On November 30th our Genesis Middle schoolers had the opportunity to participate in Hoops of Hope, the world’s largest shoot-a-thon. Our goal was to shoot 6,000 free throws – each shot helping to build a medical lab in Zambia, a country hit hard by HIV/AIDS.  Each day over 6,000 children join the 15 million children worldwide who have already lost one or both parents to this disease. See http://www.hoopsofhope.org for additional information on this mission.

Seventy-one kids joined forces at the Wheaton Sports Center and together shot 5,726 free throws and raised over $3,200 in pledges.  When not shooting baskets the middle schoolers swam, played racquetball, enjoyed a massive sundae bar, and participated in a raffle.

Hoops of Hope is an event that will leave an impact not only on the lives of the children we helped but also on our Genesis kids as well.  God’s love can change the world one country, one community, one child, and one free throw at a time.

YOU can still help our BLAST Middle School Group from First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton in raising money for the children of Zambia suffering from AIDS/HIV.  Please make a donation to this very important cause.  See www.firstgiving.com/blast for details - donations can be made online until February 5, 2008.    You can also download a sponsor form from this website and return it to the Church Office - BLAST Box with your donation.