On Sunday, March 17, members of 88th Street Temple Church of God in Christ, along with their friends and families, participated in the L.A. Clippers “Faith and Family” Night. Superintendent Anthony L. Williams, senior pastor said, “This activity was wonderful for the entire family unit. We had members, young and old in attendance, all enjoying a Clipper basketball game. Also, for many of our youth in attendance it was their very first time being inside the Staples Center as well as attending a professional NBA basketball game. “
88th Street Temple COGIC joined with other churches from around Southern California for the L.A. Clippers 2019 “Faith and Family” night. 88th Street had a total of 149 members to attend and all wore their commemorative “Faith & Family” t-shirt, which they received with each game ticket purchased.
The pregame activity began after Sunday church service with everyone gathering at the Staples Center. 88th Street Temple COGIC publicist/Clipper event coordinator Nakadia McIntyre noted, “Our early arrival allowed for each person to receive a wrist band and enter into the arena early to sit court side enjoying players warm up and also observing all of the preparation involved with L.A. Clippers game. Several members got to meet game announcer and ESPN NBA analyst Ryan Hollins.”
Youth president Sheila Renee Hayes remarked, “In preparation for this activity our youth department was blessed to have a few individuals who purchased a $20 ticket and sponsored a youth member in-need so that they could attend the basketball game with their church. Also, for those children who needed transportation, 88th Street Temple COGIC was able to provide a bus to transport members to and from the Staples Center.”
The entire L.A. Clipper “Faith and Family” game experience was truly special for all who participated. Pastor Williams shared that the youth and young men of 88th Street Temple church had a life changing experience tonight.
“I try to emphasize to our young people that all things are possible, if you can believe it,” shared the pastor. “We began this year, in January, partnering with L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to bring farm animals, carnival games and real snow to south-central Los Angeles. We know that many of the children have never seen real snow in person; and now, two months later, we are partnering with the L.A. Clippers on Faith and Family night.
“More so, 27 of our young men were chosen to stand in the team tunnel at half time, having the opportunity to high-five real NBA players along with legendary African-American coach Doc Rivers (who achieved his 300th win with tonight’s win); high-five legendary Hall of Famer (the NBA logo himself) Jerry West; and of course, high-five the coolest billionaire owner in the world, Steve Ballmer. Furthermore, for our young men to high-five Lou Williams, then watch him make the game winning shot at the buzzer, it just doesn’t get any better than that.”
Remembering the response of the participants, Pastor Williams said, “Several of our young men told me that this was the greatest night of their lives. For these young men to literally shake hands and rub elbows with so much greatness will definitely change the trajectory of their lives.”
Expressing his appreciation on behalf of the 88th Street Temple COGIC congregation, Pastor Williams said, “Thank you to Mr. Steve Ballmer and the entire Clipper organization for a great night. We also thank Mr. Sky Regan, our official L.A. Clippers representative, who provided 88th Street Temple church with VIP treatment and exclusive LA Clipper gear that was made available to our group only. Praise God!”
88th Street Temple Church of God in Christ is located at 8825 S. Vermont Ave., in Los Angeles. To learn more, call (323) 752-7282.
