Post by lovelace on Apr 3, 2006 8:52:25 GMT -5
Can you give us some background information (age, height, weight, where you are from, what you do for a living and your family situation)?
On June 11, 1969 Colleen Lopes gave birth to me at Saint Frances Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. I was born in Greenville because my father was attending Holmes Bible College. Being the son of a minister, I have been brought up all of the country. However, I spent most of my young life in Westernport, Maryland until I went to college in Greenville myself. That is where I met my beautiful wife, Tammy Lopes. Later we would have two beautiful daughters, Sara and Katie. Sara is almost two years old and Katie is almost ten.
Currently, I pastor a church and work as a shipping supervisor for Sara Lee Sock Company. I’ve been actively in ministry since the age of seventeen and with Sara Lee for nine years. Also, I’ve been with Iron Boy Power lifting for almost five years now.
I am an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. I am Pentecostal and have been all of my life.
When did you get saved and how?
I got saved when I was five years old in a little small church in Mercer, Pennsylvania.
My dad was the pastor and led me to God at the altar. However, when I was about fifteen I turned my back on God and backslid. I started drinking heavy and doing things I should have never done. But God had different plans for my life and got a hold of me at seventeen. I rededicated my life to Him on a Sunday night in January of 1987. Dad was preaching a message on Hell and I couldn’t stand the conviction anymore. That night was a night that changed the rest of my life. Later that year I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
I’ve been power lifting now for almost five years. However, when I was in High School I lifted weights all through the four years I was there. Lifting has been in my blood for a long time. Currently, I do not have any other sports that I am involved in because of my busy life schedule.
What denomination of Church do you Pastor/Bishop?
I am an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. As a pastor goes, I pastor Reidsville Church of God in Reidsville, North Carolina.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Squat – 600 lbs.
Bench – 485 lbs.
Dead lift – 578 lbs.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and power lifting?
As far as in Christianity, I look up to my parents. I have learned a lot from both of them in their ministry together. I get my musical talents from my mother and my ministry talents from my father. He has been pastoring for over thirty-three years and has a lot of valuable experience that I can draw from. He is currently I disagreeistant pastor at the church. My mother never took one music lesson in her life and God opened her mind up to music. She can play the piano like you can’t believe and can play it by ear or with music. God supernaturally opened up her mind to read musical notes. She is one awesome lady.
As for power lifting, I only have one person that I look up to in the sport and that is my close friend, Keith Payne. He truly has a passion for the sport and cares for the lifter. I will be the first to say that I have never seen anyone give as much as he has to the sport.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
It isn’t easy. I try to work it in as best as possible.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I pretty much learn from Keith Payne as much as I can. We’ve been together for a good while now and I trust him very much on his knowledge of the sport.
What organizations do you lift in?
I have lifted in APA, USAPL, AAU, 100 % Raw, and IBP
James, I know you are very active in NSP. Can you tell us what NSP stands for and how it got started?
I would be glad to.
On the vision of starting a drug free organization that promotes drug free power lifting Keith Payne pursued his vision. He shared that vision to seven guys that were going to Iron Fitness Gym in Mayodan, North Carolina. In May of 2005 we all got together and started brainstorming for a name that we could call ourselves. Walter Ferguson came up with the idea of North Star because of our location. Rockingham County is considered the North Star of North Carolina. Then someone came up with Pride because we played on the word of the plural form of a group of lions. So then we voted and that became our name. That is basically how NSP got its start. We are a group of lions that workout in the North Star region of North Carolina.
We stand for the promotion of drug free sports.
What is the vision of NSP?
It is our vision to grow nationwide as an organization and cross over into other sports.
How about Iron Boy Power lifting? What is your active roll with IBP?
I have several different roles in IBP. First, I assist with scheduling and getting meets lined up. When we get meets lined up I go to the meet and help in the set-up of the meet. Next, I am the records chairman. Last, but not least, I announce our meets. Those are just a few of the things I am involved in. I am very passionate and involved with IBP. I would put it up against any federation out there. We just don’t have the exposure as other feds, but it will come in time.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
That one is a tough one. I have several favorite verses. But if I were to choose one it probably would be out of Isaiah. Isaiah 43: 1-2 “ But now, this is what the Lord says-
He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” NIV
What is your favorite food?
Over the years that has changed, I would probably have to say tacos.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex.Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
I would have to say a mixture of things.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
My personal favorite is the NIV. I believe it is the most accurate with today’s English and goes back to the earliest manuscripts.
As a Pastor/Minister, what are your concerns with society today?
