More to do, but more to come…

We are grateful to God for blessing us with an awesome second summer/fall season with SAY East League. 

A huge shout out to our U12 team for making it to the postseason and our U8 team competing in the Cincinnati United Premier tournament and bringing home the championship! WOOT WOOT!

This fall we had six total teams. 86 kids participated, with 85 completing the program, which lasted three months. Participation increased by 25 percent from the spring. The soccer program attracted more children, strengthening its impact on the inner-city community. High-demand resulted in a waitlist.

Our second successful season with SAY East Soccer League has led to a vote by the league  in December whether or not to make us an official district. Please be in prayer with us for a favorable decision. 

We had a total of 19 volunteer coaches and we need more for our upcoming season. A special thank you to the College of Mount St. Joseph for sending four active female players to help coach. We are looking forward to adding more teams in the spring. In order to do that, we need more donations and more coaches. 

None of this would’ve been possible without the support of our amazing parents, players, and coaches—they crushed it! 

Not only did we have an opportunity to create community, through soccer, but each participant had access to fresh meals, after each practice, which fostered community cohesion. 

We’d like to thank all those who supported the kids in this experience. Just to note a few: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital SAFE Network, Good Sports, Roberts Academy, Idea School Price Hill, and Youth Inspire.

Strength Through Sacrafice

This summer, Lord’s Gym Ministries introduced a specialized Summer Sports School to its programming experiences. 

“Since first getting involved with Lord’s Gym and working with youth in Price Hill in summer 2021, I have observed a lack of access for speed/agility training and specialized sports training for youth,” Lord’s Gym Youth Athletics Manager Chris said. 

Covering costs for a youth sports season is expensive enough, Chris explained, not to mention personal training or sending a child to specialized sports training.

“I was blessed to have access to train at Ignition APG as a child, and I wanted the kids in our program to have similar opportunities to improve running mechanics, balance, coordination, conditioning, and mental toughness at an earlier age,” he said. 

In addition, Chris wanted the kids at Lord’s Gym to experience different places around the

city and activities they had never done before. So, he developed the idea for a smaller-group program and selected kids who had exhibited a love for sports, past commitment to Lord’s Gym sports programs, and coachability. 

Ten kids started the program on Tuesday, June 4, and nine kids completed the program on Tuesday, July 30 by celebrating at Kings Island.

Tyler, 11, a participant in the Summer Sports School said: “It meant a lot to me to be able to do this. I got to do things I’ don’t ever get to do. And the (volunteer) coaches are great people who really care about us.”

Aboubacar, 8, said he liked working on his basketball skills and actually enjoyed the community service projects.

“I like that it  helped community and churches,” he said. I also like that I got better in sports. The (volunteer) coaches were great and good people. I was happy to be in this.”

Through experience and teaching, the kids were introduced to the idea of finding strength through sacrifice.

“These principles are rooted in Scripture and consistent with our vision and mission at the Lord’s Gym Ministries,” Chris said.

Points of focus included:

• Inward Sacrifice (Personal Strength) – Putting off personal lifestyle choices that restrain growth (e.g. excessive sleep, video games, etc.). Take on habits that challenge the self to reach new heights (e.g. mile run, pacer test, etc.). “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Prov. 10:4, NIV
• Outward Sacrifice (Team Strength) – We follow Jesus’ example when we lay down our lives for others and consider their interests first. This produces a stronger and more unified team. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13, ESV
• Upward Sacrifice (God’s Strength) – When we offer our very lives to God to be used by Him for His honor, we will find a strength that is unmatched. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” Rom. 12:1, NIV“

Throughout the summer, our group read, out loud, the entire gospel account according to Mark. Some boys were more engaged than others, and they asked great questions,” Chris said. 

They also started each day with a devotional message from the Daily Bread devotional book and prayed for their day before leaving the Family Activities Center. 

“I am thankful for all the answered prayers, especially for protection over our van as we drove around the city each day. The kids greatly improved their habit of wearing seatbelts!” Chris said. 

“A highlight for me this summer was sharing with the kids how a relationship with Jesus and re-dedicating my life to following Him after college changed my life in so many ways,” he said. “A relationship with Jesus brought more peace and joy in my life, even when going through seasons of suffering.”

Ronnie, 10, said he’s “grateful” to have been in this program. 

“I loved it all,” he said. The (volunteer) coaches were great too. Coach Henri looks like Jesus. All the coaches are cool and fun people. We talked a lot about Jesus. I learned that He died, not only for me, but everyone, everywhere. He loves me and He’s proud of me for being me.”

