NBA All-Star Weekend a Slam Dunk for Families

NEW YORK CITY -- Despite the frigid weather, the entire NBA universe descended on New York City for the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend. Former Knicks player and two-time All-Star athlete Allan Houston's foundation hosted the first annual Family All-Star Jam.

The Allan Houston Foundation, paired with the SoleExchange Sneaker Show, used game of basketball to deliver an important message.

"We really want to have something fun where we can bring families and kids together but have it really entertaining, so we can come away with inspiration but have fun with it," Houston told CBN News. "The goal is to make a purposeful day fun."

Incorporating a DJ, basketball demonstrations, and other NBA players, Houston sought to address issues he believes face today's culture in an interactive way.

"My father and I noticed the problem with fatherless homes across the board," he explained. "Then one day it came to mind, FISLL, that is an acronym for faith, integrity, sacrifice, and leadership and legacy. We developed a curriculum around it (and) now were doing these events."

Pastor John Gray from Houston's Lakewood Church emceed the event. He believes to be relevant to today's culture, Christians have to share the Word in an unoffensive way that doesn't turn people off from listening.

Hip Hop artist Andy Mineo performed and also spoke on one of the day's topics.

"I think in today's society we are dealing with an epidemic of fatherless homes," Mineo said. "We're turning everywhere else for people to be fathered. We're looking to music, rap stars, or athletes. The whole point of the event is to push men to take responsibilities to be who God created them to be...faithful men."

New York City Pastor Carl Lentz, known for reaching out to NBA players like Kevin Durant, also attended the event.

"God says he is able to do far more than you can ever ask or imagine or dream, so we're believing that what you see here today -- maybe you can have a convention; maybe be you could be an All-Star," Lentz told the crowd.

Houston's father and son were both at the event, making it a family friendly and encouraging day for all the participants.