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IT'S TIME TO 'JAM'!The official newsletter of TEAM JAM Philippians 3:13-14 Fall, 1996Meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of area youth since 1991, TEAM JAM uses the vehicle of athletics to invest in the lives of young people. We specialize in helping others know Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Football Great Speaks in Akron!Back in 1985, Irv Smith was a 14 year old football player in southern New Jersey. He was introduced to Christ and mentored by a youth pastor in town. Jesus Christ had a dramatic impact on Irv, his family and his friends. Irv has since become a first round draft pick out of Notre Dame and is the starting tight end for the New Orleans Saints. Though very active in his community, Irv made a special trip to the Akron area February 17-18, at his expense. Over 100 young people from all over the Akron area met on Sunday night the 18th at Springside Racquetball Club to hear Irv speak and to have fun. Irv gave individual attention to all he met. Over 20 young people accepted Christ as Savior. They left with two new heros, Jesus Christ and the person who introduced them to Him, Irv. Ten years ago, when Irv gave his life to God, he dreamed with his youth pastor about how God might combine his talents and commitment to God. At Springside, Feb. 18th, that dream came true! Though the ministry wasn't called TEAM JAM back then, the principle was the same. We help young people who don't know Jesus Christ to have a personal relationship with Him and then teach them how to live like Christ among their peers. Recently, one of our athletes was asked by a classmate what "JAM" stood for in "TEAM JAM". He quickly replied, "Jesus and Me". Well, "JAM" really stands for Jesus, Athletics,and Ministry, but both phrases are what this ministry is all about!
(Pictured right) From l to r: Dante Booker, John, little Johnathan, Irv Smith, and Karel Smith at Springside Night.Buchtel, Cuyahoga Falls, & Revere Teens Affected in Outreach In December, three TEAM JAM young people Ryan and Scott Faulkner (Revere HS), and Karel Smith (Buchtel HS & House of the Lord church) took a challenge to grow a youth group. Starting with these and three other young people, attendance averaged between 15-20 teenagers within just two months. Over ten teens came to know Christ at the Bible study. One of these students even led their own father to Christ!Champs! Sparrow(white T-shirt),R.Faulkner (standing, rt. corner) Most of the guests that came to our Springside event were from Buchtel, Falls, or Revere high schools, because of these young men. At Bible Study, they helped bring as many as 55 young people one night and over 100 different teens unfamiliar with church throughout the spring. Cuyahoga Falls senior Jamie Sparrow coordinated a team made up of soccer teammates and area stars for Ohio's Sports Funtastic at Kent State University. Two of his friends accepted Christ that day! Overall, between special events, Bible studies and basketball tournaments, these young people were instrumental in encouraging over 200 teen participants, resulting in approx. 60 teens asking Jesus Christ to be their Savior. Teens are READY to know God! (330) 867-5127 / 626-1386 w John Saucier - Founder/Directorw 605 N. Revere Rd., Akron, O. 44333 (Non-profit thru West Hill Baptist Church) Chicago office w (847) 588-3632w Mike Kuykendal - Director w (Non-profit thru Belden Regular Baptist Church of Niles) SPORTS PAGE WOOSTER : Where it all began!"Do you know of any tournaments to play in?" With those words came the opportunity to take six young men from Cleveland area high schools and enter them in a Word of Life tournament
They stayed overnight at John's house, were fed by his wife Pam, and wore plain navy blue T-shirts with no numbers or lettering. Though generic in their appearance, they made a dramatic impression. Five of the six athletes asked Christ to be their Savior that day at Wooster College, winning the Sr. High championship, and helping God convince John on this vision to help Northeast Ohio youth. 1996 Word of Life Basketball TEAM JAM Alumni Compete For the fourth year in a row, TEAM JAM Athletes finished 1st & 2nd at this tournament held at Wooster college. This was also our fifth Sr. Hi championship. This was our greatest participant response yet. Not only was this our greatest number of participants, it was also the best response to the gospel speaker. We even had a young man from Springfield, Illinois accept Christ. He was one of eight athletes who were brought by TEAM JAM associate Dave Cunningham.The 1996 group included eight teams, 53 athletes, a 29-9 record. 21 first time decisions, including one coach! We also entered our first adult team in an amateur tournament. This team, made up of athletes who were primarily ministered to in high school and adults basketball teams who have assisted this ministry, combined to form a team which competed in the adult division of the Ohio Games, battled well, but lost two heartbreakers at or near the final buzzer. Participants in the June event included such notables as: Quinton
Brooks 1992 Akron
