From Pastor Hannahs: Evangelist Brent Gellos has been to the Philippines eight different times. While at the Philippines he began to dribble a basketball and immediately there was a group of young people around him. The Lord began to lay on his heart a ministry opportunity that became Good News Hoops.
Brother Gellos has taken teams to the Philippines and other countries with the Good News Hoops. The idea is to have local churches get involved in setting up a date and a gym. Young people are invited to either a basketball clinic or tournament. After basketball instruction, the young people are grouped together and a clear Gospel presentation is given. An invitation is given, and the young people are sent in groups for further instruction on how to put their faith and trust in Christ for salvation. The young people are then instructed to attend one of the local Bible believing churches.
Brother Gellos was at our camp - - in Aberdeen, SD two years in a row and he began to present this ministry for young men to go on this missions trip. In 2018 I was able to go on the missions trip as a part of the Good News Hoops team, along with my son and another teen boy from our church. Then in 2019, I was able to go again, this time with boy my sons and another teen boy from our church.
It is an amazing moment to step out doors in the tropical Philippines after coming from the winter in SD. We were able to get a good nights rest, and the next morning we were off for our first meeting. It was amazing to see sometimes over a hundred teen boys come out, sometimes there were young men, and even middle age men that came out. When the Gospel was presented, it was very moving to see many desiring to put their faith in Christ for salvation.
In the evenings we would often minister in a local church. It was so enjoyable not only to see the faithful Filipino pastors, but also some faithful American missionaries. Sometimes it was just a preaching service, and other times it was a youth rally, that we participated in. On some days we would see people saved in each service we attended. We would return to a motel room, sometimes late at night, for a good night but sometimes a short night of rest.
The team seemed to mesh very well. Brother Gellos does an excellent job at keeping the focus on ministry not a vacation. Nevertheless the team has a great time. Our teens, my sons and I have made memories for a life time on these missions trip. I am so thankful for Brother Gellos’ vision for this very important ministry. Only eternity will reveal the work done for the Lord Jesus Christ.
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