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.

Some shots from our last Lord’s Gym Ministries Panther Soccer after school program in Price Hill. Thank you Chris McNutt and Olivia Perkins for creating an awesome experience for the youth. Help support our Summer Youth Activities at www.LordsGymMinistries.org. Stay tuned for further developments as our Family Activity Center nears an 8 month renovation process. We will need more volunteers for sure.

When I read the gospels I see over and over that Jesus would see a need then be moved with compassion and do something about it. Jesus saw the sick and being moved with compassion, He healed them. Jesus saw the blind and being moved with compassion, He gave sight to the blind. Jesus saw the hungry and being moved with compassion, He fed them.

Jesus is still at work in the body of Christ and when we set our differences/denominations aside to come together we can see the “signs and wonders” that follow those who believe. I appreciate the partnership with churches like Parkside Christian Church, All Church, Madison Place Community Church just to name a few who understand faith without works is DEAD so they put their faith into action by serving the Price Hill community.

We believe that as we’re moved with compassion Jesus will continue to show up through us and we’ll see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We’ll see the lost being found, hearts being healed, hope being restored, souls being saved and delivered. “JESUS will SHOW UP and SHOW OUT” as we remain steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord!

As Kelly mentions, there will be challenges on the Resiliency Ride, but that’s what resiliency is all about. And challenges build character…

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

It’s often said a person’s true character is revealed in the face of adversity. Their attitude toward the trial and their response, or how they handle it, reveals who they truly are. Strong character and resilience are closely intertwined. Those who possess both know how to deal with adversity and maintain a positive disposition. They don’t complain. They don’t give up. They push. They succeed.

As we learned in our first devotion, Resiliency is defined as the ability to cope with whatever life throws at you. When knocked down and out by challenges, those resilient return stronger and more steadfast than ever. Their character – the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual – is the key to their strength.

Paul’s approach to preaching the gospel is one of many examples of resiliency in the Bible. After his life-altering encounter with Jesus in Acts 9, the popular Jewish religious leader became a radical Christian to the disenchantment of many. Unhappy with his message, his enemies beat, stoned, criticized, jailed and nearly killed him several times.

One great example of his resiliency is when he was in Lystra, in Asia Minor, he was stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead. Once his enemies disbanded, Paul simply got up and returned to the city. His work to tell others about Jesus continued unabated. Godly resilience produces character that enables us to be undeterred, regardless of the opposition. Paul wrote in Romans 5:4: “endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” 

Another who demonstrated great character in his resiliency is Job. Job lost everything – his wealth, health and even his family. Job experienced great agony deep within in his body and soul. Yet, he refused to turn His back on God or give up. Despite his relentless suffering, he knew that God was in control. This allowed Job to endure. His endurance produced character and his character hope. He held tight to his faith. In the end, his faith was met with great reward.

Our character will influence our resilience and our resilience will influence our character. Work your character and resilience to your advantage. Be positive. Approach adversity head on. Don’t complain. Don’t give up. Push.

To learn more about the Resiliency Ride and how you can take part in the journey, visit www.YRAdventure.com.

For more information, please email mreinert@lordsgymministries.org. 

Last week marked 21 years with the Foundation of Compassionate American Samaritans (FOCAS) that operates the Lord’s Gym Ministries in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area.

At age 44, (one week before the Cincinnati riots) I did not realize at the time that God was calling me out of the corporate world to spend the rest of my life serving in a full-time ministerial role with FOCAS. At the time we were blessed to serve in Haiti and Over-the-Rhine with incredible people.

After 2016, FOCAS has been 100 percent focused (no pun intended) on serving the Greater Cincinnati Area through Lord’s Gym Ministries (www.LordsGymMinistries.org). God has dropped our board, staff, and volunteers right out of heaven to serve alongside a wonderful community of people throughout the tri-state. Our staff serve with years of seasoning that God is collectively using to do a good work. We as the body of Christ must work together for His glory. It’s pretty humbling.

I am including some images from over the years. God has still called me stay right where I am. Betsy and I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about partnering together in some capacity as we continue in our current role. Please pray about it and message me accordingly at sbowers@lordsgymministries.org or call me at 513-621-5300. I am also happy to come speak at your church. Blessings and stand firm.