Tomorrow morning I leave for Orlando to speak at a Bible Study luncheon run by my friend Jeff. I've spoken there a number of times and always look forward to it. This evening has been a little unusual as I am writing this from a friend's house because Holly and I can't get to our apartment! The street has been totally blocked off because some man on our block has a gun and is threatening to kill himself. It's all over the news and it's only 2 buildings from ours...welcome to Los Angeles!
Please pray for me as today I leave for Tucson, AZ to visit a couple from the bodybuilding industry. Please pray for safety and wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement....thanks!
Even though Holly and I were not able to travel to Indiana to see family this Thanksgiving, we had a wonderful time here in LA helping with a project headed up by a couple from our Bible Study group. Both Scott and Tara have a heart for the homeless and have participated for a number of years in homeless ministry. So for those of us from the Bible study who didn't have family to celebrate with, we came alongside and helped in whatever way we could. It was such an awesome experience as we were able to bring a great Thanksgiving meal to 32 people in our little suburb of Studio City! In addition to giving them food, we also asked if we could pray for them. Many said yes and were greatly blessed by it. One person came up to us who was homeless, but looked very clean and mentally sound. But he had a drug habit that was ruining his life and his family's life. When we asked him if we could pray about anything in particular, he opened up and revealed everything to us. I knew that Jesus wanted to set him free, so I prayed for him and then had him pray out loud, asking Jesus to forgive him, cleanse him, free him, and take his life to use for His glory. It was a powerful time and all of us were pretty emotional experiencing the power of God in that way.
Thanks so much for all of your prayers concerning my knee. It continues to feel better each day and we are praying that God will heal it completely. Tomorrow is my MRI, so please pray that the doctor finds the knee healed when he looks at the MRI results. I will let all of you know the results when I get them.
Well, the news I have isn't great news - it looks like I'm going to need knee surgery. I've already had 2 knee surgeries on my left knee, and a few weeks ago, I twisted it. The orthopedic surgeon diagnosed it yesterday as a torn lateral miniscus. Please pray for me during this time. It was kind of disheartening to hear that diagnosis, as it will mean 6 weeks on crutches after surgery and no hard lateral movements for 6 months. And then the financial strain of a surgery that will cost thousands of dollars is difficult to swallow as well. Just alot going on in my heart and mind today. I want my life to be a blessing to others and give God glory. I pray that He uses this seemingly unfortunate and trying circumstance to bring Himself glory. And may He give Holly and I the strength and provision to make it through.
When God is moving powerfully and opening up new avenues of ministry, one can usually expect something to happen: our enemy will attack. And that is exactly what has been happening over the last 3 weeks for Holly and myself. A string of obvious attacks have occurred, but the awesome thing is that God has sent encouragement and confirmation throughout the attacks that we are on the right path. We have to realize that when you are in a war (like all Christians are), our enemy the devil "comes to steal, kill, and destroy." Or in modern combat terms, he shoots not to wound, but to kill. That is why it seems that when an serious attack comes, it's not just one thing, but thing after thing after thing that tries to take you out. Here in LA, Satan doesn't even try to mask his tactics, he just comes at you with a full frontal assault. That is why Holly and I need all of you to pray (especially considering Holly is pregnant) for protection over us and our home in the name of Jesus. We know that we have nothing to fear, but Jesus - when asked by the disciples how to pray - said that we are to pray for protection and deliverance from the evil one. We are thankful that God has given us many people to be our covering in this time, and we need you all to be faithful in prayer on our behalf.
Last Thursday was a very encouraging prayer gathering with the Hollywood pastors! More and more churches here in LA are hearing the voice of God calling them to restructure their entire system to focus upon small group communities. These groups go beyond just having another Bible study to actually working on living out the gospel in the community in which you are planted. We as Christians have heard so many sermons over our lifetime, and many of them are simply forgotten once we walk out the church doors. But what if we taught people with not only an emphasis on putting what they've learned into practice, but also an opportunity to do it? As one pastor recently revealed to me, "We as small group leaders don't move on to our next lesson until all of us in the group are putting the previous lesson into practice in our everyday lives."
It was a blessing in many different ways this past weekend at Jon Lindsay's Border States bodybuilding competition. Having all of the Stronghold team members there was so encouraging to me. We had an incredible team meeting while we were there, discussing the future of Stronghold and what God wants us to accomplish. I love and respect everyone on this team and pray that God continues to use us in this industry in an increasing manner for His honor and glory.
