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Four-day tournament draws 14 teams to Moore Street Corps.
Recently, 14 teams and some 200 men and women players met at the Portland Moore Street Corps for the ninth annual Doris Verbout Salvationist Basketball Tournament. There were four days of worship, fellowship, and basketball. Tournament director was Tim Fuqua.
The Eureka Songster Brigade joined with the Moore Street Worship Brigade to inspire soul-moving services. Bible instructors and preachers included Major Robert Rudd, Cascade divisional commander; Jerry Moss of the Portland Trailblazers; Michael Holton, former NBA player and coach of the University of Portland Pilots; and Captain Robert Marshall, Moore Street corps officer. Worship was enhanced significantly by the creative work of Ted Kennedy and his multi-media PowerPoint demonstrations used throughout.
Each game began with prayer. Inspired by the worship activities, Major Rudd preached the first night on “David and the Dwarf.” Throughout the tournament, 41 people accepted Christ and others sought a deeper relationship with their Lord.
Friday, an energetic and enthusiastic time of worship and prayer concluded a day of 14 games. Moss shared a Bible lesson, speaking on the topic, “Sailing Against the Wind.” Linda Fox, a daughter of Doris Verbout, and Verbout’s grandson, Andrew Fox, shared testimony.
Saturday, after the games, all participants met for a Singspiration and a dinner of “Thanks-Living.” Holton was the guest Bible speaker, and an extended time of prayer concluded the evening.
On Sunday, following overflowing services, there were semi-finals and championship games. After the awards ceremony guests and players joined hands and circled the gym to sing “We are One in the Spirit,” followed by prayers of benediction and for safe travel.
Homeward bound, thoughts were already on 2007.
