You already know that we serve the homeless and poor in Sunnyslope… but today marks a new day! We believe we are to serve youth in the area as well … those without fathers, those who struggle with gang violence, and those who want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

And one big way we’ll do this is with a basketball court … a near regulation size half-court has been poured in the FRONT YARD. Here’s the amazing story of HOW IT HAPPENED:

A friend of the ministry was at Prodigal’s House and I mentioned to her the idea of putting a basketball court in the front yard to reach out to at-risk youth. She asked what it would take; I figured we could get “close” with about $2,000.

She opened her checkbook and wrote me a check, on the spot, for $2,000.

But that’s just the start of the story…

Her son also wanted to help. He talked with his friend who works at Suntec Concrete, who spoke with his contact at Fort McDowell Materials (a concrete supplier). Some of “the boys” from Suntec Concrete decided to donate their free time to help us out.

And oh, by the way, Fort McDowell Materials volunteered to donate HALF the concrete and give us a 50% discount on the other half!

When a friend from First Christian Church visited the house, we were walking outside as I told him this amazing story. What about the rest of the landscaping needs at the house? he wants to know. I told him I’d know more of what we’ll need after the court was poured. He said not to worry, he would take care of the landscaping costs. Inspired by this whole story!

At this point I’m pretty jazzed and figure we’ll likely have everything done by the end of October. Well, that was not to be. Everyone else was on a much faster track.  On Saturday, September 17, just 8 days after this whole thing began, we had formed the area and had 80,000 pounds of aggregate base laid.

The Suntec Concrete leader said they were shooting for Saturday, September 24, for a concrete pour date, but it could be a month out as well … just kinda depended on things beyond anyone’s control.

Well, on Wednesday evening I was told the concrete was being poured at 8:30 the next morning.  I had just 15 hours’ notice that 120,000 pounds (30 cubic yards) would be poured in our front yard. If there was ANY DOUBT in my heart or mind that working with neighborhood teens was a God-inspired and God-led direction, I had just a few hours to stop everything.

So at 8:42 a.m. on Thursday, the pouring of concrete began. It’ll take a week to cure to the point where we can really use it hard.

I asked the Suntec Concrete foreman what this would have cost if we had just contracted it out. Without blinking he said $10,000.

So what was all this? People just helping out? The Holy Spirit working? I’ll not say. But I’ll tell you what the youth in the neighborhood will be saying the coming months….

It was a miracle.

So I would ask you to pray for us. For the youth in the area who are at great risk from fatherlessness, gang violence, and other issues. For the developing leadership of this part of the ministry, as we continue with our ongoing ministry to the homeless and poor.

God gave a vision … one person caught the vision and gave generously … which started a movement … that will not be stopped!

Thanks for being on the journey with us!
Grace & Peace,

Mike