Anette or “Auntie” as she’s known at Lord’s Gym is quite a lady. She doesn’t have much but what she does have she’ll share. She has time, she’ll give you that whether it be in the form of sitting and chatting at the Price Hill Family Activity Center or traveling by bus to downtown Cincinnati to make sure her “less fortunate friends” have something to eat or the resources they need.

Auntie is a sweet woman. A loving woman. She’s had a tough go of things. Several years ago she lost one of her sons to the the streets. That’s why, she says, she does what she does. She spends her time helping others — giving them all she has in hopes their lives will change.

Auntie’s way of life is much like that of a widow woman that Jesus makes note of in Mark 12:41-44. The Scripture reads: “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'”

What an absolutely beautiful gift. This gift is truly from the heart because it’s so self-sacrificing. It’s also reminiscent of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, as well as the sacrifice He calls us to make — to live for Him. To live for Him means to follow His example to love and give selfishly of ourselves. Thank you Auntie, for the reminder.

If you’d like to become a part of the Lord’s Gym Ministries mission to transform lives for the glory of God, visit www.LordsGymMinistries.org. Learn how you can volunteer and give. Please, remember us in prayer, that’s the No. 1 thing you can do for our ministry.

Prayer: “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard me. I know that You always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me.'” John 11: 41-42

Wow. Have you ever stopped to think about how amazing it is to be able to pray to God? Through prayer we have a direct connection to build a relationship to the Almighty – the very Creator of the heavens and earth. What a beautiful thing.

Daily Provision: “And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He game thanks and broke the loaves…” Matthew 14:19 

“Then He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.” Matthew 15:36

We need to follow Jesus’ example and rely on the Lord for His daily provision for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We also need to give thanks and praise for all He has given. Remember, it’s not about getting everything we want. It’s about getting what we need. Sustainment from the Lord God, our Father.

The cross: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’ Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.'” Matthew 26:26-27

Jesus knew what was about to come. He, however, accepted God’s will and He saw the big picture. His sacrifice would save the world. “For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Last week Lord’s Gym Ministries held a banquet honoring the Panthers football players and cheerleaders. It was an exciting night for the kids and their parents, as well as the coaches.

“It was a great season,” said Chaplain CJ. “We were honored to serve the kids and community. Challenges came but we overcame, and we had a blast.”

For parents like Katie, who had three of her children in the program, the season meant a lot.

“My sone wants to be a professional football player,” she said. “So, he had to be apart of the program this year. It’s really a great thing. It gets the kids out of the house, outside and keeps them from trouble. I’ve noticed a difference in my kids, a big difference.”

For the players like Saul it’s all about having fun – and learning some great life skills.

“I learned how to hike the ball,” he said. “My favorite thing is tackling though. And I made friends.”

Wayne, 8, said he enjoyed all the activity, especially running and hiking the ball.

“I like the coaches a lot,” he said.

Another mother, Kayla said the football program has created a community.

“It’s really brought everyone – parents and kids – together,” she said.

Tamika who’s son was involved in the program said it’s all about making “connections.”

“The Lord’s Gym really cares about the community,” she said. “They care about my son, my family. Their support has been really good for us. The football program is a life changer. The kids aren’t bored, they’re staying out of trouble. The sport teaches them important life skills and best of all they’re learning about God through prayer and devotions.”

I am excited to share with you that the second (and final) phase of the Price Hill Family Activity Center renovation project began Tuesday Oct. 19. The goal is to have it completed no later than April 18, 2022. Keep in mind that the place has been completely redesigned with a new HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Lighting, and more structural repairs.

The end result will be a blessing to the families of Eastern and Lower Price Hill as well as the city of Cincinnati.

A Big Thank You to the investors and volunteers who made this possible.

Stay tuned for regular updates and plan to attend our open house in late spring/early summer. Stand Firm.

– Scott

You too can invest online at www.LordsGymMinistries.org/donate. Please feel free to share and forward to others.

Floyd is a big man. At first glance, his presence can be a little intimidating. But once you hear that jovial belly-shaking laugh and see that angel smile, you know He’s a man of God.

Floyd has been coming to the Covington Lord’s Gym for a year now. He’s a regular and a big help at the gym. Floyd loves the gym and encourages everyone there in their walk with the Lord.

According to Floyd, the Lord’s Gym is God’s place. “When I first came in here, I said ‘Wow!’ I could just feel the Spirit. This is the place to be cause this is where God is.” And that’s just where Floyd wants to be — walking with the Lord. His zeal is infectious. Floyd is a living and breathing example of Jesus and He said he wants to be more like Jesus everyday. He’s getting there for sure. And here’s three things we can learn from Floyd’s walk with the Lord.

• Seek and You will find. Floyd a man in his senior years, said he thought he knew it all. Until God. “I found out I didn’t know a thing. God’s been teaching me.” The top thing he’s learned is that when you need for help… ask! “The Lord is always willing to help us. He is the Shepherd Who takes care of His flock.”
• Put your love into action. Floyd said another thing He’s learning is to express “love for your brother and sister, not just with words, but action.
• Tell everybody. Finally, Floyd said the Lord wants him to “tell everybody” about His love. “Jesus’ love is the most important thing.”

What are you waiting for? Seek the Lord, put His love into action and tell everybody about the love of Jesus!