Run The Race

After spending nearly 15 years in federal prison, this former longtime drug addict got his freedom and became a pastor for a home church and a nonprofit recovery program that is connected to a business in East Alabama. His is one of many inspiring success stories of faith and fitness that you'll hear on this "Run The Race" podcast.

(2:45) Pastor Chris Cloud first chats with me about the effectiveness and encouragement from having worship before work, which is what dozens of men do every early weekday morning at a company called Abel Electric in Salem, AL. He's one of a few pastors that work for the nonprofit Abel Ministries, being a light for former convicts, construction workers, men who need second chances.

(10:27) Chris shares his personal story, how he went from foster care to drug addiction to federal prison in 1998 to revival behind bars, where he really learned and practiced how to "Press In" to the things of God and totally focus on Him. He explains what that means and examples of pressing in. He reminds us...it's what we do IN the trial that defines us. He went from discipling others in prison to (23:05) working on the outside - helping men get on the right path, learn a trade to be able to get a job, but how did discernment help them vet the men in their 12 month recovery program? Getting that acceptance and seeing other men freely worship God can also be a "culture shock."

(29:15) Chris' passion is raising others up to find their identity in Christ. It's about seeking HIM not things. And they're showing the community that there can be many success stories when faith is involved, these former convicts becoming positive citizens. They're celebrating those at Abel Ministries' first ever Graduation Gala for their recovery program Tuesday night October 1 at 7/6c at First Baptist Church in Opelika. To learn more about what Abel does and how you can help their growing ministry, planning to expand soon, go to https://www.abelministries.org/.

(37:55) As for fitness, Chris previously competed in bodybuilding, lost weight while using drugs for a decade, then actually became a certified personal trainer while in prison. He has Biblical advice for those going through dark times, and it won't happen overnight with a "crockpot God." He now uses his redemption story to help other inmates, addicts. (49:36) And he closes out this episode with a powerful prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

A little more than a decade after getting blown up by an IED during the War in Afghanistan, this Army sharpshooter competed in his second Paralympics. Back from Paris, he joined us on the "Run the Race" podcast to tell his inspiring story and with some wisdom on resilience.

(3:31) SSG Kevin Nguyen first tells us about his combat injury as a 20-year-old soldiers...making the decision for doctors to amputate and (15:11) what it's like being an amputee...facing fitness challenges to be able to stay in the Army...(23:25) how he ended up being a competitive shooter, competing at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, what it was like at both...how training goes for shooting against the best...(40:04) how his 13-year Army career prepared him for the Paralympics, physically and mentally after facing a depressive crisis a decade earlier...representing USA and also winning gold at the Parapan American Games...and why he's trading in his competition jacket for a chance to help future warfighters.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

3+ weeks from now, I'll be running my first "world major," the Chicago Marathon...and doing it for a meaningful cause making a difference around the world. In this episode, you'll learn about training for a 26.2 mile race...facing a fitness challenge for a cause that matters to you, like partnering with Team World Vision...what the Christian humanitarian organization does to help conquer poverty and the global water crisis...and how our guest got this job with the nonprofit after surrendering her career to God.

Here's where you can donate to help with my charity entry to the Chicago Marathon and help raise money for World Vision: https://www.teamworldvision.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=418235&fbclid=IwY2xjawFYWeBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSqAzylFvFuQKOfnS_OtqecgVhtajibXLd4e1RUvOKMlOM6YyasLsxH73g_aem_kxlMwCB8-dN24eZNWDZdZg.

Katie Andre is a Team World Vision Senior Church Advisor in Illinois, and is running the Chicago Marathon for the third time. She talks on "Run The Race" about (5:02) conquering challenges for something bigger than yourself and how God met and shocked her through fundraising the first time. (14:04) World Vision is the biggest non-governmental provider of water in the world. Hear stories about what people in the poorest countries have to do for water and how this nonprofit changes lives, especially children. Run a race/marathon for yourself or to help others, especially with basic needs?

Learn more about World Vision and how to do an event with this team: https://www.teamworldvision.org/?language=en.

(23:17) Christian faith is at the center of all that Team World Vision does. Katie talks about Jesus' call to love others in action. It's also fun, rewarding for runners and walkers that partner with them. (31:52) She also tells stories about her journey from electrical engineering to church jobs to World Vision ministry. (43:33) She has advice for others too about making big changes like that...and how running can be me/God time...then I close us out in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

Debate involving LGBTQ is often divisive in our nation and churches these days. This week's podcast guest is a pastor and missionary who says he formerly identified as homosexual, but an encounter with Jesus a dozen years ago set him on a new journey! He talks about his trauma growing up...that major transition, spiritually and sexually...helping churches and also others in the LGBTQ community...getting married to a woman...and ministering to people through the "Rainbow Journey" movement.

After taking a quick look at what the Bible says about homosexuality and how Christians can respond to gay friends, (6:40) our guest tells his fascinating story. Gabriel Pagan explains how he was "delivered from homosexuality," as he calls it. It started with sexual trauma and bullying...led to sexual identity curiosities...being suicidal amidst the stigma of being gay and family shame...then being pursued by Jesus in his mess. What made him say he'd never sleep with another man?

