05/27/2025
Dear UBW Family,
This weekends UBW ninja competition was more than a tradition—it was a beautiful tapestry of faith, family, and fellowship, woven together by the love of Christ. What began as a gathering for ninjas to compete, play, and build relationships has grown into a powerful family reunion where we become the hands and feet of Jesus. As it says in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” You all embodied this scripture with your selflessness and heart.
I’m beyond grateful for the incredible team who poured their creativity, hard work, and passion into making this year’s event unforgettable. Sam Folsom, Matt Bradley, Luke Dylan, Evan White, Gavin Allen, Jessie Graff, and John Brown—you are the heartbeat of UBW. Your dedication to creating a fun, challenging experience for everyone allowed us to focus on what truly matters: relationships and glorifying God. Your servant hearts reflect Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
To Steve, Dave, Julie, Amy, John, Rachel, Jonathan, Brandon, Shaw, Anileigh, Daniel, Canaberry, and countless others who jumped in wherever needed—your willingness to serve made this family shine brighter. You remind me of 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Sunday’s church service was the pinnacle of this year’s UBW, a testament to God’s movement among us. We witnessed a young man overcome his fear of water through swimming lessons to be baptized, a powerful step of faith that inspired others. Another, who once doubted Christ, found Him through shared conversations and daily encouragement, choosing baptism as Christ became the Lord of his life. And in a divine moment, a gentleman, burdened by past hurts, found healing through a conversation that led to his baptism—right in the middle of the competition! As Daniel Gil and I paused the event to baptize him, I was reminded of Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” These moments are why we do this—to seize every opportunity to lift and glorify the Lord.
None of this would have been possible without you—the UBW family. Your love, support, and willingness to be part of something bigger than any one of us made these eternal moments possible. As we move forward, let’s continue to listen and act when God opens doors, trusting in His promise from Matthew 28:19-20, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Sam, Matt, Luke, Evan, Gavin, Jessie, John, and every single one of you—thank you. I love you all and can’t wait to see what God does at the next UBW! 🙌❤️
With all my heart,
Mike Cook
