Gretchen Brown
First Baptist Church of Forest Grove
Forest Grove, Oregon

On June 4, 2001, God answered a prayer I had been praying about for two years—to lose weight. The minute I heard that some friends were going to do a Bible study to lose weight, I could hear the Holy Spirit prompting, "I've answered your prayer. I'll be with you." Weight loss was not something I had ever done before or ever really wanted to attempt, but I knew I had to do God's will for my life.

After the first meeting, I wasn't sure about giving up all the food I needed to (like Pepsi and chocolate), but I stayed focused on God that first week and He rewarded me by losing four pounds! That was all it took, I was then motivated to allow First Place to renew me inside and out. I began not only eating right and getting into the word daily, but even exercising four to five times a week, including jogging! That was quite a big change in my life.

First Place is such a blessing because the Bible study took the focus off my weight and how I looked to what was truly important, my relationship with Christ and what He wanted for me. It continues to help me realize that no matter what I look like on the outside, I need Christ to truly be a beautiful person.

The third session I was in First Place, I began to lead the group. The only thing that I wanted to do less than exercise was lead a group! I'm not one who enjoys to be up in front of people. God again convicted me that leading this Bible study was right where he wanted me, and that my testimony and His guidance was all that I needed to lead a First Place group.

First Place has brought balance to my life, spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. I do my Bible study everyday just before I exercise. I pray every morning as I walk/jog three miles. I have learned to eat a well-balanced diet and to give my failures to God. I am truly blessed to have learned to put "first things first" in my life and I now know that "I can do anything through Him who gives me strength.”

Back to Success Stories»