Phoenix Basketball Trip Recap
This past Saturday and Sunday, I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, for a basketball tryout for the Japan Summer League (JSL), an extension of On The Mission (OTM). The JSL is a Pro-Am (Professional/Amateur) basketball summer league in Tokyo, Japan, which I created in 2022 to help raise funds for OTM while also fostering deeper connections in Japan. JSL’s mission is to provide young athletes with opportunities to pursue professional basketball careers in Japan while experiencing the love of God through our coaching, development, training, and mentorship.
A Divine Connection in Phoenix
During the trip, I was able to connect with Khari, a devout Christian introduced to me by my mentor Todd James, a missionary in Ireland. Todd developed Meet My Head Coach, a gospel tract specifically designed for basketball players. Over the past few weeks, Khari and I have built a strong bond through basketball and our shared faith. I’m excited that he will be joining me for both JSL 2025 in June and OTM 2025 in late July.
On Saturday, I met Khari at an English conversation group, where I had the opportunity to share my testimony with a Chinese man who has been living in Phoenix, separated from his family in China. As I shared my story, I felt like God was encouraging him through my words, and when Khari followed up with a prayer over him, I could see that it deeply moved and uplifted him. It was a powerful moment, and I felt like both my testimony and Khari’s prayer brought him encouragement and hope.
Later in the day, we visited Khari’s family and spent time with his younger brother, playing basketball together before heading to an Asian market for ice cream and matcha drinks. While there, we encountered a group of young men, and both Khari and I felt led to share the gospel with them. After our conversation, they told us how much they needed to hear that message and how encouraged they felt.
After dropping off Khari’s younger brother at home, he said to us as we drove away, “Jesus loves you.” This moment deeply touched Khari, who turned to me and said,
“Mike! We really discipled my little brother today! That totally made my day!”
A Weekend of Fellowship and Generosity
That evening, we met up with my friend Dante, who showed incredible generosity throughout the weekend. Not only did he pay for our dinner and dessert, but he also covered the cost of the gym reservation for the tryout. He was truly our person of peace during our time in Phoenix, and I’m grateful for his hospitality.
On Sunday morning, we left our hotel early and visited Khari’s church, where we dropped off a gift for his pastor. Though we only had a brief moment to say hello, I learned that his pastor leads a large congregation and also has a love for basketball. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect with him further in the future.
We also had the opportunity to reconnect with Shingo, who interned with us last summer in JSL. During that time, we shared God’s love with him and had meaningful devotionals together. After the tryout, Khari and I met up with Shingo for a meal, where we had the chance to catch up and deepen our connection. It was a great time of fellowship, reflecting on his journey and how God has been working in his life.
Khari (Left), Shingo (Middle), and me (Right)
The JSL Phoenix Tryout
Heading into the JSL Phoenix tryout, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Only two players had officially registered, but based on messages I had received, I was expecting anywhere from 10 to 15 participants. However, when we arrived, only seven players showed up.
Despite the smaller turnout, I trusted that God had already chosen the right player for us. The athletes gave their best effort, making the selection process difficult, but we ultimately chose one player who stood out, and I’m excited to see him take this opportunity.
However, the most powerful moment of the tryout came after the basketball was over. At the end of the session, we shared about God’s love, and Khari gave his testimony. Out of the seven young men, four gave their lives to Christ that day, and another repented of his sins and expressed a desire to draw closer to God.
As much as I was thrilled to find a talented player for JSL, my greatest joy came from seeing these young men take a step toward faith. It was a powerful reminder of Matthew 9:37-38, which says:
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”
Phoenix was truly a city where the harvest was plentiful, and I am grateful that God used us for His glory.
Khari and I sharing God’s love to these young men in Phoenix, AZ.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Tryouts
With Phoenix behind us, I’m excited for the next five cities where we will be hosting JSL tryouts. Please keep these dates and locations in your prayers:
• March 29 – Los Angeles, CA
• April 4 – San Diego, CA
• April 5 – Seattle, WA
• April 18 – Irvine, CA
• April 19 – San Francisco, CA
As we continue on this journey, I pray that God will guide our steps, bring the right players into JSL, and, most importantly, transform lives through the power of the gospel.
Thank you for your prayers and support—let’s keep laboring in the harvest together!