Post by lovelace on Mar 16, 2009 17:09:56 GMT -5
Can you give us some background information (age, weight,where you are from, what you do for a living and your family situation)? My name is Jesse Martin, I’m 46 years old, weight between 222 and 218 currently. I live in Salisbury NC and work as a Locomotive Engineer for Norfolk Southern Railway. I am a Christian, husband, and father of two. My wife Wanda can be tough as nails or soft as whip cream. Lol We have an 18 year old son named Ryan and a 13 year old daughter named Bethenay. My family is a trip. We make no pretences, what you see is what you get.
When did you get saved and how? I was stationed on Guam in the Air Force and these 2 zeolot brothers would rush me at every opportunity to share Jesus with me. I told them, “don’t you get it-I’m Southern Baptist I’ve got to be saved.” After 2 weeks of an amazing experience in the spiritual I finally realized I was exactly where Lucifer wanted me, oblivious and ignorant. I cried to God in desperation on Jan 25 1981 at the Yigo Assembly of God on Guam and he responded by introducing himself to me. In the ensueing 27 years a lot has happened, but I’ve never doubted the fact that I met Jesus that night at that red carpeted alter and he changed my life forever.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports? I actually started training with weights at the base gym in Aug of 1981. I began lifting to be a bodybuilder but found that during that first couple years of bulking that I enjoyed the challenge of getting stronger as well. In the early to med 80’s I did both powerlifting on a local level and bodybuilding as well. I was drawn more to bodybuilding in the late 80’s and early 90’s and then the family started growing so I put competing on the back burner. I still lifted when I could but really was hit and miss for over a decade. In 2004 I came back to compete in a local Masters bodybuilding contest. I never had unrealistic expectations. I just loved competing. Last summer I did my first powerlifting meet in over 20 years and have done 4 more since. I love the camaraderie and chance to share my faith a little. My first meet back I sought out someone to give a new bible to. I met a gentleman at that meet that had been going through some personal challenges and I was able to pray for him and give him that bible. It was a nice NKJV reference bible that I had actually bought for myself, but it was great being able to give it away.
What denominationof Church do you attend? I always tell folks I’m a Christian. Don’t thing Jesus was any particular denomination but I do attend and Assembly of God church.
What are your best lifts in competition? Well my son and I had our own “Slag Iron Classic” last weekend. He took the Raw Division and I took the equipt. (He doesn’t train much-to busy with guitars and girls for some reason lol) I opened with Squat 565lbs, second attempt was 590 lbs, and I red lighted myself on 605 lbs for being a little high. Bench was 385 lbs,405 lbs, 430 lbs. I only did two attempts of Deads 505 lbs missed first attempt but pulled second. I’ve pulled 585 in comp back in 87 and have been up to 545 of late but not in comp.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting? John Bevere is da man from the pulpit and Shawn Frankl is an awesome powerlifter. Ronnie Coleman former Mr. Olympia had both an awesome physique and power out the ying/yang. He is also a super guy. I was stationed in Iraq between 04-05 and he emailed me several times. Lee Haney is a man of God that I have met on several occasions, I used to train at his gym in Spartanburg SC years ago and I know he has integrity. Don’t know any big lifters personally but I’ve talked with Dave Tate of EliteFTS and Loui Simmons of Westside a few times, but real nice guys. I’m part of the Chesnee Power Team locally and all those guys are great to compete with. We always have a good time of fellowship and prayer when we are at meets together. Whitey Green is the leader of that team and a super guy not to mention a great lifter.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian? This could be a long answer, but I’ll try to keep it short. Powerlifting is great and I think compliments my walk with the Lord. I constantly relate the pressure of intense effort in powerlifting to our Christain walk. Pressure causes development. Keeping our eyes on the prize and staying focused is more important in our walk with the Father than anything in life and I believe the psychology of training is a good tool to sharpen and hone the discipline needed for a productive Christian walk. For me bodybuilding was a different story personally. It became so self involved that I would struggle for balance. We know that anything that exalts itself above the glory of God in our lives is sin. I honestly struggled with that because of my competitive nature. It consumed to much of my mental time.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?. I am certified with the ISSA and have trained people in the past. I’ve done a few seminars as well, more toward nutrition and health but also combining the various training modules for a holistic approach. I’ll always be a trainee and hopefully a trainer as well.
