West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy had a one of a kind swim lesson this morning with our friends at Queens University Swimming. Humbled by the opportunity to learn from Coach Jeff, Coach Rachael & Coach Bradford along with some amazing swimmers from Queens University. We look forward to having them over to Gracie’s House Pool for more lessons and fellowship in the near future.
It’s taken me little over 24 hours to process what I witnessed in Atlanta yesterday at the Argentina vs Egypt match @ Mercedes-Benz Arena. I’ve watched more soccer in the past few weeks than I have my entire life. Never played it growing up, football & baseball were my thing. With that said, I’ve grown to appreciate and respect the game so much throughout the World Cup 2026. Yesterday was an experience we will never forget. God orchestrated the entire moment for us. It all started when I surrendered my life to Christ in 2012. Put down the drugs & alcohol to give my life away to serve the Kingdom of God. Through God’s story West Blvd Ministry was born in 2017. Shortly thereafter I met Jim Thompson who not only became a consistent volunteer at WBM but also a dear friend & Brother In Christ. We would have outreach events in neighborhoods throughout the West Blvd corridor and tirelessly poured into Stonewall Jackson Apartments, a Hispanic and Latino neighborhood. We gained trust, new friends and an extended family. The WBM Stars Academy was blessed with parents from this community trusting us with their sons. Yesterday, Jim & I had the honor and privilege to take Francis & Matthew, from Honduras & El Salvador, to the World Cup 2026 Argentina vs Egypt. To witness the epic comeback by Messi and his teammates was something we will never forget. So many life lessons we talked about coming back to Charlotte on I-95 after the match. Before we left we gathered for prayer and reflection at the Air BnB, I spoke about how long ago God was working to bring us all to this moment in our lives, experiencing something so magical & pure. This is why God is called the Master Artist! To God alone be all the glory!!
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy made it to Wrightsville Beach for an unforgettable weekend of fellowship, faith, and fishing. On Monday, Coach Todd organized and led the first-ever WBM Charter Fishing Trip with Captain Tommy and Captain Steve from Southport Angler Outfitters.
The day was filled with incredible memories as the group caught Croaker, Flounder, Red Drum, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, and even a Blacktip Shark! As an added blessing, it was also the very first time Omar and Francis had ever seen, or stepped into, the ocean, making the experience even more special.
This wasn’t just a fishing trip, it was a day of firsts, fellowship, and God’s amazing creation. At West Blvd Ministry Stars, we’re all about creating moments and memories that last a lifetime because every one of them is a gift from God.
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank our friends that make life changing experiences like Camp Thunderbird possible. This is the 3rd year that we’ve been blessed to send a group to Camp Thunderbird. It takes a lot of preparation to get everything just right for a week of fun, faith, fellowship, new friendships & life experiences. They come home just a little more grown up, which is really cool. We’re forever grateful for opportunities to expand the hearts & minds of our WBM Stars Academy.
The WBM Stars Lawn Care is officially up and serving our neighbors. Today we had the blessing of taking care of Ms.Ruby & Ms.Cochran’s yards. Each week we will be serving the elderly throughout the neighborhoods that surround West Blvd Ministry. Our young men are learning a skill, responsibility & teamwork. West Blvd Ministry will be paying the young men an hourly wage as well as opening up Savings Accounts.
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank our friends at Speedway Children’s Charities for inviting us to their 44th Annual Gala last night at the 10 10ths Motor Club. For us to have an opportunity to represent Jesus, West Blvd Ministry & one of their nonprofits the SCC supports was humbling. Francis did an amazing job on stage in front of over 500 attendees. God sure does put us in some incredible spaces!
West Blvd Ministry’s humbled & honored to receive the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department 2026 Citizen Service Award. We’re intentional and creative in ways we walk with our friends at CMPD Westover Division and beyond. From our 6th year of BBQ For Blue, Burnette & Nobles Basketball Court to a Human Touch Super Novo massage chair, we strive to celebrate, pray for and support CMPD each and everyday.
West Blvd Ministry & Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill came together for Family Night at Gracie’s House. SCPCPH has been a faithful friend to WBM for year’s. Last night we had an opportunity to fellowship & break bread once again. We played soccer, wiffle ball, football, basketball, ate pizza, had a Dance Off with our DJ spinning it & enjoyed an ice cream treat with our own Ice Cream Truck. This is what Church looks like to us! Thank you SCPCPH. Jesus WINS again!!
