As we reflect on 2025, we look back with gratitude, grief, awe, laughter and humility. 🙌
Writing out all of the wins and losses of 2025 would take thousands of words – so here is a quick “Top 5” from 2025 for News Release Basketball.
#5. The Spring Spark: Launching the Year in Israel & Palestine
The 2025 Spring Tour set a powerful tone for the year as the team traveled to Jerusalem, Israel🇮🇱 and Beit Sahour, Palestine🇵🇸. Over the course of five days, the NRB team hosted intensive camps and clinics, serving over 150 players and coaches. With 28+ hours of direct interaction, the tour wasn’t just about basketball drills; it was about building deep relationships and sharing the Gospel in a region where the mission continues to bear fruit.
Don’t forget our team that ended 2024 and started 2025 in Hong Kong in partnership with the CVJM Munich and the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong🇭🇰. AND We have another team there to finish 2025 and start 2026! 🙌
#4. A Summer of Momentum
The 2025 Summer Tours were also a huge success. Our 3 teams, comprised of coaches/players from 5 countries and 8 states, directly reached over 750 campers, coaches and helpers with the GOOD NEWS of eternal salvation found through faith in Jesus Christ!
Our summer ministry teams visited a total of 3 countries (Germany🇩🇪, Zambia🇿🇲 and Kenya🇰🇪), 6 cities, and ran 7 camps/clinics.
#3. Project Complete Africa: GROWING!
Now over four years into this specific mission, Project Complete Africa saw unprecedented growth this year. The initiative continues to evolve into a powerhouse of ministry, focusing on the “complete” athlete—developing young men and women physically, mentally, and spiritually across the continent.
Specifically, through our partners and some generous donors, we have started building 4 basketball courts and 2 soccer fields for our two partner schools in Zambia!
We believe God continues to graciously open doors for us to serve in significant ways not only in Zambia and Kenya, but in a number of other African countries. We are expectantly hopeful for 2026!
#2. Honoring a Legend: Steve Sorensen
A huge part of 2025 was centered on Remembering Steve Sorensen. After 40 years of Christ-centered leadership, Steve’s passing in May left a void that can only be filled by the legacy he left behind. His infectious joy and commitment to the Gospel remain the driving force behind every camp we host.
#1. Divinely Appointed People and Partnerships
The #1 highlight of 2025 was the incredible network of people and partners who made our mission possible. From local churches in Europe and The Middle East to community leaders in Asia and Africa, we worked hand-in-hand with these incredible partners to serve hundreds of athletes.
These collaborations allowed us to go beyond the game, using every layup and practice session as an opportunity to proclaim the Good News. It is through these vital relationships—and the hearts of the players we served—that the message of Jesus continues to spread across the world.
As we look forward to 2026, we anticipate God’s hand continuously guiding our steps while we remain steady in the mission: In Christ, Through Hoops, To the World!
See you on the court!
Check out our 🔗Tour Schedule for 2026🔗.
(It is still being updated!)
