Coosa Upward youth sports ministry welcomes new directors
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Former Coosa Upward Director Debi Stover is passing the baton for the directorship of the Coosa Upward youth sports ministry to others. Pictured from left are Chris Crumbley, Debi Stover, Brandi Childress, and Matthew Reams. Photo submitted
Special to the News
Submitted by Debi Stover
After three basketball/cheer seasons, three football/cheer seasons, two co-ed baseball seasons, and one co-ed soccer season, it is time to pass the baton for the directorship of the Coosa Upward youth sports ministry.
Watching our youth develop spiritually and athletically has brought me joy. We miss our sons, so working with the young coaches who were often their classmates has fed my soul, and leading the ministry has strengthened my relationship with Jesus Christ.
This league would never have gotten off the ground if it was not for the support of our pastors Tommy Thornton and Phillip Alverson, as well as the spiritual and the financial support of our church family at the Weogufka Family Worship Center.
In addition, I could never have done this without my husband by my side doing whatever, whenever and wherever I needed help.
There are countless other people who need to be thanked for donating their time, money, or both, but there is not enough space. I hope it suffices that the Lord knows who you are; “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
Coosa Upward exemplified exactly how a community is supposed to work. My eyes start to well when I think of everyone who had a hand in making this youth sports ministry happen, from parent and community volunteers, town councils, community leaders, businesses, the school system, and churches. I love our county for “stepping up to the plate” for our kids. But I am no fool; I would never have been able to start this league from the ground up with no money, no equipment, no facilities, etc. without the hand and guidance of God.
It was through that same open communication with Him that I gained the knowledge that it was time to pass the ministry to new directors. I am thankful He sent us three amazing people, each with unique gifts.
Matthew Reams will provide the leadership needed to guide a ministry that deals with hundreds of people and a multitude of organizations each year. Chris Crumbley, who has a passion for athletics, will be a valuable asset because he has been with Coosa Upward since its inception, serving as a coach, spiritual leader and financial donor. Brandi Childress, who has the heart of an angel, will be a blessing because she will keep all the details organized.
It is Brandi’s church, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under Pastor Jimmy Brown, who will serve as the new host church for the league, although the league will continue as a partnership of multiple Coosa County churches serving as Game Day Host churches with volunteers serving in the concession stand and pastors sharing the game day devotion during halftime.
Lastly, Lynn Castleberry, who has also been with the league since its inception, will continue serving as the Facebook moderator. She does a fabulous job keeping parents informed about league happenings.
For me, the most important part of Coosa Upward was a ministry within friendly athletic competition. I once read a billboard that said there is a .03% chance your child will become a professional athlete, but a 100% chance they will face Jesus. The fact that two of our new directors are pastors is icing on the cake.
In addition, the new directors are all young parents who have or will have children participating in the league, which will ensure the longevity of the ministry for years to come.
I know it is impossible to make everyone happy, but I pray that for the majority of people Coosa Upward was a positive experience where families could enjoy a low-cost, year-round, county-wide youth sports experience while fellowshipping with other parents and local churches.
I am excited to see how the new directors will use their gifts to reach even more families. I will continue to pray for and support Coosa Upward in any way needed, and I ask that you continue to do the same.
I know everyone has been anxiously awaiting basketball/cheer season, and we appreciate your patience as the details of the transition were worked out. The new directors will be sharing registration information soon. I’ll see you on the sidelines.