(25:20) For those who say they were born gay or God made them that way, why do they need to be delivered from it? Gabriel says when we're Born again, no other identities are needed or above that. No conversion therapy was needed. This now-pastor says he didn't need to pray his attractions away - they'll still come but we can deny them when Jesus meets our needs. It's choosing between our relationship with Jesus and our sexuality. HE will answer any of your questions on that. God is not mad at gay or straight people. Transitioning out of LGBTQ, Gabriel talks about the hardest thing: dealing with his emotions without an escape, instead us processing things with Jesus.

Next for him came (34:55) falling in love with the woman that would be his wife. God made a lot of it happen, including the ring. Now, they have 3 sons...have been through a lot, but he says following the Lord is not easy and restoration comes (verse in Joel). (45:41) Gabriel started the "Rainbow Movement," explaining the Biblical symbolism and how we can reflect Jesus without weaponizing Scripture and without rejecting people that are gay. Part of it is equipping churches, changes that come with a cost but concerns about image can mean people continuing to struggle. Gabriel says there's more homosexual people than you think in your church congregation. He also has the "God of the Rainbow" e-course that gives people practical tools. Learn more: https://linktr.ee/rainbowprophet?fbclid=IwY2xjawFPUcZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRAd1wdAjryZQTxFMQm_gfUSapBHfRP8Xio0xVjLojHLz4spdqwYMZy_4w_aem_S1_Fh5JOlTmUzbrgodEOfA

(1:04:10) Gabriel closes us in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

The winner of Georgia's Strongest Man competition towered over me in our chat for this podcast...which you really should subscribe to, like, follow. Columbus GA native Trotter Barringer, who is now headed to Strongman nationals, gives us his regiment for the gym, nutrition, and balance with family/church life.

(3:20) We talk first about how and why he transitioned from basketball and football to powerlifting then Strongman events. Trotter also had advice on strength training (for those who don't always like going to the gym). He says you can study like he did, then gotta put in the work. He's at the gym 4 days a week, for more than 12 hours total. There's plenty of sacrifice and recovery.

(10:15) What about food and fuel for all those workouts? He aims to eat at least 7,000 calories per day! It isn't easy. His favorite go-to food is Mac n Cheese. (12:40) He describes what it was like winning the Georgia Strongest Man competition in his hometown, which included liftings things like 400 pound kegs and stones. You'll want to hear his top stats too for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.

Strongman competition preparation (16:12) also includes a lot of mental reps! How does he do that? And how do his coaches, wife help? Trotter also has to push through the pain, without getting injured. (22:05) Now, his oldest of 3 children, 9-year-old son is keeping in kids strongman events. There are also misconceptions about the sport, sometimes confused with body building, on stage in speedos. If he gets Top 3 at Nationals in Greenville SC September 20-21, he'll get his "pro card." The goal is eventually World's Strongest Man. Could this tall guy use his strength to maybe play in the NFL too?

(29:47) Trotter also has a passion to be a man of God and pursue His will. He explains how he tries to be Christ-like in the gym, at work, and everywhere. But why powerlifting? He explains. And his favorite thing is having a max goal...and missing it! Keep improving, never be satisfied. (36:23) And this Strongman's got a few things he's focusing on heading into competition vs some of the best in the nation. I close us out in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

As we head into Labor Day weekend, and the unofficial end of summer, we dive into faith in the workplace for this shorter podcast episode, on the 130th year of this holiday.

I talk about 5 ways faith shapes our work (as written about by Pastor Tim Keller, which I found on the "Faith and Work Movement" website). The focus is on having our identity in Christ instead of our work...what Colossians says about doing what your boss says and working for the Lord and eternal rewards...stealing glory from God with our success...doing the best job we can but not seeking perfectionism...being guided by a moral compass in the workplace to avoid corruption...seeing our job as a calling from the Lord, a way to serve others...and faith providing us hope that trumps frustrating times at work.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

You'll see a familiar face in the latest Kendrick Brothers film "The Forge," hitting theaters just as this podcast episode comes out. Cameron Arnett, named Actor of the Year in 2020 by the International Christian Film and Music Festival, opens up to me about the lessons of discipleship and God's empowerment from this new movie...Christian morality causing him to leave acting but then getting back into it...his "Christ over Career" movement...filmmaking in Georgia, and more. Make sure to subscribe to "Run The Race."

After introducing our guest and (3:53) giving you a taste/preview of the trailer of "The Forge" - exclusively in theaters on Friday, August 23 - one of the lead actors in that project (5:43) talks about the character being made for him. The annointed movie, as Cameron Arnett calls it, also portrays the plan of God - to go out and make disciples! Is God mad at the church or empowering us? He hopes Christians and nonbelievers take positive messages from "The Forge" about being a better parent, sibling, and putting God first: https://www.theforgemovie.com/.

