps. There is always some type of program planned and this year was an awesome juggler and unicyclist. He was quite funny too! He did a great job capturing the attention of all the kids and parents. Each year, each head coach from each team is asked to nominate one player who is deserving of the “Christ-Like Award.” This player doesn’t just display athleticism, but rather more important qualities like character, good sportsmanship, a positive role model, honorable behavior, etc. One boy and one girl is chose for this award each year and this year, our son, Jake, was awarded the “Christ-Like” award. I can’t begin to put into words how proud and elated we are that Jake received this honorable award this year. As parents, we work hard to instill positive attributes and morals in our children hoping and praying that they grow up to be the kind of child and adult you would want them to be, but rather yet, a Christian that God asks us to be.

As Jake’s parents, we truly believe Jake is very deserving of this award. Upward is a different caliber of basketball than the competitive leagues Jake was getting used to this year. The teams are made up of an array of kids from athletic to not so athletic and even children with special needs. Upward does a great job in teaching our children that “all kids are winners.” Jake was blessed with great athletic ability and he was able to pull back and remember that he is not the only kid on his team, the Stings. Being one of the tallest on the team was a huge advantage for getting most of the rebounds. Most times you would just go up for a shot, but Jake held back and passed the ball consistently to other players, even though the shot would have been easy for him to make. He did such a great job involving his team and being a great role model. It was a pleasure watching him and just witnessing the character Jake displayed on the court each week. We are incredibly proud of our son. I pray that God continues to work in his heart and follows him through his life and leads him in all is decision-making.

Jake, your dad and I are immensely proud of you. You are turning into the young man we have prayed about. Watching you morph into the young man you are becoming has been such an honor and privilege. I know you think we are tough on you and you may think we are unfair and unwavering, but everything we do is because we love and care for you more than words will ever convey. I hope that you will always have “Christ” in your heart and that you allow him to lead you in life and all your decisions. Without God, we are empty and worthless. Let the award given to you on Saturday be a reminder of how special you are and that all things are possible through Him. We love you, Jake and we are truly honored to be your parents. We thank God everyday for you!

Jacob Crist – Most Christ-like Player

2011 Upward Basketball

Upward Basketball is about helping children to grow in Christ as they learn the game. Some young people come in as complete novices in both areas and others are well on their way spiritually and physically.

In describing the Christ-likeness, I think that you always have to examine lives in terms of where thy have come from and the possibilities of where they can go.

We had a young man on our team who had to model Christ in a very tangible way. Christ is the model of power under control; of submission when he could be an authority; and in the same way, Jacob Crist is in the process of learning what it means to relinquish using his God-given talent in order for his team to be successful and for the other teams not be overwhelmed. For any young person who is learning how to be what it means to be a Christian while playing competitive sport, there are real life lessons that have to be learned that are reflected in the stars that Upward awards.

The Blue Star – Effort: Jake never lacked effort on either end of the court. He was the first down on offense and defense. In practice, he asked for more suicides.

The Red Star – Defense: Jake’s defense originally was taking out frustrations for what he perceived as unfair treatment out on the other team. This shifted by the end of the season by getting his team mates more involved.

The Gray Star – Offense: Jake started to actively suggest ways to improve the team by sharing what he was learning from playing on other teams.

The Gold Star – Sportsmanship: Jake never lashed out after hard fouls or calls that didn’t go his way.

I believe that in the process of maturing from a babe in Christ to maturity, one has to work out the details of his own salvation. Jake is well along in that process.

He has the physical attributes that will make him a stand-out athlete but he is also developing the Christian attitude that will make him an asset to his team.

Arthur Mitchell

Sting Coach

March, 2011