My biggest concern is that everyone seems to do what is right in his or her own eyes. There are definitely too many grey areas in Christianity. There is a standard in serving God. People need to be separate and come out from among the world.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Wow, this is another tough one. I think one of my favorites is Fox’s Book of Martyr’s. Another book would have to be “Healing of Damaged Emotions” by Dr Seamonds.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
Mike, you sure do ask some tough questions. I have many of these experiences to draw from. One of my most exciting was when I was in Bible School. I was getting ready for my senior year and I didn’t know how I was going to pay for school. I was out of funds. Well, God used someone that I don’t even really know to send my father enough to pay for school and then some. One more instance was when I was a small boy. My dad was pastoring a church in Indiana where a man attended having a bent up ankle. His ankle was literally in the shape of an L and he had to use a walker to get around. I will never forget it, dad prayed for him on a Sunday morning and I saw this man’s ankle straighten out on it’s own. That man got up and started leaping and praising God. That man took off and ran all over that church. Needless to say that was an awesome experience.
What is your favorite lift?
That would probably be the bench press.
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear or do you compete raw?
Titan is the way to go.
What is your favorite religious song?
Blessed Assurance
Do you have any hobbies outside of power lifting?
Not really. I like to fish, but I definitely can’t find time for that.
Who is your favorite music artist?
I am a huge Southern Gospel fan. My favorite would be between Gaither Vocal Band or Ernie Hauss and Signature Sound
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
That would be the Super Heavy’s. Yes, I hold a few State records in APA, AAU and USAPL.
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong
Whom is your favorite apostle and why?
Peter He is because he was like most of us. We denied Christ, but we saw one day that we were wrong and repented. He then became a great man of God.
Do you have any final comments?
First, I want to thank the Lord for saving my soul. Without His saving power and forgiveness this interview would not be possible.
I would like to thank Mike Lovelace for giving this opportunity to me so that I could share my testimony to all who read.
I want to thank my wife for being my biggest fan and supporter. I know that she was God-sent to me. I only knew her for two weeks when I asked her to marry me. I knew she was the one for me and that God gave her to me. We have been married almost eleven years and they have been great ones at that. She has been a great wife, mother and friend. Thank-you Tammy.
Lastly, if you don’t know Jesus as your personal savior today is the day of salvation. You can know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. Tomorrow may be too late. Know Him today
On June 11, 1969 Colleen Lopes gave birth to me at Saint Frances Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. I was born in Greenville because my father was attending Holmes Bible College. Being the son of a minister, I have been brought up all of the country. However, I spent most of my young life in Westernport, Maryland until I went to college in Greenville myself. That is where I met my beautiful wife, Tammy Lopes. Later we would have two beautiful daughters, Sara and Katie. Sara is almost two years old and Katie is almost ten.
Currently, I pastor a church and work as a shipping supervisor for Sara Lee Sock Company. I’ve been actively in ministry since the age of seventeen and with Sara Lee for nine years. Also, I’ve been with Iron Boy Power lifting for almost five years now.
I am an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. I am Pentecostal and have been all of my life.
When did you get saved and how?
I got saved when I was five years old in a little small church in Mercer, Pennsylvania.
My dad was the pastor and led me to God at the altar. However, when I was about fifteen I turned my back on God and backslid. I started drinking heavy and doing things I should have never done. But God had different plans for my life and got a hold of me at seventeen. I rededicated my life to Him on a Sunday night in January of 1987. Dad was preaching a message on Hell and I couldn’t stand the conviction anymore. That night was a night that changed the rest of my life. Later that year I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports?
I’ve been power lifting now for almost five years. However, when I was in High School I lifted weights all through the four years I was there. Lifting has been in my blood for a long time. Currently, I do not have any other sports that I am involved in because of my busy life schedule.
What denomination of Church do you Pastor/Bishop?
I am an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. As a pastor goes, I pastor Reidsville Church of God in Reidsville, North Carolina.
What are your best lifts in competition?
Squat – 600 lbs.
Bench – 485 lbs.
Dead lift – 578 lbs.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and power lifting?
As far as in Christianity, I look up to my parents. I have learned a lot from both of them in their ministry together. I get my musical talents from my mother and my ministry talents from my father. He has been pastoring for over thirty-three years and has a lot of valuable experience that I can draw from. He is currently I disagreeistant pastor at the church. My mother never took one music lesson in her life and God opened her mind up to music. She can play the piano like you can’t believe and can play it by ear or with music. God supernaturally opened up her mind to read musical notes. She is one awesome lady.