What an amazing Olympia this year! Not only were the competitions the closest they had ever been, but more importantly, God moved in mighty ways! It was an exciting year for Stronghold because we had all six of our team members ministering for the entire weekend, which challenged me to grow in my leadership and administration skills with them team. I desire to use each individual in the greatest way possible, allowing them to use the gifts that God has uniquely given them to reach people. Yet when the team is that large, not everyone can go to the same hotel room and pray for an athlete. I had to learn to delegate responsibilities evenly, and hopefully I did!
Thursday was a great day! In the morning, I met with various ministry leaders representing 6 major parts of the city to worship together. This may not sound that profound, but the purpose of these meetings is to begin "Altars of Worship" all around Los Angeles - meaning worship nights bringing all the churches in an area together to lift up the name of Jesus. How powerful will this be when God's people assemble together to worship?! Please pray for continued wisdom to know how to proceed with these events...
Every year at about this time, fitness athlete Monica Brant and her friend Lynda Thoresen put on one of several FEM Camps for women who either desire to compete in the fitness industry or simply want to become more fit themselves. And every year, Monica and Lynda are kind enough to invite me to come and speak to all of the women about their faith in God. Psalm 139 mentions that all of us are fearfully and wonderfully made by God - knit together perfectly according to His will for us. We are a beautiful creation to Him, even though the world may say we aren't what we should be. However, to see ourselves as God sees us, we must have a personal relationship with Jesus. We must give our lives totally to the One who "knows all of our days before one of them comes to be." I pray that God spoke to these women's hearts and that they truly think about their relationship with God.
Thank you all so much for your prayers for my leg. God totally healed it without the use of oral antibiotics! It was so amazing! I praise the Lord for his healing power.
Back in March, I had an interesting trip to Columbus, OH for a bodybuilding show that ended in the ER at the Ohio State University hospital. There was an abscess on my leg that turned into staff infection. Thank the Lord that we caught it early enough that no major damage was done. After some heavy antibiotic, it was gone. Well a couple days ago, I noticed another spot on my leg that kind of looks the same as the other abscess did at the beginning stages of its growth. Sometimes, staff infection will lie dormant in your body and then rear its ugly head. Please pray that God heals the spot and that it isn't staff infection. Thank you so much for your prayers!
Yesterday, August 18th, was my birthday! It's hard to believe that I am 33 years old. And for those of you who do not know, I will be a father in my 33rd year on this earth - Holly is pregnant! Words can't express how excited we are to bring a child into this world. We need much prayer for wisdom and strength to raise this child in the ways of the Lord. What a blessing that God has bestowed upon us.
The 2009 Tampa Pro Bodybuilding Show was definitely one to remember! God afforded Stronghold Ministries new opportunities that we have never had. First off, I want to thank contest promoter Tim Gardner (in the top photo) for allowing us to have a booth at the show where Stronghold Ministries handed out free waters to athletes, fans, and officials. It was a huge success and many people who didn't know about Stronghold became aware. Not only that but Tim also allowed me to stand up at the Saturday night show and speak to the crowd about Stronghold and its mission. Tim, thanks so much.
Please pray for me as I'm heading out the door for the airport to fly to Tampa, FL. There is the Tampa Pro bodybuilding show that Stronghold will be ministering at as well as speaking to the Tampa Boys and Girls Club on Thursday afternoon. Please pray for a powerful weekend where the Holy Spirit moves mightily and changes many lives! Thanks!
I love it when God surprises us! And that is exactly what happened in Vegas over the weekend when Stronghold ministered at the USA bodybuilding championships. Our outreach in the bodybuilding industry focuses mainly on the professional athletes, so at an amateur event like this, we meet with the pros who come to watch or work for their supplement companies to sign autographs. However, with the economy, many of the supplement companies are choosing not to spend the money to fly their athletes to the events if they aren't competing; instead, they use locals to work their booths.
It was a great time of being home in Indiana, spending time with family and friends. It always encourages me so much when I hear of all the people who are praying for us and this ministry! It truly is what gives us the strength to press on, knowing that we are not alone in this journey.
Holly and I are so excited to be heading back to Indiana to see our families! Every year over the 4th of July, we go home and celebrate with loved ones. Thanks for your prayers for safety and rest...Los Angeles is a great place, but there's no place like home!
Holly and I just got back from having an awesome day together for our 3rd anniversary! It's hard to believe that we've been married for that long already...A big thank-you to all you who pray for us and our marriage! Ministry can be very difficult on a marriage, but God has blessed us in so many ways and continues to guide and protect us. I look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with the love of my life...
