From Valerie, Community Liaison:

When I first started working at Lord’s Gym Ministries, I did so out of a pure love for God. I was drawn to the idea of working in a place where I could be open about my faith—a place where I could share my testimony and the struggles I’ve faced, showing others how I overcame them through Christ. I didn’t make it through those trials alone; it was God moving in my life, pulling me up out of the trenches.

Very quickly, it became clear that God had plans for my entire family to be touched by this ministry. My boys naturally gravitated toward the cycling group led by Scott Bowers. Christian began volunteering with Chris for the sports team, and later, Zacharia stepped up to help Chris and Henri whenever needed.

The impact on them has been incredible to watch. Today, Christian has transitioned into a career as a pharmacy technician and is truly thriving. Zach stays active with cycling, MMA training, and fitness. Even my daughter, Lydia, joins us for the after-school program; it’s been such a blessing for her to get out of the house and socialize in such a positive environment.

This ripple effect has reached every generation of my family. My oldest daughter, Trinity, and her son have visited the gym on many occasions, becoming a part of the community here. Trinity even brought the gym and her education together by having her classmates come in to cut hair for a holiday community event, using her skills to bless others.

Even Noé has been moved to serve. He has stepped up to mentor men from Guatemala, pushing them to stop drinking and sharing the Word of God with them. He encourages them to change their lives, offering to help them find work—but only if they commit to sobriety first. He even brought in bags of clothes for those in need.

This ministry has a unique way of pulling people in and moving them in ways they never expected. It started with my faith, but it has truly become a foundation for my whole family.

From Sara, Youth Athletics Chaplain:

Working at the Lord’s Gym has impacted my life greatly since starting work here just this past August. This job has encouraged a deeper reliance on the Lord, deeper joy in all aspects of my life, and a deeper love for the kids and families that we get to serve day in and day out. But what God has showed me the most through my job is the importance and the impact of consistency and steadiness in kid’s lives.

Being a constant and steady presence for these kids has grown in them a real trust. They let me into their lives, not just the good, but the hard too. What a gift to be let in by a child who is seeking guidance, unconditional love, and safety because I get to introduce them to the very person that embodies just that. Jesus.

It has reminded me again and again that the most important thing that I have to offer is Christ. He is the One who will guide them, love them, and show up for them in every single moment. I can be consistent and steady and that is important, but God is always with them and how much greater is that!

Seeing how my inconsistent consistency and unsteady steadiness can bring about trust from these children, how much more will God’s consistency and steadiness in their lives bring about trust! It’s such a picture of how God uses my weakness and turns it into His strength as I’m surrendering to Him.

God can use the little that we have to offer and bring about abundance! That is the kind of God we serve and I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to do that in Price Hill.

I’m Melissa, and most of the communications you receive from Lord’s Gym Ministries come from me. I’m incredibly grateful to serve here as Communications Coordinator. I truly love the work, but what I love even more is the mission behind it.

I love that we GO to people in need. We don’t wait for people to come to us. We meet them where they are and try to demonstrate the love of God in tangible, everyday ways.

I’ve worked at Lord’s Gym Ministries for seven years now, and I can honestly say I’m inspired every single day. Of course, there are moments when you witness what many would call “big miracles” — someone instantly delivered from addiction, a dramatic life transformation, or a powerful testimony of redemption. Those moments are beautiful, and they absolutely happen.

But over the years, I’ve realized something else:

Some of the most meaningful miracles are the quiet, ordinary rescues.

A volunteer showing up faithfully week after week.

A child finally passing a difficult test at school.

A mentor listening patiently to a teenager who just needs someone to care.

A warm meal shared with someone who feels invisible.

A homeless person being seen, welcomed, and fed with dignity.

These moments may not seem spectacular from the outside, but I’ve come to believe they are often some of the clearest evidence of God’s love at work.

There’s a story a pastor shared often when I was younger that has stayed with me all these years.

A man was drowning in the ocean. Another man came by in a boat, reaching out his hand and shouting, “Grab on!”

But the drowning man replied, “No, God is going to rescue me.”

So the man in the boat rowed away.

Later, a helicopter flew overhead and lowered a ladder down to him. Again, the drowning man refused help.

“No,” he said, “God will rescue me.”

The man eventually drowned.