As for power lifting, I only have one person that I look up to in the sport and that is my close friend, Keith Payne. He truly has a passion for the sport and cares for the lifter. I will be the first to say that I have never seen anyone give as much as he has to the sport.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian?
It isn’t easy. I try to work it in as best as possible.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?
I pretty much learn from Keith Payne as much as I can. We’ve been together for a good while now and I trust him very much on his knowledge of the sport.
What organizations do you lift in?
I have lifted in APA, USAPL, AAU, 100 % Raw, and IBP
James, I know you are very active in NSP. Can you tell us what NSP stands for and how it got started?
I would be glad to.
On the vision of starting a drug free organization that promotes drug free power lifting Keith Payne pursued his vision. He shared that vision to seven guys that were going to Iron Fitness Gym in Mayodan, North Carolina. In May of 2005 we all got together and started brainstorming for a name that we could call ourselves. Walter Ferguson came up with the idea of North Star because of our location. Rockingham County is considered the North Star of North Carolina. Then someone came up with Pride because we played on the word of the plural form of a group of lions. So then we voted and that became our name. That is basically how NSP got its start. We are a group of lions that workout in the North Star region of North Carolina.
We stand for the promotion of drug free sports.
What is the vision of NSP?
It is our vision to grow nationwide as an organization and cross over into other sports.
How about Iron Boy Power lifting? What is your active roll with IBP?
I have several different roles in IBP. First, I assist with scheduling and getting meets lined up. When we get meets lined up I go to the meet and help in the set-up of the meet. Next, I am the records chairman. Last, but not least, I announce our meets. Those are just a few of the things I am involved in. I am very passionate and involved with IBP. I would put it up against any federation out there. We just don’t have the exposure as other feds, but it will come in time.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
That one is a tough one. I have several favorite verses. But if I were to choose one it probably would be out of Isaiah. Isaiah 43: 1-2 “ But now, this is what the Lord says-
He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” NIV
What is your favorite food?
Over the years that has changed, I would probably have to say tacos.
What kind of workout do you currently use? Ex.Westside, Progressive,etc.etc.
I would have to say a mixture of things.
What version of the Bible do you read most often?
My personal favorite is the NIV. I believe it is the most accurate with today’s English and goes back to the earliest manuscripts.
As a Pastor/Minister, what are your concerns with society today?
My biggest concern is that everyone seems to do what is right in his or her own eyes. There are definitely too many grey areas in Christianity. There is a standard in serving God. People need to be separate and come out from among the world.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)?
Wow, this is another tough one. I think one of my favorites is Fox’s Book of Martyr’s. Another book would have to be “Healing of Damaged Emotions” by Dr Seamonds.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do?
Mike, you sure do ask some tough questions. I have many of these experiences to draw from. One of my most exciting was when I was in Bible School. I was getting ready for my senior year and I didn’t know how I was going to pay for school. I was out of funds. Well, God used someone that I don’t even really know to send my father enough to pay for school and then some. One more instance was when I was a small boy. My dad was pastoring a church in Indiana where a man attended having a bent up ankle. His ankle was literally in the shape of an L and he had to use a walker to get around. I will never forget it, dad prayed for him on a Sunday morning and I saw this man’s ankle straighten out on it’s own. That man got up and started leaping and praising God. That man took off and ran all over that church. Needless to say that was an awesome experience.
What is your favorite lift?
That would probably be the bench press.
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear or do you compete raw?
Titan is the way to go.
What is your favorite religious song?
Blessed Assurance
Do you have any hobbies outside of power lifting?
Not really. I like to fish, but I definitely can’t find time for that.
Who is your favorite music artist?
I am a huge Southern Gospel fan. My favorite would be between Gaither Vocal Band or Ernie Hauss and Signature Sound
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records?
That would be the Super Heavy’s. Yes, I hold a few State records in APA, AAU and USAPL.
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong
Whom is your favorite apostle and why?
Peter He is because he was like most of us. We denied Christ, but we saw one day that we were wrong and repented. He then became a great man of God.
Do you have any final comments?
First, I want to thank the Lord for saving my soul. Without His saving power and forgiveness this interview would not be possible.
I would like to thank Mike Lovelace for giving this opportunity to me so that I could share my testimony to all who read.
I want to thank my wife for being my biggest fan and supporter. I know that she was God-sent to me. I only knew her for two weeks when I asked her to marry me. I knew she was the one for me and that God gave her to me. We have been married almost eleven years and they have been great ones at that. She has been a great wife, mother and friend. Thank-you Tammy.
Lastly, if you don’t know Jesus as your personal savior today is the day of salvation. You can know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. Tomorrow may be too late. Know Him today
