He started it before the coronavirus pandemic made headlines in America, and this week's guest just completed a 37-day strict water fast, losing 50 pounds and laser focused on Jesus.

I kick off episode #20 of the Run The Race podcast with a few thoughts on Easter during the COVID-19 outbreak, fasting as a Christian tradition, and Good Friday representing Jesus on the Cross.

(6:32) We start by getting to know Tre Rager - a database administrator and evangelist and new dad. (8:45) Then we dig into what he just went through without food for 5 weeks, only water with electrolytes. Why try to do this 40-day fast? He's never done something like this before, for this long. Tre describes God giving him strength, clarity, supernatural joy, and focus while his energy levels were up and down.

He started the fast on March 1 before the coronavirus rocked the world and the USA (13:04) so we chat about whether it was good or bad for his health, to either withstand potential sickness vs. his immune system being weakened.

(15:35)Tre lost 50 pounds in 5 weeks. We discuss the physical benefits of fasting, the toxins, the discipline, being healthier in the future. (17:50) Why did he stop at day 37? He explains that and what it was like to come off the fast with bone broth.

We chat about (24:02) the spiritual benefits of this kind of fast, if you want to try it. Tre also says, while fasting, (27:04) God revealed to him how the coronavirus pandemic would end. He gives his take on how the church and the idea of community have changed because of our quarantine and being forced to shelter in place.

(31:03) He then talks about being a new father with a 5-month-old son, getting quality time with the family while having to work at home. (33:33) We close our conversation with Tre discussing his passion for evangelism, and how our mission trip to Africa together changed his life.

(41:14) The "Food for Thought" segment is focused on the benefits of different kinds of intermittent fasting and the call by religious leaders to fast on Good Friday. Our "Parting Gift" is some inspiration from President Lincoln.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast. And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.