When he got to heaven, he asked God, “Why didn’t You save me?”

And God replied, “I sent you a boat and a helicopter.”

I think about that story often while serving at Lord’s Gym Ministries.

Sometimes we wait for rescue to look dramatic and unmistakable. We expect giant moments, instant change, or overwhelming signs from heaven. But many times, God’s help comes through ordinary people simply willing to show up.

A tutor.

A coach.

A mentor.

A volunteer.

A listening ear.

A warm cup of coffee.

A consistent presence.

Since being at Lord’s Gym Ministries, I’ve learned not to discount the ordinary rescues. I’ve learned that faithfulness matters. Presence matters. Small acts of kindness matter.

Because sometimes the ordinary ways we show up for people become the very ways we show them Jesus.

And maybe, more often than we realize, we are the boat, the ladder, or the helping hand God is sending to someone in need.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

 From the desk of Melissa Reinert

There’s something about the viral story of that little monkey, Punch, that hits deep. Maybe it’s his tiny frame. Maybe it’s the loneliness of being abandoned. But more than anything, it’s what he represents.

Punch represents the vulnerable children — and even adults — all around us. The ones who feel unseen. Unwanted. Forgotten. The ones carrying quiet abandonment in crowded rooms.

That reality should move us.

Scripture reminds us: that we are to look after orphans and widows in their distress. We do this to be close to Jesus. We do this to live a life honoring to our holy and loving God. We are to be a light and refrain by polluted by a very cruel world in which we live.

God’s heart has always bent toward the vulnerable. He does not overlook the abandoned, and neither should we. When our hearts ache at injustice, neglect, or loneliness, that ache reflects His heart.

If we love Jesus, compassion isn’t optional. It is evidence.

The Gospel calls us beyond comfort and into action — to reach out, to care, to give, to love. Not because it feels good. Not because it’s convenient. But because Christ first loved us when we were lost and alone.

Every overlooked life bears His image. Every vulnerable soul matters to Him.

May our hearts break for what breaks His — and may that brokenness move us to love.

What sets Lord’s Gym Ministries’ new girls developmental basketball league apart?

Mya, 7, knows firsthand.

“There is more happiness and you also learn about Jesus,” the young Lady Panther professed.

Playing & Learning

Mya enjoys running, doing layups, shooting hoops, and spending time with friends.

For her mom, Amy, signing her up was an easy decision.

“She played soccer with Lord’s Gym and loved it, so we decided to give basketball a try,” Amy said. “It keeps her busy, active, and away from electronics.”

Amy has also seen Mya grow — not just as an athlete, but as a person.

Purpose of the League

During the 2024–25 winter season, Lord’s Gym began offering basketball for 2nd- and 3rd-grade girls. A gap quickly became clear: there were few rec-level teams and most leagues were athletic-level.

Rather than letting that discourage players, Lord’s Gym Ministries created a solution. This season the ministry launched a girls developmental basketball league — giving young girls a safe, local, rec-level place to learn fundamentals, build confidence, and fall in love with the game.

As players grow, they can move up to Lord’s Gym teams in the SWOB League, creating a pathway for continued development.

Coaches’ Experience

Volunteer coach Tomisin — known as Coach O — has watched the girls grow in skill, confidence, and love for the game. This is his second year with Lord’s Gym, coaching the third-grade girls.

“Some of these girls couldn’t make a shot on a lower rim at the start,” he said. “Now they’re playing games on regulation hoops. The league has given the girls the space to learn the game and build good habits.”

The blend of faith and competition makes the experience special.

“Being able to share the Gospel while coaching competitive kids is a dream come true,” said Coach O. He encourages others to volunteer.

First-year coach Lenna said partnering with Lord’s Gym felt like a natural fit. She played basketball growing up and has a strong faith in Christ. Her vision is “to pour into them not just as athletes, but by helping them know who their Creator is and how deeply He loves them.”

Her favorite sport has become her mission field.

“Coaching them reignited my love for the game in a way I didn’t even know I needed,” she said.

She is grateful to coach these “energizer bunnies, always full of joy.”

Community & Partnerships

The league’s impact reaches beyond the court.

Lord’s Gym Price Hill Youth Athletics Chaplain Sara said keeping games and practices local removed barriers for families, leading to greater participation and stronger community bonds.

