Hoops of Hope: Sharing Faith Through Basketball in Japan

This was my first experience with a mission trip—sharing hope, joy, and love through basketball. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I could continue playing basketball, as my focus on God had diminished compared to when I was in the United States. Overall, my experience with OTM has left a profound impact on me. I learned so much about God, the OTM members, and myself. In May, I met Coach Mike only once at the All-Day basketball tournament at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, where he invited me to join OTM for the summer. I accepted his invitation without hesitation.

After returning to Japan, I struggled to find a church…

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Michael Acuna
The Basketball Sensei

Kobayashi Sensei was an incredible coach I had the privilege of meeting during a camp in Shizuoka, Japan. His generosity, kindness, and unwavering willingness to help made a strong impression… One particularly memorable moment was when Kobayashi Sensei invited our team to an onsen (Japanese spa). It was there that we had a deep conversation about faith…

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Michael Acuna
When Christ is Proclaimed: A Basketball Mission of Hope and Joy

During our basketball mission trip to Japan, we had the privilege of sharing the gospel with students hungry for truth and hope. From hearing a young boy ask, "Is God actually real?" to helping another break free from the emptiness of a cult, God opened doors to speak life into their hearts. Through powerful moments, we saw firsthand how God is using basketball to reach young hearts and transform lives for His kingdom…

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Michael Acuna
Quality Time With Player and Family

I had the chance to stay with his student, Rino, and her family for two nights and three days. During these few days, I experienced wonderful hospitality. Rino’s family welcomed me on the first night with a DIY sushi roll party and even prepared a bento for me to take for lunch the next day. Rino’s friend, Meisa, from the same basketball team, also came to sleepover the first night and we got to play card games, watch the Olympic basketball game, and enjoy ice cream together while talking about nonsensical, fun topics that allowed us to open up.

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Michael Acuna
Sweet Home Tokyo or Alabama?

Thank you for your support and partnership in bringing hope and joy to the world through basketball! Some of you may have received an email, letter, or a social media post about how to continue supporting OTM this Christmas season.

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Michael Acuna
Support Mentorship & Media Content

Thank you for your support and partnership in bringing hope and joy to the world through basketball! Some of you may have received an email, letter, or a social media post about how to continue supporting OTM this Christmas season.

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Michael Acuna
End Of 2021 Update

Hello OTM Family! Thank you for your prayers and support. Here’s an end-of-the-year update and what we are planning to do in Japan for the 2022 summer.

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Michael Acuna
Coaching Seminar

COACHING WORKSHOP

1. How to create practice methods and a practice menu

2. Working on individual weaknesses in team practices

3. Building a good team

4. Building a Team Strategy

5. Teaching Individual Skills

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Michael Acuna
OTM Spotlight: Austin Lin

My name is Austin Lin and I am a junior playing for Sage Hill School’s basketball program. Though I managed to secure a spot on the Junior Varsity team last year, my lack of experience compared to the rest of the players as well as my impulsiveness prevented me from reaching the next level. Though I have undoubtedly improved during these past two years at Sage Hill, I was still unsatisfied with my current position in the program. As a result, I felt it was necessary to intensify my training for basketball in order to gain positive recognition from the coaches. Throughout this summer, I started training with Coach Mike because I aspire to move up to the varsity team at Sage Hill School. Though it was rigorous and demanding at first, I improved my shooting, ball-handling, and finishing ability exponentially…

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Michael Acuna
OTM Spotlight: Jondy Natividad

(To watch the full Interview click on Read More)

Since the beginning, 2017, when Mike decided to follow God and started OTM, he invited me. Been part of the OTM family since then. I started off as one of Mike’s basketball coaches, then leading and becoming a head coach, and then later led my own team as OTM grew and expanded to various basketball camps.

As a leader on OTM, I had more responsibilities than just being a coach running the drills. I made sure each team member was taken care of during the camp, making sure they know what they are doing, but also outside of the camp, I made sure everyone is getting enough rest, made sure everyone’s needs are taken care of, fed, everyone’s laundry is getting done, taking showers on the clock, making sure everyone is doing well. Basically I made sure everyone is doing well and prepared for each day’s camps. Making sure everyone is ok and the team is cohesive and unified. I delegated tasks to team members to take care of the trip finances, transportation routes, lodging details, etc. it was a big responsibility dealing with our Japanese hosts, making sure we are meeting the needs of our host, and achieve our goals which are to spread hope and joy in Japan.

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