Basketball Goals

Another important ministry focus is the placing of basketball goals on church properties in Kenya. Keeton found a home on the basketball court. He found a peace in the rhythm of a dribbling ball and the swish of the net. Keeton anxiously awaited his day to go to Kenya to begin his international mission trip journey. He earned the money for his passport, so he just needed to wait until he turn 12 years-old before he would be able to go, per my rules. That milestone birthday would have been March 2024, and his first trip would have been that same summer. 

But don't think Keeton was idle, waiting for his chance to go. He faithfully worked the field where he was planted. His field didn't have rows of dirt. It didn't require shovels or tractors. His field was a court and a cement pad. It had a free throw line, backboard, rim and net. He used an orange ball with black stripes that had a distinct sound as it bounced on the court. And somehow between the competition, passes, dribbles, and points, God created opportunities and moments for Keeton to share his heart. When he faced chaotic or tough days, shooting hoops in the driveway while singing praise and worship songs brought rest to his mind and heart. 

After Ayden's first trip to Kenya, Keeton wanted to hear all the details. Ayden talked about playing soccer with the children at the schools, so Keeton wanted to know if he played basketball with them. To say his flabbers were gasted when his older brother told him that basketball goals are not as common in Kenya as they are in America was an understatement. Keeton boldly declared that he was taking Jesus and basketball to the nations. 

Keeton never got the opportunity to take Jesus and basketball to the nations, so we are working towards this goal for Keeton. Our little firecracker wanted to make sure other children had the opportunity to discover the same love he had for the sport. And just as basketball was an avenue to minister for Keeton, a basketball goal can do the same for churches who do not have the space for children and youth to play soccer. Basketball goals take up much less space.

So how do we get basketball goals in Kenya. The most important component is the partnership we have built with Kenya Assembly of God and the university in Nairobi. Pastor Philip Mungai identifies the churches that would benefit from having a basketball goal as an avenue for ministry. He also helps make sure we have everything we need in order to build the goals, transport the completed goals, and  install them at the churches. After purchasing metal and other supplies in Kenya, Pastor Mike stays at the KAG and works in the metal fabrication shop to custom build posts, anchor systems, and brackets for the goals. The post and bracket are designed, so that they are adjustable. The goal can be lowered for younger children or raised to regulation height for teens and adults. We also purchase the backboards, rims, and nets in Kenya. Once the everything is fabricated, Pastor Mike and our friends who work with the KAG help us install the anchor system at the church. The cement needs time to set, so they return on a later date to install the goal. 

One goal costs is $800. While that seems expensive, is there a monetary price that can be placed on the people who will be reached for the kingdom because of a basketball goal? Initially, our plan was to place five goals at churches where Ayden, Keeton's older brother ministered. After several pastors, who had the opportunity to work with Ayden on his mission trips, heard about what we were doing, they wanted to be a part by sponsoring a goal. Because of the generosity of people and businesses, Pastor Mike is able to fabricate and install goals each time he returns to Kenya.

If you are interested in sponsoring a goal, please contact us by email.