TESTIMONIALS

First Place Bible Study addresses the problem of weight control through life application of the Word with an emphasis (purpose) of learning how to keep Christ First Place in your life. Although centered on loosing weight the Biblical basis and lessons of the program can be applied to any life struggle or stronghold you may be experiencing. Following is a personal testimony from a First Place member.

Tanya's Testimony

When my cousin and I attended our first First Place session, one of our first comments as we left the meeting was ìit doesnít seem like anyone has lost any weight.î Little did I know that Loosing weight was just a side benefit of the First Place Bible study. Believe it or not, after years of attending, itís still only a side benefit. The real benefit and life changing value of the First Place Bible Study is the deep growth you will experience. You will grow deeply in both your knowledge and your spiritual relationship with our Father. And if this is not enough, the group fellowship is one that natures lifetime relationships in Christ. Though I still strive to loose weight, I now have a strong understanding of the spiritual warfare that weight loss truly is. I attend FIRST PLACE for the spiritual growth and fellowship with my sisters in Christ. Irreplaceable!

Tanya

Janice's Testimony

I began First Place in summer 2005 (Bible Study Book- A Life That Wins) I enjoyed the fellowship, reading the Bible, and doing the Bible study lessons. I felt closer to God through reading the Bible, which I had not done a lot of in the past. The Bible study lessons are excellent! But still I was not lead by the Holy Spirit to lose weight.

In winter 2006, the Bible study book, Healthy Boundaries, made a tremendous impact in my life. It was the beginning of my weight loss. Before I did not want to stop eating because I got too much enjoyment and comfort from overeating although I knew, it was unhealthy and God wanted more from me. I recall a fellow member, Michele Harris, saying to me that her weight loss was due to her belief that God would do it! I wondered if I really believed that, or did I believe I could not because I got so much comfort from eating.

When I read the first Bible study lesson in Healthy Boundaries, "Acknowledge the Truth" one of the questions asked was, "How can First Place memory scripture verse commitment help you know the truth so that you won't fall prey to Satan's Deadly Lies? I answered, "I know the truth will set me free and the truth Is, I am displeasing God when I overeat", "I am not treating my body as His temple". I am praying about that and know that the Lord will deliver me. In the same lesson, we were asked to write a prayer acknowledging the truth of God's Word. My prayer was "God I donít want to displease you any longer"." I want my body to be your temple". ìI want to find comfort in You not food". Please help me! And He Did!

I stopped using food as my comfort and made God my comfort! Now I do not eat anything at anytime. I do not want too! I am making my body God's temple with HIS help. I am pleasing Him, which I really and truly want to do! The First Place Bible Study has been a blessing in my life! The teachings, the fellowship, encouragement and the prayers are wonderful! The Bible Study and all it encompasses helped me to see that I could lose weight and want to do it for all the right reasons when God is involved. "With God All things are possibleî I have lost 34 pounds so far.

Janice

Another Testimony

I have successfully lost a total of 65 pounds through the First Place Bible Study. With the grace of God, I have maintained this weight loss for 3 years. I enjoy the fellowship, prayers, encouragement, etc. that I receive at First Place. It is a blessing to know that you can lose weight and maintain it by putting God first. It is not about us. It is about HIM. As Psalm 115:1 says ìNot to us O Lord Not to us, But to your name be the glory for your love and faithfulnessî.

There are times when I want to overeat, but when I call on the Lord, He delivers me! He takes the taste out of my mouth or the thought from my mind. As Psalm 50:15 says "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me."

First Place has helped me to keep Christ first in my life with its emphasis on the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical.

I thank God for First Place Bible Study!

Janice