AKP Sports Foundation, founded in 2022, has quickly become one of the fastest-growing Asian American sports nonprofits in the U.S., bringing people together through sports and service rooted in Christian values.

AKP stands for “Agape, Kairos, and Pneuma”—each Greek word reflecting a core mission: Agape, God’s love; Kairos, meaning opportunity; and Pneuma, representing life. These values guide AKP’s efforts to impact marginalized communities positively by providing spaces where Asian Americans can gather for sports and service and promote community, generosity and faith.

AKP organizes large-scale sporting events, such as free summer camps for youth, collegiate tournaments, and multi-sport, Olympic-style gatherings, uniting individuals of all ages. These events encourage participants to serve their communities, emphasizing outreach to children and seniors in need. Beyond sports, AKP engages communities with professional panels, career fairs, and mentorship, fostering personal, spiritual, and professional growth. Its ambassador program amplifies the organization’s impact, bringing together current and former professional and collegiate athletes, influencers, and celebrities who share the mission of giving back. 

A recent example of the impact was the Korean American Soccer Tournament (KAST Midwest), organized in partnership with The Salvation Army in Chicago. This event gathered over 400 students and volunteers to foster unity, sportsmanship, and service between 10 colleges in the Midwest region, including Northwestern University, Calvin University, and the University of Michigan. Participants joined in community activities at The Salvation Army in Chicagoland, embodying AKP’s vision to blend sports with service and inspire faith-driven generosity.

John Lee, CEO of AKP Sports Foundation, shared: “AKP is grateful for partnerships with organizations and corporations like The Salvation Army and looks forward to expanding its reach, bringing God’s love, opportunity, and life to communities in need.” 

As AKP continues to grow, with more than 55 dedicated staff across the U.S., South Korea, and Taiwan, its mission is to inspire a generation to see their talents as gifts that uplift others and glorify God. 

For more information or to get involved and support AKP Sports Foundation, visit www.akpsports.org.

Prospective Students Visit Asbury University

From January 30 to February 2, Asbury University hosted The Salvation Army Visit Weekend. High school and transfer students aged 16 and older were invited to explore the Asbury campus, attend classes, meet professors and students, worship in chapel, spend time with Salvationists on campus, and stay overnight in a residence hall. 

Special events included a Salvation Army Camp Hiring Fair on Friday, January 31, that featured over 20 camps from the USA and Canada, and the theatrical production “Skeleton Army” by the USA East Arts Ministry. 

To learn more about this year’s event and about the Asbury Salvation Army Student Fellowship, visit Asbury.edu/admissions-aid/visit/events/salvationarmy/. 

Work at Camp Spotlight: Debrekah Simms

Debrekah Simms grew up attending The Salvation Army in Portland, Maine.  She later attended and worked at various Salvation Army camps.  

Although school and corps (church) commitments initially took priority over working, working at a Salvation Army summer camp eventually provided her with the critical job experience that she desired. “Working at Camp Sebago gave me the opportunity to gain job experience that was so necessary to help me be successful,” Debrekah said. She recalled that camp was where she gained the confidence to share the gospel unashamedly.  

When asked about her favorite memory from a Salvation Army camp, she said it was helping lead children to Christ following Jesus Theater. “Whether I was a cast member or a counselor watching with my campers, it [Jesus Theater] has always held a special place in my heart that God allowed me to be a part of the special moment those kids had with Him.” 

Today, she is an officer (pastor) serving at The Salvation Army Harlem Temple Corps Community Center.

Have you worked at a Salvation Army camp? We’d love to hear how it impacted you! Share your story by visiting peermag.org/peer-spotlight.

Go Back to Christmas in “Get Him Back for Christmas”

Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, ambassadors for The Salvation Army, starred in the faith-filled Christmas movie, “Get Him Back for Christmas,” on Great American Family network. 

Alexa PenaVega played Bella Harlan, “an up-and-coming singer songwriter, who comes home for Christmas and enlists her high school songwriting partner Jack Grayton (Carlos PenaVega) to craft a song to win back her rock star boyfriend by Christmas,” according to the film’s website. 

Carlos PenaVega played Jack Grayton, a manager at a Salvation Army thrift store. “The heart of the movie centers on Jack’s role with The Salvation Army,” the film website says. “Bella soon finds herself inspired by his devotion and passion to a life of doing the most good.”

Missing holiday movies this month? Watch “Get Him Back for Christmas” on Great American Family network.

Giving Back, Together

In December, Echelon Cleveland’s board members came together to support a heartwarming cause: purchasing toys to donate to The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland Annual Toy Drive! Through this initiative, their aim was to spread extra cheer to children and families in the community.

“Being a part of Echelon Cleveland is more than networking—it’s about making an impact and sharing the spirit of the season. Thank you to everyone who participated and to The Salvation Army for the incredible work they do year-round” (Echelon Cleveland on Instagram). 

Follow Echelon Cleveland on Instagram @echeloncleveland.