Youth Inspired by Boxing Program

Covington Lord’s Gym Welcomes Youth with Boxing 

A few mop and broom sticks and his mother’s clothes line made a make-shift boxing ring where Jeff “Cobra” McCall’s mission in life was laid out. 

 “I wanted to be a professional boxer,” McCall, 65, of Covington, said. “And now that I’ve done that and am retired, I want to help kids. They need something, they need people to help them learn to make friends, do something constructive and they need to dream and know that their dreams can come true.”

 Boxing, McCall said, helps kids focus. They are also learning a new skill, building bonds with coaches and are learning about Jesus.

I love sharing my personal testimony and encouraging these young men and women to turn their lives over to the Lord. That’s a beautiful thing to do, ministering to youth through boxing.”

McCall and his Cobra Boxing Club has partnered with Lord’s Gym Ministries in Covington to do just that.

“I am really happy to be able to work with Lord’s Gym, I’m thankful to God for the opportunity,” McCall said. “I’m also grateful that we get to work with kids in Covington and surrounding communities. I know how it was when I was younger, when you get too much time on your hands, you get into trouble. We want to make sure these kids get on the right path and stay on the right path in life. It feels good doing that.”

Mikey, 17, of Newport, said he was introduced to the boxing program by someone he went to church with. He’s been enjoying boxing for a few months now.

“It helps me control my anger,” he said.” Instead of going out to fight, I’m learning to utilize that energy for something good. This is a sport I want to pursue. You have to be dedicated and self-disciplined, I’m learning those things here. This program means a lot to me for real.”

Bray, 17, of Cincinnati, said he has a lot of fun at the boxing program.

“The coaches and the friends I’ve made are like my family,” he said. “And, this is a fun sport. I’m now more disciplined, learning more and I’m exercising.”

Are You Ready For It?

From the desk of Melissa Reinert…

I love to have fun.

I also love a good challenge. 

 

The Treasure of God’s Heart

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

This past session of my Sunday School class, the kids had fun decorating a wooden heart sign with all kinds of sparkly sticker jewels. It was quite a therapeutic craft, very relaxing, peeling the stickers and finding a spot for them; and very meaningful, reminding us of the lesson that told us we are the treasure of God’s heart.

My son and I hung his decorated wooden heart sign at home. It’s a reminder to all of us in the house just how much we are valued by God.

I wanted to share this with you this Friday with FOCAS, to hopefully encourage you. You are most precious to the Lord Almighty, the Creator of the universe! 

This world is big. It can be a scary place. But, you – just that one single person you are – are of the utmost importance to God. He cares for you. He sees you. He sent His one and only Son to die to save you. As Paul writes in Romans chapter 8, NOTHING can EVER separate us from God’s love. 

An Incredible Blessing

UC student making a difference at LGM

Henri is an incredible blessing. 

For the last 18 months, he  has worked closely with Lord’s Gym Ministries staff and volunteers, and been intimately involved with many of the families we serve. He has been on staff as part of a co-op program through the University of Cincinnati.

“Henri is a natural with the kids,” says Valerie, a mother of two of Henri’s young friends. “I love that my boys have a man like Henri walking with them. They are 17 and 15 just starting their journey with God. They watch Henri; how he responds and engages with others he is showing them so much without ever speaking a word to them. Henri is a change-maker for our kiddos in the community. He impacts their life with his love for God that just shines through when he engages with them.”

Henri has exhibited maturity beyond his years and remarkable servant-leadership.

Finding adults who are reliable, committed, and wired to work with children who, on average, have higher numbers of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), is very challenging, says Chris, Youth Athletics Chaplain.

Henri has developed a beautiful bond with so many kids in our programs and has earned their trust and established himself as a positive male role model by remaining consistent and believing in them. 

According to Zach, 15, a youth in our activities, Henri has influenced him to “be better and try harder.”

Henri has harnessed his passions of faith, fitness, and sports to create new programs within the Lord’s Gym, such as strength and agility training. He has also been instrumental in the implementation of a third-party Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) survey that assesses our youth’s response to our programming.  

The SEL results, so far, show that 93 percent of Lord’s Gym youth assessed in 2023 are advancing in one or more of the four core SEL areas (Self-Control, Desire to Learn, Improved Academic Success, and Social Skills). Ninety percent of all young people said “YES” they would recommend FOCAS/Lord’s Gym programming to a friend. This success is due to people like Henri, showing up and connecting with our kids – fueling their resilience against the many barriers they face.

LGM Board member Johnny says: “Henri lifts my spirits and encourages me to spend more time with our friends. He is a kind, humble, and God-fearing young man with a heart for our impoverished friends. His ability to connect and demonstrate empathy is a strength.”

Henri has made an indelible impression on our staff and on the families we serve. 

FOCAS Devo: A Reminder

From the Desk of Melissa Reinert

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

I don’t know about you but the recent freezing temps, gloomy skies and raining days have made me a bit blue. The thing is this wintery mix isn’t ending anytime soon. So, we’ll just have to plow through it and with the forecast for this weekend, that’s probably what we’re literally going to do.