West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy would like to thank our friends at My Farm Camps & Ms.Morgan for their friendship. Our young men had such a beautiful afternoon caring for the animals and riding horses. Amazing fellowship that deepens our love for the Kingdom of God. Turning God sized moments into memories 🙏🏾🐴❤️
West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy would like to thank our friend and Milwaukee Brewers Manager Pat Murphy for opening up his dugout to us before the game against the Red Sox. The students also had the opportunity to meet and talk with #22 Christian Yelich and #20 Brandon Lockridge — an unforgettable experience made possible by WBM’s very own Norwood Teague. Thank you, brother! Standing on Fenway Park with Neil Diamond’s “America” 🇺🇸 playing in the background truly doesn’t get much better than that.
To wrap up our final day in Boston, we visited the Boston Tea Party site where the American Revolution began and walked through Boston Commons, taking in the rich history of the city. God, thank You for the provision, safety, and direction throughout this incredible week. West Blvd Ministry is heading back home to Charlotte early Friday morning ✈️.
Spring Break 2026 is officially underway for West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy! The team boarded the 🛫 to Boston and kicked off an unforgettable trip filled with faith, fellowship, learning, and fun. After an early morning at the airport, the students enjoyed a full first day exploring the city and making lasting memories. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and prayers, and thankful that God continues to make opportunities like this possible.
Day 2 in Boston was just as exciting! The day began with breakfast and a devotional led by Coach JT, followed by Air Houston Training, pool time, a visit to the Museum of Science, dinner at Joe’s Waterfront, and so much more in between. Thank you, Jesus, for safe travels, growth, and these amazing experiences together!
West Blvd Ministry was on hand for today’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the home of Eddie Ward. Eddie lost his home to Hurricane Helene in September 2024. West Blvd Ministry along with Valley Hope Church in Swannanoa partnered to make Eddie’s homecoming a reality. We worked hard providing labor & financial resources to the underserved throughout Swannanoa in the aftermath of Helene. Today was a special day! Thank you Jesus for leading our heart & hands.
West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy had a great night watching the Charlotte Checkers at the Old Charlotte Coliseum. We always love sitting so close to the action and it never disappoints. Great night of fellowship, food and of course an appearance by Chubby is always a highlight.
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy tore up the track this evening at Victory Lanes. Great night of racing, fellowship, laughs and alot of fun. Grateful for our WBM Coaches that showed up & showed out on the track. We always love going to Victory Lanes and the Staff is super accommodating.
Last night, Francis from our West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy reached out to say that his Father, Osmin, wanted to shovel the driveway at Gracie’s House just because he’sgrateful for everything WBM does for his family. Today, Osmin was at Gracie’s House hard at work by himself clearing the driveway of snow. Mr.Bart arrived and joined in to help. Then Francis, Wayne & Branson showed up on their bikes to work alongside of them. Filled Mr.Bart’s heart to see everyone working together. What an incredible display of selflessness and hard work. To God alone be all the glory!
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank our very own Coach Mike Gminski for blessing us with his Philadelphia 76er jersey. Coach Mike was wearing this same jersey when he scored his 10,000 career NBA point against the Seattle Supersonics. Coach Mike shared a story about one of his favorite scripture verses, Isaiah 40:31, with our WBM Stars Academy before signing the jersey, which will be put up on our jersey wall in the Mentoring Clubhouse.
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy’s Back to School Shoes outing. Every year we take our young men shoe shopping in August & January. Blessed to give them an opportunity to pick out their very own pair of shoes that fit their current style. Tonight was super smooth and we appreciate all of our Stars Coaches that took time to help in the process.
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy finished off a very full Tuesday with the Hornets vs Wizards game. We were blessed to watch from the Novant Suite, compliments of our friends the Slattery’s. First class experience & created memories that we will cherish forever.
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank our friends at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Westover Division, Walmart Wilkinson and Kingdom Demolition (Thomas & Tanner Keith Girdwood) for making the 3rd Annual Blue Christmas a special day. Today, our WBM Stars Academy teamed up with a CMPD Officer to shop for some special gifts for their families. Merry Christmas! Our Savior is Born. Isaiah 7:14
God’s Divine Appointment….About 8 weeks ago Raine & I were in Blowing Rock for the weekend and headed over to Boone to take care of a few things. On King Street we met The Kingdom Seekers, a local Gospel & Appalachia music group, who play to raise financial resources to bless Cove Creek & Mable Elementary Schools for Christmas.There is a different type of poverty throughout Appalachia. Resources and organizations that are available to serve are few and far between. West Blvd Ministry made a commitment on Saturday, October 18th to support their efforts. Today was the anointed & appointed day to fulfill God’s plan. What a beautiful morning shopping, sharing stories and in prayer. We heard stories of 4 children who just lost their Father or siblings who had to share one toothbrush. We were so encouraged by today that we were already talking about what next year could look like. West Blvd Ministry is forever grateful that God provides us the freedom to live the gospel of Jesus Christ out each and every day.