What organizations do you lift in?. I’ve lifted primarily in the IBP I love what those guys are trying to do for the sport. Keith Paine is a great guy(founder of IBP), I’ve also competed in the USAPL, AAPF,ADFPA. I really don’t know much of the politics of lifting not being at the higher levels but really I’m there to beat myself, make friends and hopefully encourage others with a good testimony. One of those real smart preachers like Martin Luther once said “By all means preach the gospel, and even use words if you have to.”
What is your favorite Bible verse? Joshua 14:24 God’s talking about Caleb and says that he has a different spirit in him than most of the Israelites. That was a good thing. Caleb said to Joshua (jesse paraphrase), “Look Josh, you remember what Moses said before we came over here. Well give me that mountain, I know I’m 85 but I can still kick butt and take names with Gods’ help. Those giants don’t stand a chance.” I prey that one day my faith will be like Calebs and my Father will say of me’That Jesse has a different spirit in him.’ That is the only way we will be the giants on our mountain.
What is your favorite food? Cinnabun! Next question. lol
What kind of workout do you currently use. I actually waffle back and forth between the conjugated method and conventional bodybuilding training.
What version of the Bible do you read most often? NKJV I’ve read from the NIV and Amp. But read through the KJV a couple times in the beginning of my walk.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)? Left Behind series. John Hagee’s Jerusalem Countdown was eye opening. Kim Clement, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, John Bevere’s Honor’s Reward.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do? I called my wife after a mission in Iraq one day to tell her I had made it back ok. She said what was going on at about 2 am est.? That was about 10 am Iraqi time. We had just ran up on an IED and thankfully the gunner in the lead vehicle saw it, we called EOD to blow it but God had awakened her in the middle of the night to pray for me at that particular time and by the grace of God me and my boys were spared. Coincidence, I don’t think so!! Another time after returning home we had a couple guest speakers doing a revival at our church. I took a few vacation days in order to help liaise. We took a gentleman by the name of Christopher Lang, (a very humble unassuming, amazingly gifted musician) to a Japanese Steak house for lunch. The guy came out to cook our food, we said nothing of our faith, when he had finished cooking he walked out from behind the grill came and sat down next to Christoshper, took off his hat and said “will you prey for me?” Unbelievable, we hadn’t said a word about Jesus but Jesus had told this guy who Christopher was. I’ve heard of stuff like that happening but when I saw it myself it floored me.
What is your favorite lift Squat
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear? Inzer
What is your favorite religious song? Barlow Girl’s Never alone my 13 year Daughter can nail that one.
Who is your favorite music artist? Jeremy Camp
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records? 220 lbs State and Regional Record in IBP for the Squat, and deadlift and total for Masters 220 lbs. Mr. Spartanburg Bodybuilding champion in 1987
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids? I did steroids while backslid between 88-89. Knowing what I know now I wouldn’t have done them. I was bloated on Anadrol 50’s and high blood pressure, I was a little stronger but not enough to warrant jail time and poor health. When young guys ask me I shoot straight. Everyone has to make their own decision about drugs and I really think under Dr. supervision it shouldn’t be the Gov. job to say one way or the other. I wouldn’t do it again and I tell the younger guys that if they’ll be patient they’ll get there and stay there. I’ve been at this for almost 3 decades and all the drug guys I started with have come and gone. They seem to burn out within a few years. I think if we are going to throw stones for from a “Christian” point of view we should put down the hot dog and doughnuts first cause if we are trying to say its about the temple I’m sure we can find things in our own cabinets that wouldn’t agree with the temple.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why? Peter, he fell down, he got up he fell down, he got up. He denied Jesus 3 times and Jesus asked him 3 times “Simon do you love me?” Peter is tenacious
Do you have any final comments? Thanks for the opportunity to share. I’m just another guys in the gym- obviously by my lifts- but we all have something to share. Jesus is real and we need to be too. Next time you get a chance to share your Lord with someone think outside the box a little. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much …. Lets effect our fellow meat heads for Jesus!!