A’las, there is great hope. God.

Isaiah 41:10 says that we should not fear or be dismayed. God is our God. He promises to strengthen us; to help. He vows to uphold us with His righteous right hand. Wow!

It never ceases to amaze me that beautiful bow that appears in the sky after a rough storm. It shines above us as a reminder of God’s promise to mankind many years ago after the great flood. God promised that the earth would not be destroyed again by water. So after a hard rain, He hangs His bow in the sky as a reminder; that no matter how difficult the storm, we will not be destroyed. He will uphold us.

A week ago Cincinnati got a double reminder. Many were privileged to see a rather rare sight, a double rainbow. Many news outlets shared photos from viewers across the region. Oh, it was beautiful. However, not near as beautiful as what the symbol reminds us of, God’s many promises.

As we trudge through the rest of this winter season, I know I’ll be thinking of that double rainbow, that beautiful glow of love and assurance. Thank you, God, for keeping Your promises and reminding us of them, especially during our darkest hours.

FOCAS Devo: Go Tell It

From the Desk of Melissa Reinert

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” Isaiah 52:7

One of the things I enjoy most about the Christmas season that I’m always sad to see slip away until another year has almost passed is Christmas music. It’s so beautiful and cheerful, especially spiritually-based Christmas carols. Their message exudes hope. It is because it is the message of our salvation. And certainly, that is a message that shouldn’t be shelved but for a certain time of year.

So as the new year begins, I encourage you to, go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere… Jesus Christ was born! He lived to tell others about God’s great love. He died to show all of us God’s great love. He rose so that we can all live forever in God’s great love.

Wanted

From the Desk of Melissa Reinert

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Unwanted.

Oh that’s a low feeling. And we’ve all felt it one time or another in life, but imagine if it was a constant gnawing. 

For the last two years, once or twice a year at Lord’s Gym, we encourage our friends to write thank you notes to our donors. The gesture has been challenged by some. Keep in mind the challenge comes from those who are lost most in the pit of despair. So many relationships have failed them. Life has been overwhelmingly difficult. It’s hard for a person who has experienced such to understand that someone can care unconditionally, that someone cares enough to make a positive impact on their life.  

I’ve always known that. I’ve also always known the importance of our supporters and donors and staff and volunteers. We’re all here and work together to make a positive impact on someone’s life. Someone lost deep in despair. But it really sunk in this recent round of Thank You cards. 

This time around, the Thank Yous were met with open arms. Everyone seemed happy to participate and express their gratitude, which is encouraging. I realized why when I saw a particular note from a friend in Price Hill: “Thank you for feeding us. Thank you for making us feel wanted.”

Wanted.

What a glorious feeling. It makes you feel warm inside; you are cherished and loved. This is how we want our friends to feel. Thank you for making that happen.

It’s also how God wants us all to feel. It’s the reason for this season…  Jesus – the King of Kings – left His throne because He and His Father wanted us. They wanted us to be with them! God loves and cherishes us so much He gave His son to die in our place so that we can be with Him forever. Doesn’t that make you feel so warm inside knowing you are that loved.

That’s what we’re showing to our friends at Lord’s Gym and what we hope to encourage you to always remember.

You are wanted.

Community Christmas Parties: You’re Invited

Come celebrate the birth of Jesus with us…

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

We invite you to come and celebrate the reason for the season with us Friday, Dec. 22. Enjoy good company, fun times and the hearing of that familiar Gospel story – the greatest story ever told.

Our Price Hill community lunch and Christmas gathering will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Family Activity Center. There will be a Christmas message, food, inflatable, crafting for the kids and toys. Every child present will receive a ticket for one toy.

The Covington celebration will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon. There will be food, caroling and a sharing of the Christmas story.

If you’d like to serve as a volunteer at an event, feel free to reach out to mreinert@lordsgymministries.org.

FOCAS Devo: Are You Lonely?

From the desk of Melissa Reinert…

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, for some. For others it’s the loneliest time.

Loneliness is an enigma. You can be completely physically alone and feel it. You can also feel it when you’re in a crowded room. It’s a sad, lowly state that seems to be magnified during what should be the most wonderful time of the year. 

There’s a reason. The enemy is at work overtime. Because truly, the most wonderful thing is celebrated this time of year. Don’t let the feeling of loneliness get you down today or any time.

Truth is you’re not alone. Truth is you are deeply loved and continuously in the presence of the Lord, Who is the One Who loves you so deeply.

You see, the King of Kings, stepped down from His throne. The Lord of Lords abandoned His home. The greatest became the least. The one true God, Creator of the world, poured out his heart to you. The Father gave up His own Son for you.

Feel that love, not the lie of loneliness. 

Thanksgiving Blessings

From FAC Director Danny Gomez…

Grateful to God for all our dedicated volunteers and staff who made this activity possible for the third consecutive year. Thankful for the team that God allows me to lead and for the incredible volunteers who have answered God’s call to uplift our hands and strengthen our knees with their help and resources. More than 375 coats were donated, most of them by our beloved members at All Church. Hats off to All Church! More than 224 people from the community were blessed. God is good! Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🍽️