From the time he first started squeaking sneakers on the court, Jacob McDonald has been hooked on basketball.

The competition, camaraderie with his teammates, and thrill of making a clutch shot or pinpoint pass check all the boxes for why the 21-year-old loves the sport. Jacob’s skills on the hardwood at White House High School caught the eye of coaches at Johnson University near Knoxville, where this fall he’ll begin his senior season as a guard for the Royals men’s basketball team.

It’s not only hoops that led Jacob to the East Tennessee institution formerly known as Johnson Bible College. He also chose the university for their strong emphasis on faith. Each student at Johnson earns a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology in addition to their chosen major.

“I felt like God was calling me there for a reason,” explains Jacob, who majors in Business Administration with an emphasis in Sports Management. “I felt a sense of peace and at home as soon as I arrived on campus.”

 Next month, he’ll embark on a “once in a lifetime” experience that will allow him to share his two passions: basketball and witnessing for Christ. On June 10, Jacob will fly to Israel along with some other members of the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams for “Hope in the Desert.” It is an eight-day basketball camp/mission trip to the Middle East organized by The Athlete’s Table, an organization aimed at spreading the gospel through sports.

The inaugural edition of the camp was held last year, and its success served as the green light for a return visit. Youngsters from the region will gather at Al Istiqlal University in Jericho June 12-15 to learn the finer points of the game from Jacob and his fellow counselors, as well as Palestinian coaches and Middle Eastern pro basketball players. On the remaining days, the tour group will visit several Holy Land sites.

“I’ve wanted to go to the Holy Land ever since I was 12, which is when I was saved and began taking my relationship with Christ seriously,” says Jacob, whose mother, Adrienne, made the trip earlier this year with a 200-member group from Long Hollow Baptist Church. “When I learned about the opportunity to be a part of this trip, I jumped at the chance. My goal is to teach these kids things I’ve learned about basketball, show them love and compassion, and hopefully put a smile on their faces. If the chance presents itself, I’ll share the love of Christ with them, too. I want to be a light for these kids.”

Like all those who will be joining him on the trip, Jacob is responsible for raising his own funds to cover flights, lodging and food. Although he has received $2,825 in donations to date, more are needed to reach his goal of $4,000 before he flies out on June 10.

To help Jacob with funding, simply visit Jacob’s Go Fund Me page.

“Any help would be tremendous,” he declares. “I’m very appreciative of the support I’ve already received. I want to share the joy of basketball and Christ through this incredible journey to Israel.”