West Blvd Ministry would like to thank our friends at Speedway Children’s Charities for selecting us as a grant recipient for 2025. We had an amazing evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway with all of the other 94 non profits that were blessed by SCC. Definitely a night to remember and we look forward to walking with SCC in 2026. Merry Christmas, our Savior is Born!
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy would like to thank our friends at Top Golf for an incredible evening of golf & fellowship. The young men were very well behaved and I believe we found a few new golfers. We’re all about exposing our young men with new experiences and challenges, walking each step of the way with them.
West Blvd Ministry’s still leaning into the families within Swannanoa, NC. There are still many families without homes and were committed to do our part to restore the home of the Ward Family. Today we laid the vinyl flooring throughout the home after installing the subfloor this summer. Looking forward to working with Valley Hope Church to bring this project to completion.
West Blvd Ministry’s honored to support our friends at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Today we unveiled the plaque officially naming thr Burnette & Nobles Court at CMPD Westover Division. Thank you West Blvd Ministry family that gives us the freedom to create opportunities to encourage and acknowledge the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters at CMPD with dignity and purpose.
So JESUS showed up today! I scheduled a walk in appointment at OrthoCarolina this afternoon for another cortisone shot for my right knee. Upon leaving Ortho/Randolph I noticed a young man sitting with his mom. As I walked by them and approached the door, I internally heard Jesus tell my heart to turn around. I did and my life has changed for the better. I had the honor to meet Marley, 11 years old, and Shauna his Mom. Marley suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa, the Butterfly disease. I knelt down and asked him if he could go anywhere in the world where would he go? God gave me that question. Marley loves Transformers and said Universal. I said DONE in the name of Jesus! We will start planning Marley, his parents and 2 siblings trip to University Studios in Orlando in the upcoming days with West Blvd Ministry covering the costs. Afterwards, I prayed with Marley & Shauna, then Marley asked if he could pray for my knee. I broke down as he thanked God for bringing him an Angel today. His sweet voice covered me with the Holy Spirit. We never know what could & will happen if we listen to God’s call on our heart. It wasn’t about my knee today, it was ALL about my new friend Marley. To God alone be all the glory, now and forever!
Please go follow Marley’s Instagram page, @marleyslight, and let’s flood his posts with love, encouragement, and prayer — all in the mighty name of Jesus.
West Blvd Ministry blessed to have the opportunity to attend the Dolphins vs Panthers game today. It was the 1st NFL game, in person, for each of our young men. We are always looking to provide our Stars with new experiences that create lifelong memories. Love is a verb at West Blvd Ministry.
West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy would like to thank our friends at The South End Shuffle 5k & Mile Run for blessing us today. We’ve trained for weeks in preparation for today’s 1 Mile Run and had 4 of our young men in the Top 15 & everyone who competed WON today. This was our 4th year participating and being a beneficiary of the race. Thank you to all the a sponsors, Ron Skufca and Silvia Cardoso Skufca for a 1st class event.
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy would like to thank former Tulane, Duke University and new Charlotte Hornet Sion James for taking the time to spend the afternoon with us. Sion is an incredible young man with a bright future ahead. He spoke of the importance of faith, family, education, hard work and perseverance. Just another example of how God orchestrates relationships to positively impact our young men at West Blvd Ministry. Thank you Sion!
West Blvd Ministry, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Starbucks & Southwire came together for a Back To School event for the West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy at CMPD Westover Division. It’s so encouraging to work together to lift up families throughout the West Blvd corridor. We build bridges through intentional relationships that produces a harvest that will impact generations to come.
West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy would like to thank all of our friends that made back to school shopping a reality. Our Stars had so much fun picking out new outfits for the upcoming school year. Looking good, feeling good and excited to have the best year ever. To God be the glory!
West Blvd Ministry’s 3rd Annual Beach Trip to Surfside Beach was a week to remember. For the third year in a row, we stayed in the same house, creating intentional memories that will last a lifetime. This year, 13 young men from WBM made the trip, and we are so grateful for the friends and supporters who made it possible. May the Lord our God continue to cover us with His blessing, protection, and provision.
We kicked things off with four hours at the beach before heading to Big Air for an afternoon of fun, followed by pool time, golf cart rides, and a catered dinner back at the house. Day 2 wrapped up with an impromptu talent show, and congratulations went to Isaiah for being named MVP.
