God's Coaching #130

God's Coaching #130

You’ve heard the story of five loaves, two fish, and 5,000 people who were fed. But have you heard the one about the nine-year-old, 2,057 free throws, and $2 million raised? It’s the story of Austin Gutwein and Hoops of Hope.

When Austin was nine, he heard about the millions of kids in Africa orphaned by AIDS. Austin decided to use his favorite sport, basketball, to help. On World AIDS Day 2004, Austin shot 2,057 free throws—one for each child whose parents would die that day. He raised $3,000 through sponsorships. It was a huge success, so Austin kept the idea going. Since then thousands of kids and adults have joined Hoops of Hope in shoot-a-thons all over the country. Altogether they raised almost $2 million by 2010 to benefit children in Africa. The money has helped build schools and medical clinics, and it has provided food, water, and shelter.

What’s the Score?

When you think about showing love, basketball isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. It’s a competitive sport where athletes play to win. But for Austin, shooting hoops was his way of living out 1 John 3:18: “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” Basketball was Austin’s love in action.

What does your love in action look like? You don’t have to shoot hoops or raise millions of dollars, but God wants each of us to do something. The Bible says, “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17). Most of our families have enough money to live well. How can we use our resources and skills to help those who don’t? Put your love into action.

On the Ball

Live out love today.

1. I will live out love for my parents by _____.

2. I will live out love for my friends by _____.

3. I will live out love for kids around the world by _____.

Coach’s Comment

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18