When did you get saved and how? I was stationed on Guam in the Air Force and these 2 zeolot brothers would rush me at every opportunity to share Jesus with me. I told them, “don’t you get it-I’m Southern Baptist I’ve got to be saved.” After 2 weeks of an amazing experience in the spiritual I finally realized I was exactly where Lucifer wanted me, oblivious and ignorant. I cried to God in desperation on Jan 25 1981 at the Yigo Assembly of God on Guam and he responded by introducing himself to me. In the ensueing 27 years a lot has happened, but I’ve never doubted the fact that I met Jesus that night at that red carpeted alter and he changed my life forever.
How long have you been powerlifting and do you compete in other sports? I actually started training with weights at the base gym in Aug of 1981. I began lifting to be a bodybuilder but found that during that first couple years of bulking that I enjoyed the challenge of getting stronger as well. In the early to med 80’s I did both powerlifting on a local level and bodybuilding as well. I was drawn more to bodybuilding in the late 80’s and early 90’s and then the family started growing so I put competing on the back burner. I still lifted when I could but really was hit and miss for over a decade. In 2004 I came back to compete in a local Masters bodybuilding contest. I never had unrealistic expectations. I just loved competing. Last summer I did my first powerlifting meet in over 20 years and have done 4 more since. I love the camaraderie and chance to share my faith a little. My first meet back I sought out someone to give a new bible to. I met a gentleman at that meet that had been going through some personal challenges and I was able to pray for him and give him that bible. It was a nice NKJV reference bible that I had actually bought for myself, but it was great being able to give it away.
What denominationof Church do you attend? I always tell folks I’m a Christian. Don’t thing Jesus was any particular denomination but I do attend and Assembly of God church.
What are your best lifts in competition? Well my son and I had our own “Slag Iron Classic” last weekend. He took the Raw Division and I took the equipt. (He doesn’t train much-to busy with guitars and girls for some reason lol) I opened with Squat 565lbs, second attempt was 590 lbs, and I red lighted myself on 605 lbs for being a little high. Bench was 385 lbs,405 lbs, 430 lbs. I only did two attempts of Deads 505 lbs missed first attempt but pulled second. I’ve pulled 585 in comp back in 87 and have been up to 545 of late but not in comp.
Who are some individuals you look up to in religion and powerlifting? John Bevere is da man from the pulpit and Shawn Frankl is an awesome powerlifter. Ronnie Coleman former Mr. Olympia had both an awesome physique and power out the ying/yang. He is also a super guy. I was stationed in Iraq between 04-05 and he emailed me several times. Lee Haney is a man of God that I have met on several occasions, I used to train at his gym in Spartanburg SC years ago and I know he has integrity. Don’t know any big lifters personally but I’ve talked with Dave Tate of EliteFTS and Loui Simmons of Westside a few times, but real nice guys. I’m part of the Chesnee Power Team locally and all those guys are great to compete with. We always have a good time of fellowship and prayer when we are at meets together. Whitey Green is the leader of that team and a super guy not to mention a great lifter.
How do you balance powerlifting into your life being a Christian? This could be a long answer, but I’ll try to keep it short. Powerlifting is great and I think compliments my walk with the Lord. I constantly relate the pressure of intense effort in powerlifting to our Christain walk. Pressure causes development. Keeping our eyes on the prize and staying focused is more important in our walk with the Father than anything in life and I believe the psychology of training is a good tool to sharpen and hone the discipline needed for a productive Christian walk. For me bodybuilding was a different story personally. It became so self involved that I would struggle for balance. We know that anything that exalts itself above the glory of God in our lives is sin. I honestly struggled with that because of my competitive nature. It consumed to much of my mental time.
Do you train others or are you a trainee?. I am certified with the ISSA and have trained people in the past. I’ve done a few seminars as well, more toward nutrition and health but also combining the various training modules for a holistic approach. I’ll always be a trainee and hopefully a trainer as well.