Zayvion, 10, said it meant a lot to him too to be in the Summer Sports School.

“It was very fun,” he said. “I started even having fun doing things I didn’t really like at first. I want to do this again. The most important thing I learned? The devil can’t drive Jesus away. Jesus knew he was going to be crucified and He still did it to sacrifice.”

The kids in the program also participated in taking a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) survey. This is an assessment tool Lord’s Gym uses, from a third-party, Hello Insight. The tool is used to track a child’s social-emotional competence over the course of programming, Chris explained. 

“The post-assessment results for the Summer School Program showed that every child who completed the Summer Sports School exhibited growth in at least 1 of 4 key capacities,” Chris said. “The capacities include: self-management, social skills, mastery orientation (i.e. building skills), and self-sufficiency. Thanks be to God!”

“And Peter said to them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

Three youth from the Lord’s Gym Ministries summer program were baptized July 24. 

 “Their decision to embrace water baptism serves as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of faith and repentance,” said Community Liaison Valerie, who leads the youth summer and after-school programs. “With unwavering optimism and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, we embrace this new phase in their spiritual journey and eagerly anticipate the wonders that lie ahead.”

 Valerie’s top goal for the kids she’s leading is to see them “cultivate a deeper connection with God.”

 Leslie, 14,  said that she wanted to be baptized because she has grown so close to God this year. Raised in church, she said she’s always felt as though God has been a part of her life, but this year she realized just how much she loves Jesus.

 “Being baptized means you’re starting a new and better life with God,” she said. 

 Lydia, 11, agreed that baptism is about having a “fresh start and trying to be better in life and being kind and to love others as you love yourself.”

 She said she wanted to be baptized because she wants to be a better person every day. 

 Zach, 15, said being baptized means being “truly committed to God.”

 “I wanted to get baptized because I want to live my life for Him and do better.”

 LGM Family Activity Center Director Danny said the proclamations of faith by these children are “the reason we get up every morning.”

 “We want to minister to adults and youth,” Danny said. “We are on the front lines of a spiritual battle. We are here to share the good news of the Gospel and bring people to Christ, disciple them, baptize them and welcome them into God’s family.”

They’re home…

The 2024 Resiliency Ride was an experience of a lifetime and a life-transforming experience too.

Julie, a parent of one of the Resiliency Riders said she has noticed a difference in her son already. He just got back from the 325-mile bike ride from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C., a few days ago. 

“His whole attitude is so much better. He seems more confident in himself, as well, and I am so grateful,” Julie said. “He has been through a lot and we don’t have too many good role models in my family. Unfortunately, we don’t really see any of my family because most of them drink too much or are addicted to some form of drugs. So, I love that he has gotten to be around you guys to see some successful role models. I just want to say thank you to you all for being a positive influence and giving my son an experience of a lifetime.”

Cortez, 14, a second-year Resiliency Rider said it was an “amazing” journey. His bottom was quite sore riding all the way to D.C., but it was worth every bit of pain. 

“I loved having another chance to do this,” he said. “I loved getting to spend more time in D.C. I really enjoy seeing The White House and the Spiderman tower, ur, um, Washington Monument.”

Cortez said he learned a lot on this trip too. “It has shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to. There were a few times I thought about quitting, but I didn’t. God showed up for me and helped me push through.”

Axel, 13, also said it was “amazing.” This is his first time as a Resiliency Rider. He enjoyed the biking challenges and the camping. He said some of the most important things he learned were to be respectful. Although biking is an individual sport, it took a lot of teamwork to get to where they were going safely.

“The best thing I learned is that if I push my limits, I can do great things,” Axel said.

Xizallian, 15, said although the trip was nice, it was a challenge, especially riding in the hot temperatures the first few days. However, he said he pushed through and is so glad he did. He got to finally see Washington D.C.

Jacial, 13, also a first-time Resiliency Rider, said he had a lot of fun and gained a lot of knowledge during the ride.

“The most important thing I learned is to never give up,” he said. “My capacity goes beyond my expectations.”

He was a little disappointed, however, that The White House isn’t as big as he had originally thought. Still, he loved visiting the historic structure. It was his first time in D.C. too. 

