Upward Director Monty Smith, the Jena First Baptist Outreach Ministry and the volunteer Upward coaches are strong advocates of reaching and winning the youth of LaSalle Parish and the surrounding areas with the gospel of Jesus Christ - they believe in the Upward Sports Ministry. Smith alone has invested heavily in the program since 2006 – particularly Upward Basketball and Upward Soccer. His office at Jena First Baptist Church is (no surprise) in the gymnasium where he can easily watch and participate in the Upward basketball practices.