(Note from Rowland: there’s currently – March 2005 – an S U logo on our frontpage. Here’s something from them).

Street U

Jesus passes to Matthew, spins a quick pass to John, alley-oop pass to Paul for the slam dunk home!

Twelve years ago I stood in the driveway with my dad, shooting hoops. I counted down in my head the 5 seconds left in the NBA championship game. Fake left. Drive right. Pull up and hit the game-winning shot on the buzzer.

I’m still shooting hoops but the prize has changed. No NBA championships, no adoring fans, no professional sports career. I’m shooting hoops for Jesus. Clich ©, I know, but that is part of what I do. I go down to the local university basketball courts where around 50-100 other people play street-style basketball. The game is a little rough, and so are the guys – a mix of uni students, bored teenagers and guys and girls of any age.

I have always heard about Christ going out to the people and talking to them where they are at. Street U, a new urban mission for SU, gives so much opportunity to do that. As you sit with 2 or 3 guys you’ve probably only met once, waiting to get back on court for the next game, a lot can come up as you talk. I try not to force God into conversations but when your life and work is God it comes up anyway. And once someone finds out what you believe the questions start coming. So who is this Jesus guy? Do Christians really believe God is real or is it a scam? Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?

People are seeking God in many ways and finding him in places that aren’t always behind the doors of a church. Team members are needed and skill isn’t an issue so why not dust off your basketball shoes and join Street U!

Want to know more? Contact John D’Alton at SU Victoria email on johnd[at]suvic.org.au