Quest for Health! The Biggest Loser Program
Health problems are chronic in our churches today. Overweight and obesity are proven to be major culprits in causing church goers to be seriously at-risk of facing heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, low self-esteem, strokes, cancer, and other diseases.
Greater Shekinah Glory Full Gospel Ministries, Inc. is one such church located in Jacksonville’s downtown district that is trying to “combat” these health issues. At Greater Shekinah Glory, “down-home” cooking from scratch using real butter, cream, and bacon grease along with the consumption of the most famous Southern icon – fried chicken – has caused a situation where forty percent of the adult and children members have an overweight/obesity problem.
This overweight and obesity problem led Reverend Vianna Jones, a retired Naval Officer and Nurse, to seek assistance from an Onslow County Health Agency, CHIP. CHIP, which stands for Community Health Improvement Process, and Rev. Jones planned and coordinated a wellness fair in March, 2007. The event targeted the congregation of Greater Shekinah Glory with a focus on three health issues: cardiovascular disease, cancer, and exercise. Less than 50 members participated, thus leading Rev. Jones to take a further step to bring an awareness to the overweight and obesity problem in the Church. This next step came to her in the form of a vision while attending a medical conference in Portsmouth, Virginia in May, 2007. Rev. Jones said, “I was in the hotel room when it came to me to develop a weight loss program and call it The Biggest Loser Program.” Rev. Jones got the title from a television reality program dealing with obesity and weight loss. She presented the proposal to the head pastor, Apostle Anna P. Fulcher, who welcomed the idea. During the month of June, Apostle Fulcher and Rev. Jones took turns promoting the program at various Church functions. On July 1, The Biggest Loser Program began with 24 people (18 females and 6 males) showing up to be weighed and measured. Each participant was given a folder containing a personal data sheet and it was suggested that they keep a log of their weight loss progress. Also they were given detailed information on goals, objectives, and requirements to follow throughout the program. This program has a monetary incentive of $1,000 for the member that loses the most weight, percentage of body fat, and maintains a participation rate of 95% from July 2007 to January 2008.
The Biggest Loser Program participants meet once a week to:
After two months, the biggest male loser is Anthony Hester with 30 lbs. He confesses, “I am motivated by the idea of winning the $1000.00 but I want to lose weight for better health too.” The biggest female loser is Betty Williams or “Sister Betty.” Sister Betty is leading the women in weight loss with 9 lbs but she is far ahead of everyone in dedication and enthusiasm. Sister Betty follows a strenuous diet in comparison to the others and she walks up to 2 miles daily. Sister Betty’s personal goal is to lose 35% of her weight which comes to 100 lbs. “I already see some benefits of the program in which my dresses are getting loose around the waist. I am also smiling more, especially when Apostle Fulcher recognizes me as the biggest loser so far.”
Apostle Fulcher constantly reminds the participants weekly that they must learn to take care of God’s temple properly with healthy eating and physical activity. Rev. Jones has scheduled nutritionist, exercise expert, and motivational speakers to maintain a high level of involvement but using the Bible is also a key for success.
The following verse is recited often: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. III John 2
Written 09/2007