Baptist and Reflector
Pastor Michael Koontz, left, and youth director, Justin Fritts, right, are joined on the back row by camp speakers Abby Wilson and Tony Ingram at the second annual IGNITE basketball camp sponsored by Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Harriman.
HARRIMAN — It appeared that the best laid plans of Pine Ridge Baptist Church were falling apart, but God intervened.
Last year Pine Ridge sponsored its first IGNITE basketball camp which was a successful outreach tool, said pastor Michael Koontz.
“After what we saw in 2017 we were very excited for 2018,” the pastor said. “And then, just a couple of months before camp, things fell apart,” he said, noting that the venue they used last year was up for sale and not available.
In addition, the guest speakers could not attend. “It was discouraging of course, and questions arose if the camp should happen,” he recalled.
“God answers prayer. Let us never forget that fact,” Koontz said. He noted that as the time for camp neared, a new venue became available, and this time, “we had air conditioning!”
The church also was able to secure college and professional athletes and coaches to serve as camp speakers and instructors. They shared with the campers how God has worked in them and through sports, Koontz said.
“You could hear a pin drop as God spoke to these children and parents,” he said.
Koontz shared that God has been able to make IGNITE Basketball camp free to everyone.
“Our church family showed up in great support to provide snacks, water, and spend time building relationships. All the speakers volunteered their time to come and be with us,” Koontz said.
“God moved and provided everything that we needed to love others to Jesus,” he said.
