The fourth annual Alumni Basketball Game, 鈥淗oops for Hope,鈥� held Feb. 7, was a night full of heart-warming competition. During the game, SA国际传媒 Preachers basketball players faced off against alumni, with alumni claiming victory with a final score of 71-70.
The event raised awareness for The Hope Center for Families, a ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church that serves families in the St. Louis municipalities of Ferguson and Jennings. Twelve alumni from five states participated in the game.
The game also concluded the Preachers鈥� season.
鈥淭his is a great time of fellowship and friendly competition. It鈥檚 also a chance to look outside ourselves and support an important local ministry,鈥� said Assistant Coach Dr. Peter Nafzger, assistant professor of Practical Theology and director of Student Life.
At halftime, children served by The Hope Center played a game on court with current Preachers and alumni, and an offering was taken in support of the center. Graduating Preachers and their spouses also were recognized.
Rev. Gerard Bolling (鈥�16), associate pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran and co-director of The Hope Center, spoke about the impact that the center is making in those communities.
鈥淚t takes an entire team,鈥� Bolling said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thankful for God鈥檚 faithfulness through an extensive network of Lutheran churches, schools and volunteers that help The Hope Center for Families serve some 60 children and their families with their spiritual and physical needs.鈥