The next day, the guys got after it again with a full schedule—basketball, football, boogie boarding, a banana boat ride, go-karts, roller skating, laser tag, swimming, and even WBM’s 1st Annual Spelling Bee Competition. Congrats to CJ for winning the Spelling Bee and to Jeven for earning Day 3 MVP.
On our final full day together, we started with putt-putt at Shipwreck Island Adventure, then enjoyed swimming and lunch back at the house. From there, we explored Hudson’s Flea Market, shopped at JAWS Beach Store, and ended the night with catered BBQ. Messiah earned Day 4 MVP, while Isaiah took home MVP for the entire week. We closed out the trip at the Garden City Pier and Pavilion Arcade, making the most of every moment.
Thank you, Jesus, for blessing this trip and allowing West Blvd Ministry to live it to the fullest!
West Blvd Ministry & SteelFab, Inc. sponsored the 2025 West Charlotte High School Football team luncheon at Gracie’s House/West Blvd Ministry today. We came together for fellowship, good food and alot of fun whether it was in the pool or on the court. It gave us all an opportunity to celebrate last years 3A NC State Championship and to look forward to the upcoming season ranked #1 in NC. Best Impressions catered today’s event and the food & service was spectacular as always. #fordboyz #wbm #dubc
Now that was a FULL Tuesday at West Blvd Ministry. We had 6 WBM Stars in the pool today, then we went as a group to Hive Fitness for a Cardio Hardio workout with Coach Bryson, then we returned to Gracie’s House for football & basketball games with our friends from queens_mbb, Queens University Mens Basketball Team. Forever grateful for Hive Fitness and Queens Cocah Grant Leonard for embracing West Blvd Ministry.
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy arrived at Camp Thunderbird at Lake Wylie for a weeklong adventure, marking our second year of sending some of our Stars to camp. This year, we were excited to include one of our Star’s little sister. It was a blessing to provide a group of children from inner-city Charlotte a safe place to make memories and moments that will last a lifetime. We are grateful for the incredible work and preparation that the Camp Thunderbird team put in to turn our experience into a memory that will last forever. There were a lot of tears and long goodbyes as the week came to an end, a testament to the love and care the team at Thunderbird showed our Stars. This life-changing experience, along with others, was made possible through your generosity and by walking alongside us at West Blvd Ministry.
The West Blvd Ministry Stars landed in the NC mountains for their first-ever trip! We kicked off the weekend with a day full of fellowship, fun, and memory-making at Tweetsie Railroad, soaking up everything it had to offer. On Saturday afternoon, we made it up to Grandfather Mountain, spending time in a peaceful and serene place of natural beauty. Later, we enjoyed an afternoon walk around Bass Lake and had a relaxing time, grateful to have been one with God and nature in such a beautiful setting. It was special to share these places that had meant so much to us while watching these four young men experience the mountains for the first time. We were grateful for our WBM team who made opportunities like this possible.
wbmstars #blowingrocktrip2025
God showed up & showed out in Swannanoa, NC on Saturday. West Blvd Ministry, Valley Hope Church & Adventures Relief teamed up to start the transformation process for the Ward Family home. We worked hard all day laying insulation & the subfloor. Forever grateful for all of the WBM Team who selflessly made the trip. More service opportunities will be available on this special project and others. We’ve NOT forgotten about our brothers & sisters in Western, NC. To God be the glory!
The West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy would like to thank our friends at Charlotte Running Company- Dilworth for blessing us. Tonight we visited the store for fellowship, food, encouraging & challenging message and a NEW pair of running shoes. We will wear the shoes when we train for the South End Shuffle 5k & Mile Run in September.
WOW!! Thank you My Farm Camps for having the West Blvd Ministry Stars Academy out for another memorable afternoon. Today marked our 3rd trip to this slice of heaven just a few miles from West Blvd but might as well have been a million miles away. 8 of our young men rode a horse for the 1st time. Another milestone, all to the glory of God. Expanding hearts & minds!
Who would have ever imagined West Blvd Ministry standing in The White House? But here we are! By God’s provision and direction—and the friendship and support of so many—this week’s adventure became a reality. Life-changing memories and moments were made that we’ll carry with us forever.
It’s a long way from West Blvd., but now it’s our responsibility to open our hearts and minds and turn this shared experience into action. And the blessings just keep flowing!
Today, we were treated to a private tour of The Capitol thanks to the office of NC Congressman Pat Harrigan, followed by an unforgettable trip to the Spy Museum. Grateful for the sunshine, the fellowship, and every moment along the way.
#wbmstars #whitehouse #capitolhill #grateful
