An Encouraging Word
As I sat across from my friend from the streets of the inner city he said to me, “I wonder how I would have turned out if I had the opportunities you’ve had”? What a great question. My friend has been imprisoned several times and had a pretty hard life in many ways coming from a broken family with little opportunity and few role models worth following. So how would you expect him to turn out?
Fact is during my tenure serving downtown at FOCAS Ministries as one who was formerly from the suburbs that one of my great lessons learned is that there is little difference between any of us! And what difference there is comes primarily from opportunity afforded some and not others. I for one have been blessed with many opportunities in life that have catapulted me into a place in society that many would call functional and even successful. I was born into a great family, had loving and kind parents, saw many worthy role models growing up, was exposed to many great teachers, coaches and mentors, and thus had a great education. So this boy from the suburbs has turned out in society’s eyes as ok. Why? Did I deserve it? I don’t think so. I think more than anything I was born into it by the grace of God. The land and life of opportunity has accompanied me my whole existence.
But what about for my friends from the city and streets? What about those born on and into the lower spectrum of life? Paul said to the church at Corinth, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” We’ve all been given amazing grace in spite of ourselves. Don’t ask me why? Just be grateful and thankful and live like it!
Tom Lipsey - Director of Development
“…give thanks in ALL circumstances…”, as written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, may be one of those easier said than done comments. Really? Are we really supposed to give thanks in every one of our circumstances? You mean it’s not just one of those nice ideas once a year in November during Thanksgiving? While the pilgrims may have inspired the upcoming holiday, the apostle Paul is challenging us to have a completely different mindset altogether. He sandwiches this comment by actually saying. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Chris Jesus.” Wow!
Personally, this is one of my favorite verses; I can say that I finally know the will of God for my life. Besides that, these instructions (which are not suggestions or good ideas) are pretty straightforward. The challenge for me is, “Will I do it – especially during those not so great circumstances where being joyful or thankful are the last things from my mind?” My prayer for myself is that the Holy Spirit will remind me of this verse at ALL times; so that, I can practice them daily. Even when I don’t FEEL the joy or thanksgiving of the situation I can pray out of obedience that God will change my mindset accordingly.
Scott Bowers
FOCAS Ministries
The next Community Awareness Fundraiser Breakfast Event is Tuesday, September 30 at the Sharonville Convention Center at 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH 45246.
Registration/Breakfast is from 7:00am to 7:30 am. The program is from 7:30am to 8:45 am sharp.
Please read the latest FOCAS Newsletter and find out what God has been up to at FOCAS.
Check out the FOCAS Calendar of Events. Please come and visit us and see for yourself what God is doing. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Breakfast/Lunch Fundraisers. Let us know which event you would like to attend and bring a friend.
Blessings!
Please read the latest FOCAS Newsletter and find out what God has been up to at FOCAS.
Learn about a couple Saved From A Life of Prostitution and Drugs.
This year FOCAS will have a Community Awareness Fundraiser Luncheon Event. It will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at City Church Cincinnati at Tri-County Mall (near Ethan Allen). Registration / Lunch is from 11:30 am to Noon. The program is from Noon to 1:00pm.
If you would like to attend or be a Table Host please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Blessings!
Please read the latest FOCAS Newsletter and find out what God has been up to at FOCAS.
Meet FOCAS staff member Pastor Larry Spellman and learn about his role at FOCAS.
Please read the latest FOCAS Newsletter and see what God has been up to at FOCAS.
Find out about the opening of the Lord's Gym Family Activity Center in Price Hill.
Please read the latest FOCAS Newsletter and find out what God has been up to at FOCAS.
Executive Director Scott Bower's article tells how God's Favor Abounds. He quotes, "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation". 2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV
Blessings!!
Over-the-Rhine
Monday (Drop Inn Center) 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday (Pantry) 10:00am - 1:30pm
Wednesday (Camps) 9:00pm - 12:00am
Thursday (Pantry) 10:00am - 1:30pm
Friday (Findlay Park) 10:00am - 2:00pm
Price Hill
Wednesday (Lower & Upper) 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Covington
Tuesday (Pantry) 7:00am - 9:00am
Thursday (Pantry) 7:00am - 9:00am
This will be our new FOCAS outreach schedule for the summer season. We are looking for more volunteers for our Monday and Wednesday night outreaches.
Pastor/Evangelist James Turner
Greetings!
What an exciting time at FOCAS. God is moving in a mighty way and lives are being changed. Take a look at our March/April Newsletter and stay updated with all the great things God is doing in Over-the-Rhine and Covington. Please click on the following links to view articles from FOCAS’ latest Newsletter.
Click on this link if you want to read about the Homeless Mom Reunited with her Faith and Family.
Bob Clarke has been an integral part of the Lord’s Gym and FOCAS ministries for 21 years. Read more about Bob and the lives he has seen changed by God through FOCAS.
Catch an article from our Executive Director and how, “ Last month, FOCAS staffers Tom Lipsey, Jim Turner, and I spent time visiting New York City Relief.”
Be sure to check out the Calendar of Events section.
If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive our newsletter, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and provide us with your mailing information.
Last, if you have not been down to see us, please call or email today and ask to speak to Tom Lipsey or Scott Bowers.
God Bless!
Please watch this news clip about the event which aired on the cn2 Sports program last night. Then share it with your friends and help get the word out about the Lord’s Gym and how God is moving and changing lives for His glory!
http://mycn2.com/cn2-sports/working-and-working-out-for-the-lord-with-cincinnati-bengals
Blessings!
Mark your calendars for the Fall Fundraiser Breakfast Events:
Kenwood Country Club - Wednesday, September 17
Sharonville Convention Center - Tuesday, September 30
The Madison Event Center - Wednesday, October 15
If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive our newsletter, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and provide us with your mailing information.
God bless!
Would you like to help us out by volunteering?
Pump N Run, May 2 & 3
Volunteer Training: First Saturday of each month at 1818 Vine Street, 9:30am - 10:30am
Table Hosts
Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
May 2 & 3, Cincinnati Convention Center
visit www.FlyingPigMarathon.com to register
$20.00 to participate
Join us AND bring a friend!!
Covington Lord's Gym (811 Madison Ave.)
Fri. Feb. 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meet Cincinnati Bengals
RSVP by Wed, Mar. 26
Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Come to Over-the-Rhine or Covington and take a tour of our facilities and see what God is up to!
Tours begin at 11:30am
Over-the-Rhine Location:
Every Tuesday in February
Every Wednesday in March
Covington Location:
Feb. 13, Feb 20 & Mar. 6 & 20
Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Blessings!