“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18

Last week our first order of business as we began moving into the newly renovated Family Activity Center in Price Hill was to pray and anoint the building. Here’s what some of our staff shared afterward…

Danny, Director of the Family Activity Center: “I prayed over the Learning Center. It is part of my heart to see young lives transformed by the power of the Gospel, but also to give them the tools they need to build their self-esteem and life skills.”

Tom, Director of Ministry Partner Development: “I anointed and prayed over the Learning Center and our offices. I chose our offices because everything rises and falls with leadership. I prayed that we receive powerful revelations and hear from God. And I prayed that we lead like good servants of Jesus.”

Olivia, FAC Youth Athletic Leader: “I prayed that when people come in here, they feel the love and goodness of the Lord. That this will be a place to find rest; a place of calmness where they can just breathe.

Scott Bowers, Executive Director: “I dedicated our building for purpose. This is a 110-year-old structure that has been given new life. I prayed over and anointed our exterior front doors. I asked that when our friends come in, they meet Jesus, some way, some how through the activities through the people they meet and engage with.”

Please join us for a grand opening celebration of our Price Hill Family Activity Center Tuesday, August 9, 6-7:30 p.m., 3428 Warsaw Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45205. We will also host open houses on Saturday, August 20, 12 to 2 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 8, 4 to 7 p.m. 

A smile spread across the face of 9-year-old Tyler as his fingers wrapped around the snow-white laces on the dark tanned pigskin.

There’s no place he’d rather be. He’s with his friends on the field learning how to play football… learning how to tackle life… learning how to find victory in Jesus. Tyler was at the Lord’s Gym Ministries Panthers Football Camp, a three-day skill-building session, held in conjunction with Sports Reach. The camp was held this past week through the weekend, at IDEA Public Schools, a nonprofit charter school in Price Hill.

Zach Arington, with the Arington Foundation and Sports Reach, was helping at the Lord’s Gym Football Camp. “We’re here to give these teams more credibility and a boost and to spread the gospel,” he said.

Sports Reach is a nonprofit that provides opportunities for athletes, coaches, and fans to reach the world for Christ through sports. They do this through local and international trips.

Zach was also involved in last year’s camp. He said it was good to be back again.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air seeing all that Lord’s Gym Ministries is doing in Price Hill,” he said. “It’s very encouraging to see the work they are doing for the community.”

For Tyler and the other 50 kids involved, the Lord’s Gym football program means the world.

“I feel so good when I’m on the field,” Tyler said. “It means so much to me having the chance to play. Lord’s Gym is pretty great, they do so many great things for us.”

Quincy, 12, agrees. Quincy likes everything about football.

“I like the energy, the action and the competition,” he said. “It’s so great that we have this chance.”

Volunteer Coach Leon who has been involved with Lord’s Gym for several years said he likes coaching for the program because he knows he’s making a difference.

“Price Hill is a rough area, but Lord’s Gym is changing that,” Leon said. “Lord’s Gym is bringing hope to this community.”

According to Leon, the football program is more than just teaching the kids about the sport.

“We’re teaching them how to be young men… men of Christ,” he said. “Being a coach gives me something positive to do. God gave me the ability to play football in school and I’m just using what God has given me to make a difference in the lives of these kids.”

The kids’ families are appreciative and have noticed the difference Lord’s Gym is making in the lives of their children and the future of the Price Hill community.

“This football program is a great thing,” said Shawna, whose son plays with the Panthers. “It gets the kids off the street and teaches them a better way. Also, this is a healthy activity. It gets them in shape, teaches them right from wrong and keeps them from getting into trouble. Best of all, my son loves it.”

Kayla, whose daughter and son play said there are so many benefits.

“It’s been so good for them,” she said. “It gets them active and meeting other kids and it pushes them out of their comfort zones. I’ve noticed better behavior and communication and listening skills at home too.”

Kyle with Sports Outreach said that sports are a great way to reach young people. He knows this from his own experience. Playing football in his youth, shaped his entire life.

“Football is one of the greatest gifts God has given me in my life,” he said. “It’s made me a better person; a better family member and it’s taught me strength and that you’ve just gotta try and try and try. It can teach these things to these kids too.”

One of the greatest satisfactions in life is walking in God’s purpose. No one said, however, it would be easy. It comes with many sacrifices, and it requires passion, patience, and a lot of obedience to the One who called you.

That is what our staff does. And they’re doing it for the Lord and for the at-risk youth of Price Hill. We do what we do not only to preach the gospel, model Christ, and lead these youth to Christ, but also to provide them with unique opportunities and experiences that will be remembered throughout their lives.