“Between giving girls rides, spending every Saturday at noon together, to celebrating at the banquet at The Sanctuary, it was fun to get to watch the families come together in a way that echoes the community we will experience in heaven,” Sara said.

Partnerships also made the season possible. Thanks to Good Sports, Inc., every girl received brand-new uniforms. Youth Athletics Manager Chris McNutt said these partnerships “keep costs low and allow us to continue offering scholarships.”

Without a home gym, Lord’s Gym relied on the CRC in Price Hill. Thanks to SAC Tammi Nuber and her team, the Lady Panthers practiced and played there weekly.

Northern Kentucky University’s women’s basketball team also invested in the girls — hosting clinics, inviting them to games, welcoming them into the locker room, and assisting practices.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” said NKU Director of Basketball Operations Lindsey Duvall. “Our players love connecting with the girls and seeing them serve as role models is incredibly fulfilling.”

Last season’s frustration has become something new. Girls who once faced overwhelming competition are now learning together — building confidence, community, and faith.

Get ready for a high-energy morning of friendly competition, great conversation, and meaningful impact! Lord’s Gym Ministries is excited to host our 3rd Annual Fowling Tournament on Saturday, March 7, and you’re invited to join us.

This annual event brings together individuals, businesses, churches, and community partners for a unique tournament experience that blends sport, connection, and purpose—all in support of the life-changing work happening every day at Lord’s Gym Ministries.

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What Is Fowling?

Never played before? No problem—fowling is easy to learn and fun for everyone.

Fowling combines elements of football and bowling. Teams throw a football at a set of bowling pins, aiming to knock all the pins off the board before the opposing team does. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and perfect for players of all skill levels—no prior experience required.

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Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, March 7
🕤 Registration Opens: 9:30 a.m.
🏆 King of the Court Tournament: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Location:
Fowling Warehouse
2940 Highland Ave., Cincinnati

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Who Can Participate?

Everyone is welcome! Individuals may register on their own, and businesses, organizations, and churches are encouraged to register two or more teams.

Show your team spirit by wearing T-shirts that represent your organization and bring your competitive edge!

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What to Expect

Participants will enjoy:

• Exciting tournament-style fowling play

• Time to connect and mingle with others in the community

• The opportunity to learn more about Lord’s Gym Ministries and our mission

• Pastries and coffee provided to start the morning ☕

• Prizes awarded to top teams 🏆

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or brand new to the game, this event is designed to be welcoming, energetic, and impactful.

Real-Time Notes from Scott Bowers

DAY 1

We are riding from Cincinnati to Columbus and back over four days. Today we rode to Xenia and we are camping at Caesar Ford park and campground. Thanks to all for making this adventure possible before school goes back. Blessings!

 

DAY 2

Day 2 of our ride to Columbus and back to Cincinnati. On our return we spent the night at the Prairie Trailhead in London Ohio and had a great devotion. Ian received the GRIT award from Mark and Johnny brought the devotion after a satisfying taco dinner. Adam joined the group and he will be riding back to Cincinnati with us. Tomorrow we head to Xenia and Yellow Springs. Woohoo. Blessings. Scott

 

DAY 3

Day 3 of our ride. Saw God show up in numerous ways. A homeless woman came into our camping and just slept on the ground only to get up early and start walking 30 miles to Xenia pushing her cart. The guys checked in on her, gave her food, water, and snacks. They talked to her and made her feel welcome. She saw our truck and trailer and sensed God’s presence. Other cyclists and campers ask about our ministry. The parents of these young men can be proud. After riding to Xenia we detoured to Yellow Springs to get ice cream at Young’s. I was excited to go from SAG driver to bike rider for the afternoon. Dinner was taco bowls, to eat the rest of the fixings, followed by a devotion and campfire. God is good.

 

DAY 4

It’s the last day of our up and back to Columbus. We left the Green County Fairgrounds in Xenia, before 8 to get a jump on the day. During lunch in Morrow, Kelly joined us to ride with the group. Our little excursion rode about 240 miles in some hot and humid weather. Fortunately, the nights cooled down enough to get some rest. GRIT 3 is now history with solid memories and devotions to think about and grow from. I am grateful to all who made our summer rides possible. Blessings.

