“Gym Bag Bible” Combines Physical Fitness and Faith, Celebrates 3rd Anniversary.
Following the tragic Columbine High School shootings of 2001, stress and overwork finally took their toll on the 42 year-old Dr. Reverend Poos-Benson and he collapsed, falling unconscious beneath his desk just prior to a Sunday morning sermon. When he regained consciousness, Poos-Benson vowed to regain his life. He transformed himself into a fit and healthy person and committed to helping others incorporate physical fitness as part of their commitment to God. Three years later, hundreds of people have completed the “Gym Bag Bible” program.
(PRWEB) September 3, 2004
Reverend Dr. Steve Poos-Benson of Littleton, Colorado, announced the 3rd anniversary of the Gym Bag Bible program. In a way, the program originated as a result of the tragic Columbine High School shootings in 2001. Reverend Poos-Benson was a first responder, working weeks of 20 hour days sustained by caffeine and adrenaline. The physical stress finally took its toll on the 42 year-old Poos-Benson and he collapsed under the strain, falling unconscious beneath his desk just prior to a Sunday morning sermon. When he regained consciousness, Poos-Benson vowed to regain his life. He transformed himself into a fit and healthy person, gaining more strength and energy than he’d had for years. Poos-Benson describes, “I looked at my ‘before’ and ‘after’ picture and the difference was remarkable. As a minister, I wondered, what does an ‘after’ picture look like when one is transformed spiritually? The idea hit me that real personal transformation, the kind that leads people to the life of fulfillment and vision that God wants us to have, involves BOTH spiritual and physical transformation! They work together. After all, our bodies are the temple of God and our bodies are the vessel through which we serve him.”
Poos-Benson designed a program with the purpose of helping people become physically fit, and combining fitness with themes of faith, God and life. From a first class of 35, the program has grown, attracting hundreds of participants both from within the church and from outside. “Attracting people from outside of church is so exciting,” states Reverend Poos-Benson. “Not only are we bringing more people to our church, but we’re attracting people who haven’t been involved with faith for years… the context of fitness draws people who would not come to a program devoted purely to faith, and it’s exciting to see so many people slowly, carefully begin to explore faith, and then embrace it. This is truly exciting for me and for the church, but most importantly, the Gym Bag Bible program is helping people embark on the lives God wants for them.”
The objective of the program is clear – propel lives to greatness by helping people to simultaneously become physically fit and spiritually fit. The program is far from easy. Over 13 weeks, participants commit to exercise and perform spiritual exercises six days a week – a total of 1-2 hours per day. In addition, participants commit to consistently use proper nutrition. Only about half complete it, yet the group of alumni is growing steadily. Those who complete the program believe that their lives have been changed beyond their dreams. Tracey, a graduate of the Gym Bag Bible program proclaims, “After twelve weeks in the Gym Bag Bible program, I had lowered my cholesterol 50 points, lost 18 pounds, and re-found my energy. I am committed to remain a healthy, happy and peaceful me, God's Ambassador in word and deed.”
“Completing our second year of the program is so exciting, such a privilege,” exclaims the ever-enthusiastic Poos-Benson. “We’ve been able to refine the program and develop a team of coaches. We are expanding the adult education program to reach more people and help them enjoy the benefits of becoming healthy and faithful. Other churches and individuals were requesting that we package Gym Bag Bible, so we did. I hope people will try it and suggest ways to improve it further.” The program is available with a website, Leader’s Guide, DVD lessons and individual workbooks.
NEWS CONTACTS:
David Tabor (303) 520-5525
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