N. Mpls basketball players win on and off the court
It may be surprising to see a group of men praying on the basketball court, but at the N. Lyndale Ave. Salvation Army in Minneapolis, the coaches say it’s a central part of their success.
“Basketball is just a tool for us to share the Gospel with the community,” explained Leo Rojas, who volunteers to coach the team with his wife, head coach Debra Rojas.
Men from the North Minneapolis community are invited to play basketball on two different teams (pictured) for four hours every Saturday, and compete in the Minneapolis Parks and Rec league (pictured).
The teams begin practices and games with a prayer, then give the coaches 10 minutes to teach about practical ways that God can impact their lives.
“It’s all about making choices – the path you choose matters, and Christ has given us an 
opportunity to make our lives better,” Rojas said.
At first, some of the team members resisted the message. Today, they look forward to the fellowship as much as the game itself.
“These coaches are just rock stars,” said Captain Jim Brickson, co-leader of the N. Lyndale Ave. Salvation Army.
Brickson says the Rojas came to The Salvation Army and offered to start and coach the basketball teams. Brickson says there is no doubt it’s had a positive effect.
“The players are top notch,” Brickson said. “They are definitely more vested than the other people who use our gym. It’s great to see them bring a high level of respect to the court.”
And it’s working. The two teams finished second and third in a Minneapolis Parks and Rec league this year, with plans to go for it again next year.
Most importantly, Rojas says the men are seeing a positive impact in their lives off the court.
“We get calls all the time from family members saying they are so grateful, his attitude has changed, he’s a different person now,” Rojas said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.