Snethen-CCA Connection

Dear Marion,

I sat at yesterday's memorial service for Sherry Snethen, and as I listened to the warm words about her life and her vibrant witness for the Lord, I thought about all that she and Elmer have done over many years to help and encourage the work of City Center Academy. Elmer served on the board of trustees of the school for a good number of years, and Sherry was so supportive, running several art auctions to raise funds for the school. They have helped in many other ways as well. I was sitting behind eleven of our boys, all members of the CCA basketball team, and one dear girl who is a faithful team supporter. The kids had decided on their own to attend the service because their coach is Sherry and Elmer's son Aaron.

Last Friday a number of us were at the Christian Street YMCA after school, cheering on the team as they played The School for the Deaf. I watched the two teams play hard, doing what these boys love to do. The kids were African American, and almost all the adults present, except for 3 loyal fathers, were white. In our urban environment these are at risk young men, yet here they were, in a wholesome activity, being mentored by caring adults. And the adult not present, coach Aaron Snethen, coping with the fresh loss of his dear mom, is the second generation in this family to reach out to and help in a tangible way young men who know when they are loved and who responded by supporting him with their presence and with their own quiet affection.

And we won for coach Aaron last week, 76-56!