(13:27) Arnett, who started his entertainment career in the late 1980's, has been on TV shows like NBC's Miami Vice, Fox's Star Trek: The Next Generation, ABC's Doogie Howser MD, and more. But after turning down a role that included partial nudity, secular Hollywood turned their back on him. 20+ years later, he started acting again, but this time, representing God - who Cameron says provides and lifts us up, can help you flourish and have success- to give God the Glory.

(18:13) He talks some about the organized movement called "Christ Over Career" - a way of life where God wants is to be the greatest and have dominion over the Earth, without and success and fame taking us over. (19:50) Part of Arnett's fame came from his first Kendrick Brothers move "Overcomer" which he shot in my home city of Columbus GA. He talks about that experience...plus the different roles of acting, producing, directing films.

After pastoring for a few decades, he hopes more Christians become famous - to be able to proclaim to more people who God is and how much He loves us! Arnett also talks about what's next for him and how you can follow his career: https://www.cameronarnett.com/about.

(31:00) As with all episodes, I close us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

With the Paris Olympics wrapping up just a few days ago, this week's special guest is a Silver medalist (she even let me try on the medal, with is kinda heavy). She talks about beating the best shooters in the world...how the Army and fitness and mental work prepared her...how she got into shooting and why she joined the military...and more.

(5:37) Staff Sgt. Sagen Maddalena, an instructor/shooter in the US Army Marksmanship Unit on Fort Moore GA for the last 5 years, just got back from Paris. She goes in-depth on the 3 events she competed in, including some intense shoot offs. In the final one, she got that silver medal for the women's 50m smallbore rifle, an event where she placed 5th in her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.

(11:57) What has her shooting training, sacrifice, fitness routine been like the last several years leading up to the Olympics? She also talks about the importance of being in the moment, as you go after any big goals!

(19:54) SGT Maddalena also discusses how she got started shooting, as a teen in California, going on to be an All-American in college. What she say at shooting events also led her to join the military. This soldier is specific about how the Army got her ready for competitions on the big stage like in France. The excitement also meant some throwing up during the Olympics.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

As concerns grow about war against Israel escalating even more in the Middle East, with major attacks expected from Iran, our latest guest on this podcast is a man who's traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to and from the Holy Land for the past few decades. He has advice for Christians about what to do in the midst of this war in Israel. He also talks about what could happen next in the Holy Land...the relationship between Jews and Christ-followers...what it was like being a hippie rock star in the 1970's and part of the "Jesus Revolution"...plus what husbands are instructed to do for their wives, as he's written a book about. Make sure to subscribe, like "Run The Race."

(4:30) After an update on news out of Israel...we hear from Pastor Victor Styrsky, who's now working at a church in Florida after 17 years helping to lead Christians United For Israel (CUFI). I went to Israel with him on a group trip a decade ago! He says many Christians are Not pro-Israel...but he explains how praying, voting, God's miracles can change things in this conflict.

(10:55) There's been a war since the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948, but can it escalate more than from the gruesome deaths in last Fall's attack and beyond? And will America get more involved in this war?

(20:01) I asked him about the differences and kinship between Christians and Jews. Victor reminds us Jews wrote most of the Bible and Jesus was Jewish. He says the separation, in part, comes from the arrogance of Christianity and man. We go through some quick history, but why is there still anti-semitism today? This associate pastor points to people being haters of God. He says we all have a lot to learn, some of that in one of the books he authored "Honest to God": https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Zionists-Confront-Questions-Answered/dp/1934440493.

(38:38) This pro-Israel advocate was also a hippie rock n roller in the 1970's who had a popular touring band being focused on in a new documentary releasing next month called "Waterfall: A 70s Rock Band": https://www.harriscenter.net/waterfall. He and bandmates also became "Jesus freaks" and were part of that Jesus Revolution.

(42:43) Pastor Victor has also written several books, one called "Wifecoach4men." He gives us some advice on husbands having the responsibility to cherish and nourish our wives.

(49:49) Closing out the podcast, he gives dates (just a few days from now) when he believes Iran will attack Israel, and it's on holy days. He prays God will do miracles. And he implores people to stand with Israel, like we stand with Almighty God! (54:45) Victor prays on the pod too.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.

A few days ago, I ran a marathon in state #29. Check out "Run the Race" to hear how it went before, during, and after the Pacific Northwest race near Seattle. Best part was sharing the experience with our son, who cheered me on at the finish line. The title of this episode references one of my favorite movies, from decades ago, because I got less than 3 hours of sleep before trying to run the 26.2 miles fast.

I talk about the epic concert - with 3 superstars - that led to that lack of sleep...traveling from Georgia to Washington state, then a cool uber to the race start...what it was like running the all downhill race on a sandy trail with gravel, the pros and cons...solid pacers and scenery...what changed at mile 22...bling, scars and a big burger after.

There are also stories about our adventures in Seattle and just East of there: what it was like going through the mazes of the very hip Pike Place Market...hiking to different waterfalls...going to the top of the famous Space Needle...pizza at a unique place next to the "gum wall"...and a Christian ministry taking over part of the big city. And I close the episode out in prayer.

Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.