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.”

Chick-fil-A Oakley Station recently visited us at Lord’s Gym Ministries to present us with a monetary donation. Chick-fil-A Oakley regularly donates food to the ministry that feeds our youth and adults. We greatly appreciate this partnership.

“Chick-fil-A provides a very viable resource our friends highly value and need,” Scott Bowers LGM Executive Director said. “The food attracts and brings people in. By being able to offer food, a practical demonstration of God’s, we are able to meet and begin meaningful relationships with our friends that can lead to their salvation, as well advancement in their wellbeing.”

Roland Rubio, owner of the Oakley Chick-fil- A, said that it is a “pleasure” to support LGM.

“Lord’s Gym is doing great work,” said Roland. “They not only talk the talk, but at Lord’s Gym, they walk the walk. They have a great heart for the Lord and people and it’s great to work alongside them in this journey.”

Covington, KY – Members of The 410 giving circle presented their 2024 grant in December to Lord’s Gym Ministries, awarding $15,000 to support their efforts to promoting health, mental health, and substance use disorder recovery in Northern Kentucky.

 “The challenges of health, mental health, and substance use disorders are critical issues in our community,” said Nancy Grayson, President and CEO of Horizon Community Funds. “When the members of The 410 selected this focus area for the 2024 grant cycle, we were encouraged by their commitment to making a difference. We are grateful for their insight into the pressing needs of Northern Kentucky residents.”

 Lord’s Gym Ministries provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals facing adversity, offering fitness programs, mentorship, and resources to aid in recovery and overall well-being. The $15,000 grant will help expand their programming, allowing more individuals to access essential health and wellness services, including fitness activities, counseling, and substance use recovery support.

 “We at Lord’s Gym Ministries Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area are grateful for this generous gift and support of The 410 giving circle,” said Scott Bowers, Lord’s Gym Ministries Executive Director. “This gift will further our work with youth in our boxing program. Our local youth face an array of barriers, especially those involving mental health and substance abuse. Our boxing experience offers an outlet for our youth to express themselves, turning negative energy into positive energy. More importantly they build life-changing relationships with positive and caring adult role models. The impact is amazing.”

For more information about Lord’s Gym Ministries and information about volunteer opportunities, visit lordsgymministries.org.

 The 2024 cohort of The 410 includes emerging philanthropists from across Northern Kentucky who are dedicated to exploring their potential for giving back with maximum impact in the community. Grant funds from The 410 are dedicated to nonprofit programs and resources that serve Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties. To generate the grant, each member of The 410 commits a gift of $410. The giving circle operates once per year, in the fall. Additional information about The 410 can be found at horizonfunds.org/the-410. Information on the 2025 grant cycle will be announced in the summer.

About Horizon Community Funds
Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky is a qualified public charitable 501(c)3 organization established as a community foundation in 2017 by Northern Kentucky leaders. Its mission is to unite resources to raise the quality of life for all people in the Northern Kentucky community. Learn more at www.horizonfunds.org.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'” Matthew 22:37-40

As my youngest, now 7, gets older, I’m amazed; sometimes overwhelmed, other times over joyed; by the conversations we have. He is such a bright young man and very inquisitive. 

Several months back we were discussing love. He asked me who I love the most in the entire world. I told him, God. I love God more than anyone or anything, I don’t always reflect this, unfortunately in my human nature, but I’m a work in progress and everyday I’m trying to put my Lord first. 

I was telling my son how God has to be our main focus and priority in life. He didn’t quite understand, but I’m working on helping him to understand. We read, we pray, we talk about Jesus often.

I think what confused him is he thought that perhaps God was more important to me than him. I get where he is coming from. That’s hard to understand. I love my son and my entire family dearly. We all should. God, however, must be our No. 1. He is our Father, our family. Also, loving God the most, helps us love others the best.

I’ve learned so much about parenting by examining my relationship with God and vice-versa. It’s pretty amazing how all this is connected. They both require obedience, discipline, and hard work and sacrifice, which results in great love.

In Matthew, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, your entire being. He immediately adds, that the second is just like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. 

We must first love God and put Him first before we can truly experience love for others, even our self. 

From Chaplain Valerie 

I’m thrilled to share a heartwarming update about my friend Annette, a long-time friend of Lord’s Gym Ministries. Over the years, we’ve formed a strong bond, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting her through various challenges.

Annette’s perseverance and resilience are truly inspiring. Her hard work recently paid off when she landed a Salvation Army bell ringer job! This role is a source of income and a stepping stone, as Annette hopes to secure a more permanent position within the Salvation Army after the bell-ringing season.

I’m beyond proud of Annette and grateful to have played a small part in her journey. Her determination is a testament to the human spirit, and I have no doubt she’ll continue to thrive.

As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

And Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Annette’s story is a beautiful reminder that with perseverance, and support, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

From the Desk of Melissa Reinert

“So I answered them and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build…” Nehemiah 2:20a

Nehemiah wept when he heard the news that his homeland was in despair and disarray. He was heartbroken. He fasted and prayed to God. He begins His prayer by calling God “awesome” He did not cease to praise and honor the Lord, just because he was distraught over the situation of his homeland.

He also asks the Lord for forgiveness of sins of his people and that the Lord hear Him and remember His covenant with the children of Isreal. He admits the fault of Isreal and He asks the Lord to send Him back to his homeland so that He may rebuild it.

The Lord shows Nehemiah favor, and he goes to rebuild his homeland. His news of God’s willingness to send him to rebuild, encouraged those in despair. In Nehemiah 2:18b: “So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.”

Others laughed. Nehemiah was not discouraged. He answered them saying, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore, we His servants will arise and build…”

As we begin a new year, many are or have set for themselves goals or resolutions. Some may be simple, others lofty like the rebuilding of a life. Don’t be discouraged as you are three days in and reaching your “new beginning” has already proven a challenge. Take a page from Nehemiah, pray. Our awesome God will hear you. He will show you favor. He will prosper you. Arise!

From the Desk of Melissa Reinert

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

 Sometimes I sit back in awe watching my colleagues, my work family, as they work with our friends. I love hearing and sharing their stories from the ministry, the victorious stories and the sad stories. It’s real life here at Lord’s Gym. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes we cry out in praise, sometimes we cry out with heartbreak. This is all a part of spiritual warfare and my work family are on the front lines.

Each ministry and each individual involved – our staff, volunteers, donors and partners – in those ministries play such an important role. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord connects all of us here… all of us in His Kingdom… to work through us to demonstrate His great love and transforming power.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul discusses the diversity of gifts and different ministries. He compares them to the human body. Just as each part of the human anatomy plays an important role making up the whole body, so does each Child of God play an important role in glorifying and honoring His Kingdom.

We are all different. Our talents and abilities are unique to each of us. Together, however, under one Lord, we are a mighty force. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. What an incredible blessing to be together, in one Spirit, under one Lord.

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.”