MVP(Firestone HS), All-Big 10 at Mich. St. U. Did you know ? ? ? . . . that the following TEAM JAM athletes will be competing in their first year of college : Raque Anderson (Butler CC, Kansas - football), Scott Boozer (Kent State U.-baseball),Adrian Crawford (Tulsa U.-basketball), David Miller (W. Liberty U. - basketball), Kyle Mraz (Cedarville - basketball), Ryan Noble (West Point - basketball), Craig Rodgers (Toledo - basketball), Ryan Smerek (Dartmouth - basketball), Karel Smith (Penn State U.- football). "TEAM JAM" IN THE NFL RANKS Several exciting events are unfolding in connection with Irv's story. The New Orleans Saints played the Indiana- polis Colts in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, July 27. Joining Irv on the same Saints offensive line is TEAM JAM product and former Kent State U. offensive line- man Keno Hill. Keno is a rookie on this year's roster as a 1996 New Orleans draft pick. Keno credits the change in his life to the time invested in him while he was here at Kent. He transferred to SW Louisiana State and became one of the top lineman in college football last year. Andy McCollum is on that same offensive line and is a former Revere High School standout. Unfortunately, Andy graduated before TEAM JAM was formed. Still, through these other young men, we're getting a chance to know someone from our own back yard. Highlights Kyle Mraz of Revere HS will be attending Cedarville college on a basketball and academic scholarship. Cedarville is a Christian liberal arts college. Kyle first heard of and came to know Christ in 1992 at a Word of Life tourney.Greg Lewis most recently attended Akron East High School but is now enrolled at Medina First Baptist Christian school. We commend this church for their assistance in developing this young man. Greg just recently became involved in TEAM JAM but has shown dramatic personal growth. He hopes to improve his academic ability as well as his personal and spiritual life. Hudson Kiwanis has been offering age group basketball teams for Akron area youth for years. Though they provide a great deal of financing, this program requires a great deal of volunteer help. TEAM JAM has combined with their effort the past two years, providing both volunteers and players. This year's 17 and U team won the Ohio Games state championship in addition to doing well in several other competitions. Hudson High School involved TEAM JAM in their annual unity camp in August that prepares their high school football players for the coming season. The athletes had an opportunity to participate in our "TIME MACHINE". We were honored to be involved. We also will be involved in their weekly chapel services that are offered as an option before the Friday night varsity games. Almost every player attends. Meeting Joe Paterno and Greg Schianno. During the
recruiting of Karel Smith(Buchtel HS) we had the opportunity to meet the
legendary coach and Penn State's area recruiter, Greg. This has created
additional access to the Penn State athletic program. Greg ended up taking
an assistant coaching opportunity with the Chicago Bears. (As of
1999 Greg is now the defensive coordinator of the U. of Miami in
Florida) Grant approved! Recently we received notice that we will be receiving financial support from an Akron area foundation. The money will be used for TEAM JAM expenses and staffing. Financial Report! We now have approximately $20,000 support raised toward the $38,000 complete support goal! THANKS Jennings Htg.-Sponsorship of our team in the All-American Cage Classic. Medina 1st Baptist-Monthly financial and prayer support. Marshall Jennings-Photography John/Joyce Saucier Financial/Prayer GTE Mobilnet-For 40 TEAM JAM/ West Hill Baptist Our mission base, GTE Mobilnet shirts. financial support. Kevin Sunde-Purchasing our uniforms. Beachwood Holiday Inn-Free rooms our Chicago JAM athletes. Paul Springer-Sponsoring summer and basketball team. Belden Regular Baptist-Facilities, financial support in Chicago. Irv Smith-NFL game tickets Miles & Deb Dearth-Financial and volunteer involvement. Gary Kuykendall-Volunteer and financial involvement. All Sport Medina-Assistance with equipment and printing. Sam Serves-Volunteer, rides, sponsoring teens, support. Dave's Pro Shop-Donation of shoes, fielding gloves, shorts. Keep an Eye on . . . Reggie Garnett (Mich. St. linebacker), John Lurtz (Bowling Green linebacker), Marcus Perez (Ohio St. football), Lamar Sharpe (Kansas U. defensive end), Kyle Smesko (Alleghany tailback), Rob Eggers (Indiana basketball), Andy Kanzig (Ohio U. basketball), Matt Newman (Citadel basketball).CHICAGO JAM
This fall will be the fourth year that Mike and Gary Kuykendall will be coaching and ministering to Maine South HS's football team. Several have come to know Christ through this ministry as they lead prayer before games and provide key events to introduce the Gospel. Last year's Maine South team won the state football championship!! WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Do you have access to equipment we could use? TEAM JAM was founded in March of 1991 by John Saucier, a veteran of six years as a youth pastor. John continues to raise funding as a missionary while also working as a Juvenile Detention Officer in Cleveland. Would you like added to the mailing list? Registration Form Would you like to know your options for involvement? Sponsorship Form |