Caleb, 12, had a bit of a different ride into D.C. than his fellow mates. On the second day, he fell off his bike and broke his wrist. That didn’t deter him from finishing the ride and making it to D.C., he rode with a support team member. The two support team members drove a van and a truck and trailer. They carried equipment, supplies and food, and met the riders at breaking points for water and nourishment. 

“Things aren’t always easy,” Caleb said. “I knew this was going to be a challenge. I still feel good about being a part of the Resiliency Ride. It felt good sticking in and finishing the journey, although it wasn’t the way I expected to. God got me through it, He helped me push through.”

Caleb said he loved visiting D.C. too. “I really like the Washington Monument; it’s cool to see something so historical.”

This was the second Resiliency Ride for Lord’s Gym Ministries Board Chair Johnny Alexander. He said it was an “excellent trip,” that ended with a profession of faith by one of the young riders. 

“The profession of faith was beautiful,” Johnny said. “There were many special moments like this throughout the ride. I remember one day I was sick and everyone gathered around me and prayed over me, that was so special. Relationships grew and God showed up.”

According to Johnny, the trip signifies what Lord’s Gym Ministries is all about – building relationships and extending grace and love to one another all the while growing strong in the Lord. 

Lord’s Gym Board member Todd Kuramoto, also participated in the ride as a support team member and prepared the riders’ meals each night.

“This has been an interesting thing to take part in,” Todd said. “I’d see the riders every day. I’d see the kids on the verge of breaking and then see them overcome and mature. They persevered. There were some wonderful moments and you could tell that the Holy Spirit was working through them to help each other. This gives you a lot of hope in today’s society.”

The Bible verses for the trip were Ephesians 4:1-2. In this scripture Paul writes: “As a prisoner of the Lord, I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling. With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. 

“It was really cool and amazing to see that the kids were getting it,” Todd said. “They showed acts of kindness and were doing those things unconditionally. It is heartwarming to see kids with a goal and mission and hopefully they have learned amazing things and find relevance to this throughout their lives.”

Although everyone agrees it was an “amazing” ride, it was also a ride full of challenges. It’s called the Resiliency Ride for a reason, according to Lord’s Gym Executive Director Scott Bowers.

“This year’s ride challenged us from many different directions but that is what the ride is supposed to do,” Scott said. “I was so encouraged and humbled by the 10 adults (eight riders and two crew members) who selflessly gave of their time to invest in the Lord’s Gym youth riders.” 

They’re off…

On a sunny Saturday morning, July 13, Cortez, 14, is up super early. He’s ready for an adventure. The Price Hill youth and several others are embarking of the journey of a lifetime, the Resiliency Ride.

The ride is organized by Lord’s Gym Ministries and involves a bicycle trek across 325 miles. The nine young riders and several adult chaperones left early Saturday morning for Pittsburgh, where they will pedal along the GAP Trail and C&O Canal to Washington D.C.

 Lord’s Gym Ministries is a faith-based organization serving adults and youth in Price Hill and Covington, many of whom are struggling with drugs, other forms of addiction, homelessness, and more.

 This is the second year for the Resiliency Ride, led by Lord’s Gym Ministries Executive Director Scott Bowers. Bowers, 67, of Cincinnati, rode his bike across America in 2021 to raise awareness of addiction issues among youth, as well as raise funds for Lord’s Gym’s youth experiences that include an array of sports programs and an after-school program. 

 “It’s an honor to share this biking experience from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. with these young men,” Bowers said. “We have prepared for this trip for several weeks, training during our cycling club meetings. They’re ready.  And, they will learn so much these next nine days.”

 Jair Montiel, who works with City Gospel Mission, is joining Bowers as a chaperone. 

“I hope to build a strong relationship with the kids,” Montiel said. “It is an honor to go on such an adventure with them. I hope they discover more about themselves, their resilience and capacity. I hope they build their confidence, as well as make lifelong memories.”

Chaperone Kelly St. James, who went on the trip last year, said she loves the Resiliency Ride because it combines her two passions: God and cycling.

“My most memorable bike tour was last year’s ride,” she said. “I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of this again. It’s so great to see the kids accomplish so much and be a part of that with them. This ride has brought so much more meaning to my love and passion for cycling. I hope the kids deepen their relationship with the Lord, that’s my biggest desire.”

Cortez, 14, went on last year’s ride. He said he’s looking forward simply to rididing his bike and growing with God.

“God was with us last year,” he said. “He’ll be with us and get us through this year.”

