Before

I was athletic in high school and a triathlete/marathon runner as a young adult. After hitting “middle-age,” I gained almost 10 pounds a year following my Army retirement. At 40 I accepted Christ - a life-changing experience. Over time I slid away from reading the Bible daily or the accountability of my small group of more mature believers. My family and core relationships became marked with increasing bouts of anger, rebellion, and a lack of desire to serve others. I suffered mounting weight-related health issues. I could not walk up flights of steps without becoming winded. While snow skiing, I often fell down and struggled to even stand up. I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and told to wear a CPAP mask to bed. At first I made subtle agreements with the Devil that overeating was a personal little sin, yet over time that shifted to a gradual hopelessness of permanent obesity.

First Place Spring 2007
In January 2007 I came up with many reasons to not join Community Bible Church’s initial offering of First Place. Yet being out of control, my need was awakened and I was led to reluctantly attend the orientation in March 2007. I was anxious, yet found a welcoming leader in Doug plus real Christian male support. The nine commitments became a foundation for a radical spiritual and lifestyle change as I found encouragement in this “small group of big men with tender hearts for the Lord.” By my birthday in June 2007, I had lost 27 pounds through putting God first instead of my self-serving habits plus was blessed by a band of brothers in our mega-church. Over the next year during four First Place Bible, studies the Lord revealed, “It’s not about the weighing, but the praying.” I did not have to rely on my own strength to fulfill my commitments. A First Place memory verse, Zechariah 4: 6, captures the real spiritual power in my changed heart …Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty.

First Place Summer 2008
At the June First Place celebration dinner I got an “encourager” award. That was very humbling, as this recognition means far more than being the “biggest loser.” Our life group just began our sixth study with First Place: “Celebrating Victory.” I’m thankful to guide our summer study while our founding leader takes a well-deserved break.  The bottom line is God used First Place 4 Health as the way to lose 70 pounds, just 5 pounds from my goal weight. The real breakthrough is that I read God’s Word daily and am growing closer to my Lord. I strive to pray for the needs of the brothers in my group and they lift up mine. My health is restored, as I no longer wear a CPAP mask to bed. I strive to be a daily walker and have much more energy to serve my supportive family. I guard against judging overweight people, as without the Lord ‘first place’ in my life, I would be looking in the mirror. So please don’t look to me for if you are looking for encouragement, I would only point you to First Place 4 Health. Look to Him for all you need to keep your commitments as our mighty God can and will exceed all expectations! 

Larry Johnson