That is what happened this a few weeks ago. Our youth participated in two football camps with Bengals players!!! This last one was thanks to the help and collaboration of Price Hill Recreation Center, especially our friend Spoon, who reserved several VIP tickets for our kids. Thanks also to the Bengals, UC Bearcat football coaches Luke Fickell and Kerry Combs.

In one year, our Youth Sports Coordinator Chris, has been the person who has helped me take this ministry to another level adding other sports to our calendar. Olivia who has recently joined the team, will do the same with the girls. All our staff must raise their self-funding and personal expenses, without a doubt this adds additional work to the ministerial agenda and the sports calendar.

There is nothing more rewarding than to have the opportunity to minister to hurting kids and at-risk youth and develop them as disciples of Jesus Christ for the Glory of GOD. (Matt. 28:19)

If you want to support this ministry and see lives transformed by the power of the gospel, do one of three things, or all of them:

1. Pray for us
2. Come and be a volunteer
3. Support us financially, you can do it by clicking this link: https://foundation-of-compassionate-american-samaritans.networkforgood.com/projects/122731-online-giving

Grace & Peace!

Recently Lord’s Gym Ministry team partook in a team-building exercise: kayaking six miles on the Little Miami River. This was only my second time kayaking and it was my first-time riding solo in the kayak. Riding by myself was my decision and it was a big one for me, a non-swimming, inexperienced kayaker. The journey was amazing.

I chose riding solo because I wanted to put myself in a situation where I was completely reliant on God. Although my team was with me the “security” of having someone else in the same kayak was gone. I also wanted the opportunity steer in my own strength, or rather what I learned to be His strength.

It was smooth sailing. A lovely day, comfortable weather, calm waters… until things got a little rocky. About 40 minutes into floating, almost effortlessly, I found myself stuck. I was wedged between a few rocks that were hiding under those smooth waters.

At first, I was surprised, as often we are by hardships that come our way. How did I get here? After a moment’s pause, it made sense that there would be rocks under the water, after all this was a natural river. Why wouldn’t there be rocks below the surface? It’s like coming to the realization that we live in a fallen world where sin and hardships surround all of us at every turn.

Back to the rocks. I had to get loose. I kept thrusting my paddle into the water on my left, hoping to hoist myself up enough off the rocks for the quiet current to pull me back into motion. Despite the use of all my strength, my plan was not working.

I was starting to panic. I was getting frustrated. How will I get off these rocks? I must look like a weakling. I kept thrashing the paddle down on that left side. The kayak was not budging. I was beginning to regret that cookie time I had shared with my son the night before. A little less weight and maybe my efforts would be fruitful. I kept pushing the paddle into the rocks and sand on the left side. The kayak stayed put.

Suddenly it became clear. I needed to pray. I rested my arms and asked God to get me off these rocks. “The other side,” I heard deep within my conscious. One of my teammates nearby yelled to me to try the other side too. Confirmation. I needed to try the other side.

So, with all my might, I again shoved my paddle down into the rocks and sand, this time on the right side. Within a few seconds I was free.

I got stuck two more times. I prayed. Remained calm and tried different methods and always became free. A few of my teammates had their fair share of rock time along the way too. Two even tumbled out of their kayak. Thank the Lord they were safe and did what we all have to do in life, climb back aboard and keep going.

My experience taught me that I can’t rely on my own strength. I need God. I need to take time, even in the midst of busyness and trouble, to go to Him. He has the right answers. Always.

Last Saturday, our women at the Covington Lord’s Gym were blessed with a “Beauty in Jesus” event.

The women were first pampered with the Word. A devotional was delivered that included a cleansing facial, a symbol of how the Lord washes us clean from all the “junk” we get mixed up with in life.

Together they read 2 Corinthians 5:17: “…if anyone be in Christ, they are a new creature: Old things are passed away behold all things are become new.”

Every woman there was encouraged to focus on her inner beauty and remember to see herself through God’s eyes. After food and fellowship, the women visited various beauty stations: nails, hair, and shopping. Through many generous donations each woman was able to pick out a piece of jewelry, new outfit, shoes and a purse.

“We wanted to do something to show our ladies that they are loved by us, and that God loves them,” said Women’s Chaplain Emily. “This was also a reminder that the gym is a safe place for our ladies to always come.”

Emily said that the focus was on inner beauty, but the event was also about allowing the women to do some things that most of them haven’t done in years.

Remmie, who has been coming to the Lord’s Gym for a year said she was “super duper excited,” to take part in the day of beauty.

“The best part though is that I get to spend time with my people,” she said smiling. With a little laugh she also said: “Picking out an outfit was really nice too.”

Several ministry partners including Christ Chapel, Urban Outreach and Welcome House pulled supplies and volunteers together for the event. We are grateful for their time and generosity.