Xizallian, 15, is a first-time Resiliency Rider. He said he’s looking forward to cycling, camping, the wooded parts of the trail, and “of course all the D.C. stuff.”

“This is a great chance to see things I normally wouldn’t get to see,” he said. “It’s also a great way to connect to the environment and challenge myself. I love cycling, I have since I was a kid and this is a great way to take it to the next level.”

Lord’s Gym Ministries Board Chair Johnny Alexander said he’s looking forward to spending quality time with all the kids and getting to know them better.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them grow as they press through and become stronger and more confident,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to intimate time with the Lord while out on the trail. It’s really a great time to focus on God’s creation and step away from the stress of the world.”

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Throughout scripture we see a theme of relationships. The Lord created us as relational beings. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says: “Two are better than one…”

At Lord’s Gym Ministries we are about relationships. We build meaningful and positive relationships with the friends we serve. These connections encourage our friends to follow God and overcome the many barriers they face in a life of poverty, addiction and trauma.

We also cultivate relationships with our volunteers and supporters. We want them to be growing strong in the Lord so that they can be a blessing to our friends, as well as be blessed themselves. 

We are looking to grow our reach. So, we are hosting our Inaugural Pickleball Tournament, 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 20, the first day of summer, at The Pickle Lodge in West Chester. Register here: bit.ly/LGMpickball24.

Bring a friend with you so they can learn about the ministry. That’s what this event is all about… spreading the word about the wonderful work God is doing in the Greater Cincinnati area. 

There will be plenty of fun to be had too with this friendly competition that will include a grand prize!! 

Sign up now and spread the word!

Spring Soccer 2024 Banquet

Sarita, a mom in Price Hill, has noticed a difference in her children.

They’ve been involved in the Lord’s Gym Panthers Soccer experience and it’s been, well… “Exciting!”

“My son is a lot more open,” she said. “He’s come a long way. It means a lot to have Lord’s Gym Soccer. There’s not a lot of soccer programs in the area and I really enjoy this one because the coaches really care about the kids.”

Micahel, 9, played in the spring league and “can’t wait until fall” to start playing again. This Panther said playing soccer gave him something fun to do and helped him make new friends.

Carteama, of Winton Terrace, said she loves that her daughter had this experience this spring. 

“It’s been awesome for her to find something she loves so much,” Carteama said. “The coaches really pour in to the kids. This program helps with the kids’ self esteem and helps them make new friends. They also learn important life ethics.”

Gabriella, 9, says she loves to play soccer.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I like my coach because she’s fun and funny. It feels good too to learn about how God loves us. That’s the most important thing I’ve learned.”

Lord’s Gym Ministries held a banquet in honor of our soccer players, parents and coaches. Youth Athletics Chaplain Chris, mced the event that included about 150 in attendance. Coach Todd prepared the meal and volunteers from Men in Balance and Lord’s Gym staff served our families. Each Panther was presented with a medal and T-shirt. The shirts were provided by FC Cincinnati, who also trained all the coaches and provided equipment for the kids, and a medal. 

Chris and coaches shared a few words about the season, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents who supported the players throughout the season. Master Provisions and Chic-fil-A also provided support throughout the season with food and snacks, and Roberts Academy allowed the Panthers to use their fields for practice at no charge.

“A top highlight of the season was the program itself,” Chris said. “There are not a lot of soccer opportunities in this area. It has been an honor to meet a need for that this season. Another highlight is that we created a safe place and did our best to maintain a safe place for our kids and families. 

“Our parents were a big part of that and were just  great. They were positive, encouraging and loud when they cheered from the bottom of their hearts,” Chris continued. “The No. 1 highlight is that we saw God’s love demonstrated in many ways.” 

One way that God’s love was demonstrated was through the relationships between the players and the coaches.

Coach Trevor said coaching the Panthers has meant “everything” to him. 

“It means a lot to be able to do this,” he said. “Many of the kids who I coached didn’t have the same opportunities I had growing up. It was good to love on them and to be able to teach them to be and do good on and off the field. I’m going to keep doing this.”

This was Coach Jen’s first time coaching and a great learning experience for her, she said.

“Most of our girls hadn’t played before,” she said. “They really jumped in and over the season they improved so much. That’s a cool feeling, to be a part of that.”

Jen also enjoyed seeing the girls become friends.

“Seeing them Bond and become friends with those they didn’t know was so great,” she said. “This team was so supportive of each other. It was not about the win, it was about working hard on something together.”

