Game Winner In Shizuoka
This summer, our On The Mission team had the joy of hosting our very first basketball clinic in Kakegawa, Shizuoka, working with elementary and junior high students from the Jyohoku basketball club. While we had previously visited Itoh, Shizuoka, this was our first time in Kakegawa, and we were invited by Shiho, who is close friends with a missionary from New Hope Tokyo Church. Her invitation opened the door for a new opportunity to share basketball and Christ’s love with young athletes in this community.
Shiho and the Acuna Family
Our coaches stayed with three different families during the trip, which gave us a deeper connection to the people we were serving. Andrew and Austin had the privilege of staying with Ikue and her family, including her two sons, Yuuki and Aoto. From the moment we arrived, their hospitality was overwhelming—welcoming us into their home, feeding us, and encouraging us to feel like family.
We spent countless hours with the two brothers, laughing and bonding over anime, Nintendo Switch games, and even some late-night driveway basketball training. At night, after the boys went to bed, we had heartfelt conversations with Ikue. She shared her deep desire for her sons to grow in confidence, but also her concern that they didn’t always respond to her guidance. Listening to her vulnerability was powerful, and it became clear that God had placed us there for a reason.
Andrew, Yuuki, Aoto, and Ikue (host mother) [left to right]
The very next day at the Jyohoku clinic, we witnessed something amazing. Yuuki, who had been shy and reserved, suddenly came alive on the court. His energy, communication, and relentless defense showed a new spark of confidence and joy. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Aoto, provided one of the most unforgettable moments of the clinic—hitting the game-winning shot in the coaches vs. students game. The gym erupted with cheers of “MVP!” as he was lifted off the court by his teammates, while Ikue beamed with joy from the sidelines.
By the end of the camp, both boys had been transformed. They weren’t just better basketball players; they were brimming with confidence, passion, and a new sense of identity. Saying goodbye at the train station was emotional. As we prayed for the family, Yuuki’s eyes filled with tears—a sign of the deep impact those few days had on his heart.
This clinic in Kakegawa was more than just basketball drills and games—it was a testament to how God works through relationships, encouragement, and the power of community. We left blessed, inspired, and reminded of why OTM does what it does: to spread joy, build confidence, and share Christ’s love through the game of basketball.
Written by Andrew Bennett (Edited by Michael Acuna)