As I enter my 14th year as a bodybuilder with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I have clearly seen the path the Lord had for me when I was first diagnosed with this life-altering disease. My first response was to show everyone I could beat MS through bodybuilding with the help of Jesus. It became all about me and Him. But when my wife Kendra asked, “Does Jesus want us to lift ourselves up or lift up others?”, I started asking Him what He wanted me to do for others with MS. Before long, He revealed the road I was to travel.
For the past eight years, I have dedicated my life to my MS Fitness Challenge charity. I am still training rigorously as a 61-year-old bodybuilder, but I’ve also been giving to the MS community through free fitness programs and one-on-one training sessions. I’m using my many years of knowledge so that other MS athletes can have a changed fitness regimen. I’m so excited when my MS clients gain strength, mobility, and independence through my workout sessions. I’m also training other fitness professionals on my principles to help their clients.
As coaches, trainers, and educators, we should follow Luke 6:38-40 and honor Christ. We are called to give and teach, so we should examine our path and readjust for His will.