Chaplain Chris said he was proud of the coaches, parents and Panthers for seeing the season to completion. He said he is honored to have been a part of it all and hopes everyone feels that they have been a part of something special.

“No matter their background, or where they stand as far as beliefs, we want every child to feel welcome and to know that they belong with us,” he said.

Family Activity Center Director Danny, translated during the event for our Spanish speaking families. He also took time to remind everyone why we have our soccer experience.

“We want to transform lives for the glory of God,” he said “We do this by sharing the Gospel and at the center of that Gospel is Jesus. Yes, we do sports. It’s fun, the kids develop skills, but the main thing we want to pour into our parents and kids lives is we have a hope and that hope is in Jesus.” 

From Vicky Gentry

Enjoy a personal note from our long-time administrative assistant Vicky Gentry:

Who likes to have fun, meet people, and maybe enjoy a little competition? Is that you? Well then you need to participate in the upcoming Lord’s Gym Ministries Pickleball event on Thursday, June 20.

 Why pickleball? 

Because it is so much fun! I participated in a workshop in my community a year ago that taught me how to play. I learned how to play tennis when I was about 13 years old. I’ve always liked to play table tennis and I have fiddled around on a racquetball court a bit. So, pickleball is kind of like all three of these wrapped up in one. 

It’s a fun challenge

Pickleball is challenging, it keeps you on your toes and it is great exercise. It also feeds my competitive side that comes out occasionally. It’s another way to keep me active and I have only played inside. So, it is not affected by the weather. I can still be active in the winter. I have even been taking lessons to improve my game. It has helped. I’m now not afraid to go up to the kitchen line to play where balls are coming at you sometimes rapidly. Recently, with lessons, I have been playing at least three times a week with each session about an hour and a half. Another great thing is that it is a great way to meet people. I now feel more a part of my local community.

We need you

Enough about me and how much I enjoy playing pickleball. I want to now tell you why you should be a part of the community of Lord’s Gym Ministries and come and be a part of the pickleball event on Thursday, June 20.

Lord’s Gym Ministries has been around for 31 years. It is a wonderful ministry that helps men, women and children who are in need, who may be struggling with addiction, on the streets and homeless or just down and out in one way or another. We love them with the love of Christ and help them where we can by feeding them, offering a safe place to come to, involving the children in sports and an after-school program to help them grow in relationships and at the same time sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them all. We all need Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!

We need your help, and you need us! 

We are commanded to make disciples of all nations. We cannot do all that we do without our partners and volunteers. Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

So, come out to the Pickleball event and find out more details about the ministry and have a blast playing pickleball! Bring a friend so they can learn more too. I can’t wait to see you there! Register today: bit.ly/LGMpickball24

From the Desk of Melissa Reinert

“For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.” Hebrews 11:14-16

A friend of mine recently lost her husband suddenly. He was in his mid-sixties and had so much life in him. It’s hard to imagine him not being here with his family who he loved so dearly. It’s heartbreaking. It reminded me of the loss of my father, someone who left what I consider to be too soon, at age 59. My dad was a family man too. And it was so hard when he left us. I would think often too of the things my father has missed, my marriage to a really wonderful man, and especially having a relationship with his grandchildren.

My friend wrote something to someone in a comment on Facebook, however, that recently changed my entire outlook on this. She said that it’s hard. She misses her husband, but she knows, without a doubt, he is with Jesus and given the opportunity, he would not want to come back to this earth.

Oh, how I needed to hear this. Such a burden was lifted from me. This was a man who loved life. He lived it to the fullest. He loved his family and spent every moment he could with them. Still, after being in the physical presence of Jesus, he would not want to come back.

My dad may have missed out on some things down here, but those things, as wonderful as they are, do not compare to being in the presence of Jesus. He would not want to come back here either.

I love life. I do my best to live it to the fullest, but I also can’t wait until I see my Jesus face to face. That’s going to be the most wonderful experience. I hope this brings comfort and encouragement to anyone carrying the burden of grief or fear of death. 

Jesus tells us to come to Him with our heavy burdens. He defeated death. Our best moments on this earth pale compared to eternity with Him.

Fowling Tournament in Review

We are thankful to everyone who participated in the Fowling Tournament April 6. It was such a blast. Check out some pics below give the interview above, with a member of the champion team! We’d like to encourage you to join us for our next event, our Inaugural Pickle ball Tournament. It will be held 1-4 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at The Pickle Lodge: https://bit.ly/LGMpickleball24