Houston Basketball League Builds Faith, Fellowship

MISSOURI CITY, TEX. – Sneakers squeaked across the gym floor as young people from throughout the Houston area gathered for a thriving basketball ministry.

For two seasons, the Houston Area Basketball League has united churches, encouraged youth involvement and promoted spiritual growth.

The league officially launched in February 2025 with the goal of connecting youth and young adults from both the Southwest Region Conference and the Texas Conference. The purpose was to promote fellowship, spiritual growth and healthy relationships on and off the court. 

Teams compete over a 10-week season that concludes with exciting playoff games and championship matchups. Before every game, players gather for prayer and devotional thoughts.

Families packed the gyms, friendships were formed and many participants became more active in church. Some players even decided to be baptized.

Helvis Moody, young adult and youth ministries director at the Southwestern Union, played a key role in helping organizers connect with churches throughout the Houston area.

Additional support was provided by Seventh-day Adventist pastors Federico Revollo, Nahum Mendez, Rubi Pimentel and John T. Boston II, as well as Jason North, secretary of the Southwest Region Conference, and Westley McNorton, youth director of the Southwest Region Conference. 

From only a handful of teams, the league has expanded across 10 churches throughout the Houston and Baytown areas, with plans already underway for an even larger third season in 2027. The success of the basketball league also inspired the creation of a volleyball league. 

The ministry has become a powerful example of how faith, fellowship and teamwork can inspire the next generation, strengthen church communities and remind others that small visions can grow into life-changing ministries.

By Keith Rose

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