After Hurricane Katrina slammed Louisiana in 2005, members of First Baptist Church in Houston traveled to the town of Poydras to minister to community members there. They returned three more times to lead vacation bible schools and sports camps.
Although the need was great in that area, FBC associate minister Harold Bruening believed there was the same opportunity to assist those closer to home.
For the second straight year, the church hosted a sports camp in Houston last week. The free event allowed children entering kindergarten through the fifth grade the opportunity to receive instruction in two sports of their choice during a three-hour period. They are coached in a Christian environment and daily hear Bible stories from teenagers in the church’s youth group.
“There is a double emphasis for us,” Bruening said. “We’re able to provide a great event for children in our community and minister to their needs while also giving our teenagers the opportunity to develop leadership skills.”
A total of 58 boys and girls registered for the five-day camp. They had the options of training in volleyball, basketball or wrestling during the first session and soccer, cheerleading or basketball in the second session. Each was one hour, 15 minutes long.
Mike Buckwalter, a church member and former wrestling coach, led the wrestling portion of the camp. The other sports were under the direction of members of the youth group. Many are involved in the same sports at Houston High School.
“We didn’t let the teenagers just show up the week of camp without a plan,” Bruening said. “Each leader was required to present a schedule of what they would do with the kids for each session all five days. And they did a great job. I’m proud of them”
Between the two sessions, the children were provided snacks and gathered to listen to a Bible story.
“We had a great turnout again this year,” Bruening said. “It’s a win-win for our youth group and the kids in the community.”