Hello to all one last time. It has been a true blessing from above to share these last 4 months with you. As I write this I am 38 lbs lighter than when I started on Feb 1st. Praise God, for without His help I’d probably be 38 lbs heavier and more miserable than I was at 400 lbs. My goal was to lose 40 lbs during this challenge or 10% of my total weight. It’s Sunday night and I still have 4 days to lose 2 lbs. Seems like a lot but with continued discipline I’m confident I’ll get there. I’d like to tell you my testimony about how this came to fruition. Please endulge me.
Last year after I lost my father, I was in a deep state of depression. I came to realize that I was always going to be heavy. I had given up on life so to speak. Spiritually sound though. I had started to inquire about several weight loss surgeries because having one of these , weight would fall off automatically. Everyone was very supportive because they wanted the best for me knowing that I was in despair. Thank God for my Brothers and Sisters, family, and friends for their prayers and support. I really thought that surgery was my last hope. There is no such thing, there is always hope. One night late in January, I layed down in bed and became very emotional. I knew the Lord was there as I could feel His presence and compassion. It all came out. My Dad, my weight issues, my lack of enthusiasm for life etc. I cried out to Him saying “I know that you see all of your children as beautiful..... 

But in my eyes I’m not beautiful, In fact I’m hideous. How can You see me in your light if I feel this way. I NEED HELP FATHER!” Please help me! A peace came over me after that I can’t explain. I fell asleep and awoke the next morning, had coffee, and checked my e-mail. There was an unfamiliar sender that I almost deleted but my wife told me to check it. Could God answer my prayers so fast? Yes. I had been accepted to participate in this challenge. This means I HAVE to lose weight now. UH-Oh! It’s on now!
Timidly I went forward with it and guess what… week 1 I lost 7 lbs! Four months, Two 5k’s, 48 flights of stairs, many miles on treadmills, many swimming laps, many prayers, and many blogs later here I am. The ending of the beginning. No surgery in my future! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Just ask Him and He’ll tell you the same thing. I pray all of my fellow challengers have met their goals and will continue on this journey with me. Jon...You’re the best man. I just cant tell you how much your words have uplifted me( stair climb), cracked me up (birds and squirrels) and made me think. I’ll take you up on that triathalon early next year. I continue to remember you and your wife in prayer. Girls… You look beautiful. Remember when we were almost ashamed to take our pictures? Well not anymore huh? Keep up the good job! Finally to Marty and staff, You may not realize it but God has used you to save my life. I pray all good things for you and A heartfelt thanks. To all who read this and are in the shoes I was in, I give you the title to my 1st blog..Be inspired, be very inspired. Get active, Get going, get moving! God is so good. Be blessed, as I have..In Christ...Marty Gonzalez