What organizations do you lift in?. I’ve lifted primarily in the IBP I love what those guys are trying to do for the sport. Keith Paine is a great guy(founder of IBP), I’ve also competed in the USAPL, AAPF,ADFPA. I really don’t know much of the politics of lifting not being at the higher levels but really I’m there to beat myself, make friends and hopefully encourage others with a good testimony. One of those real smart preachers like Martin Luther once said “By all means preach the gospel, and even use words if you have to.”
What is your favorite Bible verse? Joshua 14:24 God’s talking about Caleb and says that he has a different spirit in him than most of the Israelites. That was a good thing. Caleb said to Joshua (jesse paraphrase), “Look Josh, you remember what Moses said before we came over here. Well give me that mountain, I know I’m 85 but I can still kick butt and take names with Gods’ help. Those giants don’t stand a chance.” I prey that one day my faith will be like Calebs and my Father will say of me’That Jesse has a different spirit in him.’ That is the only way we will be the giants on our mountain.
What is your favorite food? Cinnabun! Next question. lol
What kind of workout do you currently use. I actually waffle back and forth between the conjugated method and conventional bodybuilding training.
What version of the Bible do you read most often? NKJV I’ve read from the NIV and Amp. But read through the KJV a couple times in the beginning of my walk.
Favorite Religious and non-Religious book you have read (other than Bible)? Left Behind series. John Hagee’s Jerusalem Countdown was eye opening. Kim Clement, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, John Bevere’s Honor’s Reward.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed God do? I called my wife after a mission in Iraq one day to tell her I had made it back ok. She said what was going on at about 2 am est.? That was about 10 am Iraqi time. We had just ran up on an IED and thankfully the gunner in the lead vehicle saw it, we called EOD to blow it but God had awakened her in the middle of the night to pray for me at that particular time and by the grace of God me and my boys were spared. Coincidence, I don’t think so!! Another time after returning home we had a couple guest speakers doing a revival at our church. I took a few vacation days in order to help liaise. We took a gentleman by the name of Christopher Lang, (a very humble unassuming, amazingly gifted musician) to a Japanese Steak house for lunch. The guy came out to cook our food, we said nothing of our faith, when he had finished cooking he walked out from behind the grill came and sat down next to Christoshper, took off his hat and said “will you prey for me?” Unbelievable, we hadn’t said a word about Jesus but Jesus had told this guy who Christopher was. I’ve heard of stuff like that happening but when I saw it myself it floored me.
What is your favorite lift Squat
What manufacture of powerlifting equipment do you wear? Inzer
What is your favorite religious song? Barlow Girl’s Never alone my 13 year Daughter can nail that one.
Who is your favorite music artist? Jeremy Camp
What weight class do you compete in and do you hold any state, American or World records? 220 lbs State and Regional Record in IBP for the Squat, and deadlift and total for Masters 220 lbs. Mr. Spartanburg Bodybuilding champion in 1987
As a “Christian”, what is your view on Anabolic Steroids or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids? I did steroids while backslid between 88-89. Knowing what I know now I wouldn’t have done them. I was bloated on Anadrol 50’s and high blood pressure, I was a little stronger but not enough to warrant jail time and poor health. When young guys ask me I shoot straight. Everyone has to make their own decision about drugs and I really think under Dr. supervision it shouldn’t be the Gov. job to say one way or the other. I wouldn’t do it again and I tell the younger guys that if they’ll be patient they’ll get there and stay there. I’ve been at this for almost 3 decades and all the drug guys I started with have come and gone. They seem to burn out within a few years. I think if we are going to throw stones for from a “Christian” point of view we should put down the hot dog and doughnuts first cause if we are trying to say its about the temple I’m sure we can find things in our own cabinets that wouldn’t agree with the temple.
Whom is your favorite apostle and why? Peter, he fell down, he got up he fell down, he got up. He denied Jesus 3 times and Jesus asked him 3 times “Simon do you love me?” Peter is tenacious
Do you have any final comments? Thanks for the opportunity to share. I’m just another guys in the gym- obviously by my lifts- but we all have something to share. Jesus is real and we need to be too. Next time you get a chance to share your Lord with someone think outside the box a little. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much …. Lets effect our fellow meat heads for Jesus!!
