Team Tucson at Battlecry in San Francisco (2006)


Team Tucson Story

Back in 2001, Team Tucson began as a drama team. We had nine youth and three adults, and our skit was called The Journey. It told the story of a man searching for the meaning of life. Along the way, he messed up—he even committed murder and carried the heavy burden of guilt. He tried everything to shake it off: partying, drinking, strict discipline, even relying on his intellect. Nothing worked. In the end, he was condemned to die for what he had done. But then Jesus stepped in, took his place, and died for him. Before giving His life, Jesus explained that we were created to worship God. Then He rose again, removed the stain of sin, and gave this man new life, and a new identity.

At the end of every performance, we shared the Gospel and gave an altar call. It was powerful—and it was fun! That was our beginning.

After a season, God asked me to lay that down. Out of that, He gave me a fresh vision for Team Tucson—not just as a drama team, but as a community service and leadership ministry for youth, parents, and adults. The heartbeat was the same: encourage young people to live successful lives, grow in leadership, and make a real difference in their world.

Serving the City 

We started meeting the needs of the homeless down on 4th Avenue—sharing food, prayer, teaching, and encouragement. Team Tucson planted many seeds of truth in hearts.

Along the way, we’ve done many practical projects:

Mentoring & Youth Programs

For two years, Team Tucson ran a mentoring program. High school students were trained to mentor at-risk kids from Bethany House and the Giving Tree shelter. Each gathering started with healthy snacks, included help with schoolwork, a Bible lesson, and ended with one-on-one playtime—the mentees’ favorite part!

Other programs have included:

·      Friday Night at the Movies — youth watched a film, enjoyed snacks, and had deeper conversations about life lessons.

·      Hip Hop Mentoring — connecting through culture and music to share Christ.

·      Work Ethic Program — teaching responsibility, leadership, and discipline.

·      High School Outreaches — sharing an anti-suicide message with 988 and a peer-to-peer support number, and presenting the Gospel.

·      Helping Seniors Graduate — supporting and equipping them to do special community outreach.

·      The Truth Project—learning how to have a biblical worldview.

·      Samarian’s Purse— gifting a girl, and a boy box 

·      One-on-One Mentoring—With Desert Christian High School Students with elementary children.

Big Events & Conferences

God opened doors for us to take groups of youth to incredible events:

We also sponsored parenting conferences, such as " How to Raise Kids You Want to Keep “ with Dr. Jerry Day, multiple times. This training has been a game-changer for parents, especially foster parents facing deep behavioral issues. At one conference, we invited parents from shelters to attend for free, and Dr. Day provided each family with a complimentary copy of his book, "How to Raise Kids You Want to Keep." Team Tucson followed up with classes to help parents put what they learned into practice.

William, who works in group homes, said, “It was the best parenting conference I’ve ever been to.”

I’ve also been a keynote speaker for a long-standing youth conference in Tucson. Afterwards, I was asked to provide continuing education for foster care parents. I said yes—and it was a great night! The parents wanted more, even asking for the conference to be extended to six hours instead of three the next time. My teaching was called How to Get Your Teens to Squeal Without Putting the Squeeze on Them.

Over the past 25 years, we’ve partnered with other nonprofits and churches to help them fulfill their mission, including:

 

      My Personal Journey

In 2008, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. It stopped me in my tracks. Team Tucson had to pause while I went through recovery. But then one Sunday morning, during prayer in the prayer room, God healed me. Instantly, my breathing cleared, my energy returned, and the swelling in my ankles disappeared. No medicine was necessary.  I give Him all the glory!

Since then, I’ve known more than ever: my race with God isn’t finished. Team Tucson still has a calling—leadership, mentoring, and service will always be at the heart of what we do.

Where We Are Today — Focus for 2025–2026

Our mission remains the same:

👉 Leadership, Mentoring, and Service
Being the difference to make a difference!