Many years ago, James Paul began dreaming about helping launch a sports league where kids could come and play for no charge. He was coaching Little League at the time, but now, as an Associate Pastor at Restoration Ministries, he is getting the chance to see his longtime goal finally become a reality.
“This is a chance for people to come out and play, and for the community to get together and just have some fun,” said Paul, who also serves as the Director of Facilities for Restoration Ministries.
Paul said that about 120 kids and roughly 70 adults have signed up to participate in the league’s inaugural season, which kicked off last Tuesday evening, July 8, at the Restoration Ministries campus, located at 420 Lily School Road in southern Laurel County.
With that big of a turnout, Paul said that he and his fellow organizers were able to split the league up into several divisions – 2-5 and 6-8 year-old groups in the Rookie League Division, 9-12 and 13-17 year-old groups in the Minor League Division, and 18-and-up in the Major League Division.
The league does not charge for participation, and all coaches and umpires are serving on a volunteer basis. With the church being located in Lily, kids and adults are coming in from all over the tri-county area to take part.
“Everybody can play wiffle ball,” Paul explained when asked about the decision to focus on that particular activity. “There is no need to buy expensive bats, or the best glove. You just get together and play.”
“We didn’t know if there would be two people show up or what, but we have been very awestruck by it all,” Paul added, speaking about the response to the formation of the league. “All credit and glory goes to God for everything that we’ve been able to do. Without Him, none of this is possible.”
As previously mentioned, competition officially got underway last week at Restoration Ministries with a special opening pitch ceremony that honored the life and memory of Leanna Smith, the wife of Senior Pastor Ronnie Smith, who passed away earlier this year.
Paul described it as an emotional moment that also brought great joy once play commenced and he was able to see a longtime personal dream finally come to fruition.
As for how Pastor Ronnie Smith felt about it, he said, “I think it is so neat to be able to utilize the facility to bless our community. We have seven-and-a-half acres here, and the history of Lily High School and Elementary School brings back a lot of memories for people. We have plenty of room, and we want to use it the best that we can.”
Speaking about getting to honor his late wife at last week’s dedication ceremony, Smith said, “Naming the park after my wife wasn’t my idea, but I appreciate being surrounded by people that loved her so much. When Leanna and I started our church, it was just a Bible study in our house. Nine years later, we have multiple campuses and an outreach with a school, preschool, daycare, addiction services, and even a feeding program. Not to mention a wonderful church approaching 300 members.”
“Anybody that knows her knows how sweet and kind she was, and how much she loved children,” Smith said of his wife. “She’s everywhere on this property, in every building and every room, and I’m so honored for her to be remembered in this way.”
Smith added that, when he was asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to open up competition last week, he decided to invite his best friend of over 40 years, Larry Dickerson, to be the catcher.
“When Larry and I were kids, we played wiffle ball in our yard. Now, 40 years later, we have a free league for the community. It just goes to show you that you never know what will happen until you have a dream.”
Smith, Paul, and the rest of Restoration Ministries are excited to host this new league through early next month for the Rookie League and Minor League Divisions. Play will continue in the Major League Division for a couple of extra weeks, and could include a home run derby in addition to the championship tournament.
While nothing is set in stone, there is a strong possibility that Restoration Ministries will offer other leagues in the future. One could take place in the fall of this year, and there is also the possibility of an expanded wiffle ball league in the spring of next year.
Fun is a top priority with Restoration Ministries’ new wiffle ball league, as well as any other leagues that may follow, but the main goal is always about leading people to a personal relationship with God.
“This is about way more than just wiffle ball,” Paul said. “We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The church is supposed to be the church outside of just those four walls, and this is one way that we can do that. We can show people how to care for each other, and how to cheer each other on. Just showing the love of Christ is one of the best ways that I can really describe this.”
If you would like to check out some wiffle ball action for yourself, and begin learning about other offerings at Restoration Ministries, games are currently being played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Those interested can follow the church on Facebook page for future updates and announcements, or reach out by phone at (606) 261-7926.