Through our suffering, we can be a comfort to others

“…who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 2 Corinthains 1:4-6

From the desk of Melissa Reinert

On Monday, we went kayaking as a team-building exercise. It was a lot of fun. This marked my third time partaking in this activity and this time around, I found another lesson wrapped in the experience. We had a young intern who is helping with the sports program join us. Wonderful young man. This was his first time kayaking. He was very nervous about potentially getting stuck on rocks while floating along the Little Miami River. I explained it would be alright if he did, as those kinds of hiccups often happen in life, as well, but we push through and get through them.

Within 30 mins of our adventure, sure enough, the young man’s kayak flowed onto some rocks, and he was stuck. With a little panic in his voice, he called out. I was right behind him. He sat still, not knowing what to do next.

I knew just what to do as I was once in the same position the last time I kayaked

“You’re OK,” I replied. “Take your oar and push down into the rock and sand and give yourself a push.”

He followed my advice and in a moment was back flowing along on the calm current.

I was so excited that I could help him. I could relate to his situation and his fear because not that long ago, I found myself in the same situation. I had feared getting stuck on the rocks and sure enough I did. But with a quick prayer and a few digs into the rocks and pushes, I was well on my way. If not for that incident, I wouldn’t have known how to help my young friend.

This reminded me that sometimes we go through things in our lives, we get stuck, we ride along choppy waters, we suffer. It’s for a reason. In our suffering we are always comforted by the Lord, if we seek Him and in turn, we can comfort our friends in their time of suffering.

Seeing it Through: Lord’s Gym Panthers

As we reflect on this season, we are reminded of the invaluable lessons learned both on and off the field, forging relationships that will last a lifetime and instilling a sense of resilience among our young athletes. Every practice was not just about honing skills, but about fostering a spirit of camaraderie and support, where each player encouraged the other to rise above challenges. Together, they’ve not only improved their game but have also grown in character, demonstrating that the true essence of soccer lies in unity, faith, and the joy of working together toward a common goal. We’re excited to witness how their experiences this season will shape their futures, both in sports and in life.

Aurora, 7, of Price Hill, loves playing basketball.                                                                   

“I like dribbling,” she said.

Aurora recently wrapped up her first basketball season as a Lord’s Gym Ministries Lady Panther.

“I made a lot of friends,” she said, reflecting on the season. “And I learned a lot about God. I learned that God feels happy about me. He thinks I’m brave. I am brave.”

Indeed, Aurora is brave.

Aurora and her family recently moved to Price Hill, and she decided to “be brave” and try out for basketball. It’s a decision she and her family will never regret. Even her dad joined in the fun as a coach for her team.

“I love the neighborhood aspect of this program,” Coach O said. “The Lord’s Gym Ministries sports programs are building community. I also wanted to coach in this program because it’s an opportunity to minister to the kids where I live. That’s unique. It’s a blessing and not something a lot of sports programs do.”

For many of the children on the team, according to Coach O, they are “hearing the Word of God for the first time.”

“That’s rewarding to be a part of,” he said.

Coach Todd Kuramoto, who also serves as a board member for Lord’s Gym Ministries, has coached basketball since the inception of the program 4 years ago, agreed that it is “very rewarding” to be a part of the Price Hil Youth Athletics ministry.

“We played a lot of basketball this season,” he said. “All the girls involved improved considerably on the court and off.”

Coach Todd said that devotionals centered on the fruits of the spirit, something that is “relevant to today’s youth” in many ways.

“We talked a lot about kindness and love,” Coach Todd said. “After our last game, there was a girl who was very distraught. Another girl came up to her and just gave her a nice big hug. Seeing that, considering all that’s going on with the youth in the world… Well, it’s interesting to see that this girl saw the importance of picking others up in their time of need. That’s really something considering this is a group of young people who are known to be very broken themselves. It was a beautiful thing to witness.”

Coach Todd went on to share a quote from Richard Stearns, former president of World Vision United States, an international Christian relief charity. According to Stearns: “God never asks us to give what we do not have . . . But He cannot use what we will not give.”

Coach Todd said he loves being a coach in a sports program that is centered on Jesus.

“I love sports,” he said. “I love to find little ways to lift our kids. There’s so much more to coaching than helping a child get better at a sport. It’s the little things, like big hugs for friends. It’s about God fearing and loving people.”