This started as a way for me to put up or shut up. I’ve challenged some guys in my men’s group to show our discipleship in practice.

We’ve supported LGM in picnics and Christmas events, but the next step is in RELATIONSHIPS.

So, I decided to help the 6th-grade basketball team. I was asked about being the head coach. Not being shy of my basketball knowledge (nor my ability to learn on the “job”); and being blessed to not carry too much angst when in over my head, I said, “Sure, why not…”

Some of the realities of coaching in Price Hill: Turnover. During the season, I lost 6 kids who started with the team or were added and then left the team. I had 8 to start and ended with 9.

Devotionals. I tried very hard to make these as relevant as I could. At various times, we discussed: Fruits of the Spirit and related it to people we knew who exhibited these Christ-like characteristics and how it made us feel. We talked friendships, like Jonathan and David’s and how it felt to know someone has your back. EGO – “Edging God Out” and the dangers of being self-centered were discussed. The Lord’s Prayer was recited often.

Other things encountered: Attention span and expectations. I prepared a practice plan with primary themes and drills. In retrospect, I’d create more games

to reinforce drills and things I wanted them to accomplish. Practice never went as planned. Practices were about 1.5 hours each and it was a challenge to keep their attention. Skuffles. At least three times, a fight could have broken out. These could have escalated into an outright brawl involving parents and kids. We were lucky and should think this through more with prayer. I should have been better prepared and as I said, I/we were fortunate. Turnout. Rarely did we get everyone to practice. Sometimes we barely had 5-6. One practice we had one player.

What I hope “my kids” received or learned during the season: Unconditional love. While there were times I felt I had to keep them accountable for their actions by enforcing consequences or repercussions, I made sure that any kids called out were also encouraged/loved afterwards. Expressions like, “I/we need you to be a leader and you’re great at…” While it’s a team sport, I tried to individually address every single player each week with some words of encouragement.

Attitude and Effort. I was and

always will be happy to see kids win and make shots. I did the Griddy (aka victory dance) more than once when someone made a 3-pointer in practice. I was careful to make sure nobody was watching. I chastised them when scrimmaging the 4th- graders (which they always wanted to do), “Don’t crush the spirit of the 4th-graders.” They played hard and competed. Sometimes their attitudes were difficult to rein in and I had to look skyward (to the Lord) for help to not just grab kids by the collar at times to let them know what I thought of their attitude.

For the Coach – What it meant: God loves team sports. The Apostles were sent out in pairs. I will gladly coach by myself again. But, it’d be fun to have another person to help and offer ideas.

I love sports and I think I’ll get better at coaching the important aspects beyond winning. Loving your teammate, respecting all involved (other team, coaches, referees, parents). I’ll do my best to be available to help. It’s far easier to serve in a capacity where there is some passion. While not gifted, I am passionate about sports and I feel the good Lord nudging me.

I was blessed beyond belief. At no point was it a struggle to show.

Kids are kids. I hope they felt love; I definitely felt their love. It’s what we’re called to do and kids are so vulnerable, especially with most not having both parents living under one roof. We are all God’s children.

He took to the TansAmerica Bike Trail pedaling 4,427 miles across the United States beginning in Yorktown, Va to Astoria, Or.

“It was an exhilarating and life changing experience,” Scott, executive director of FOCAS/Lord’s Gym Ministries, said. “The scenic views, the people met, and the life lessons (also known as my take-a-ways) made for some great memories.”

Scott relives those memories and the many “God moments,” he experienced in a new feature-length documentary “Don’t Wait,” recorded and produced by Cincinnati documentary film maker Shane Reinert.

“The documentary beautifully captures the entire experience,” Scott said. “It is wonderful to be able to relive the journey and ‘take others along with me.’”

In this documentary, Scott shares intimate details of the challenging and faith-strengthening completion of the 4,427-mile trek. Several advisors for his trip share their role, and how Scott’s trip inspired them personally and spiritually. “Don’t Wait” can be viewed at www.LordsGymMinistries.org.

Film maker Shane Reinert said that Scott’s resiliency to go on and complete the trip is an inspiration.

“When I first learned about Scott’s trip, I knew this was a story I wanted to share,” Shane said. “It was incredible to listen to Scott recount his journey. I felt like I was there. You could really draw on the enthusiasm and energy. It’s the story of a lifetime.”

Scott’s ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change and keep going in the face of adversity is also an inspiration to the staff, volunteers, investors and those served through Lord’s Gym Ministries.

“Resiliency is an essential part of life for all of us and that’s what we’re working to instill in our youth through our Youth Resiliency Adventure programming,” Scott said.

These programs include cycling (which Scott is heavily involved in), football, flag football, basketball, soccer, wrestling and our Learning Center. For more information, visit www.YRAdventure.com.