Holly and I just returned last night from a weekend in Indian Wells, CA (right next to Palm Springs). Monica Brant-Peckham and her friend Lynda run FEMCamps (fitness camps) all over the country, and they will occasionally ask me to speak if I'm available. So Holly and I had a wonderful night at the resort and then spoke Sunday noon to the girls at the camp. God moved in a number of the girls' hearts in powerful ways! In fact, one of the ladies called me afterwards and said that she had bitterness in her heart towards her husband, but God helped her to forgive him completely! Thank you Lord for touching people's lives with your love and healing...
There was a message left on my phone to check out the latest FLEX magazine, so I stopped by the newsstand to look at it. On page 40 in the editor's column, there is a picture with me, the editor, and bodybuilder Silvio Samuel! A big thanks to Editor-in-Chief Allan Donnelly for the inclusion...
The movie set that I ministered on the past couple of weeks officially finished shooting production and now will enter post-production. It was a great set with great people who were very kind and loving towards me. I was able to talk to a few people about their relationship with God and was very encouraged by their openness with me. It was also great to meet a married couple who came onto the set the first day I was there. They are both Christians who have been in the industry awhile but just got saved last November. They are so excited about living for Jesus in this industry!! I pray that God continues to build them up and give them strength to be an example of Christ right where He's put them.
Today is exciting because there will be pastors from all over the city praying today at the Life Connections International Pastors Prayer Summit in Malibu. Pastors will be praying together today for God to change people's hearts in their territories, this city, and this nation. It will also be a great time of unity among the spiritual leaders of Los Angeles. Please pray that we are able to discern God's will and plan as we seek Him with all of our hearts. God is continuing to do great things in LA...
Please pray for me as I am on a new film set tomorrow shooting in downtown Los Angeles. Please pray that God guides me and leads me to people who need a touch from Him. Also pray that I have the words to say in any and every situation. May God fill me with His Holy Spirit and may lives be changed!
Holly and I are excited to have her brother and girlfriend here in LA for a week visit. It is always fun to take people to see the different sites and enjoy the many beaches here. It is such a switch from the slow-paced atmosphere of Indiana which they come from! May God keep us safe as we travel...thanks, as always, for your prayers!
Please pray for me as I preach, that God would fill me with His Spirit and give me the words to say. It will actually be more of a teaching message dealing with hard questions that people may ask us about our faith. Questions such as, "Don't all religions lead to God?" and "Is the Allah of Islam the same God that we as Christians worship?" or "How do we know that the Bible is Divine rather than human in origin?" and even "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?"
An exciting idea has popped up in better ministering to the bodybuilding industry! One of the challenges not only for us who minister in the bodybuilding industry but also in the church at large is to properly disciple and mature believers in their faith. In bodybuilding, many of the athletes travel extensively on the weekends, so making it to a church on a regular basis can be difficult. Furthermore, the athletes don't live in one central location; they live all over the country! But recently, a couple of dear Christian brothers from the Tampa, FL area brought up an idea which would help reach and disciple these athletes all over the country in a close, personal, and intimate setting. Please pray for Stronghold Ministries as we prayerfully consider what part we are to play in the implementation of this strategy. 
Orlando turned out to be a great trip! I really got to further many relationships in the bodybuilding industry as well as create some new ones. It is so neat to be able to help answer some of the questions that a new Christian asks or even someone who doesn't know the Lord may ask. In their hearts and minds, finding answers to these questions is vital to whether they pursue God and a deepening relationship with Him or not.
Today, I will be leaving for Orlando, FL to speak tomorrow at a men's Bible Study/luncheon put on by my friend Jeff McCarrell. I will then be staying there through the weekend as there is a pro bodybuilding and fitness contest at which I will be ministering. Please pray for God to move through the power of His Holy Spirit in the lives of everyone I meet. May God give me His words, and may I trust completely in Him for everything this week. 
It has been an amazing week! God is really stirring in alot of people's hearts out here, especially among the spiritual leaders in LA. God is showing all of us that it won't be one minister or one ministry that will bring about God's will for LA; it will be as God's people unify and work together that many people will repent and give their lives to Jesus Christ! I have had a number of encouraging conversations with people who now understand this and want to begin to take action on this God-given idea. Please pray that God gives wisdom and insight into what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and who is of the same heart and mind. Thanks!
Why is it that sometimes we are more excited about being obedient in "bigger" things and less concerned with obedience in the "small" things? So quickly we forget Jesus' commentary about such flawed thinking: if we cannot be faithful with little, then we will not be entrusted with much.
This is an exciting weekend for 2 reasons! In 1 hour, we leave to pick up Holly's father who is coming to town for a few day visit. Living 2200 miles from home means you don't get to see family very often; so when they do come, it is very exciting and encouraging. Pray that Holly's father is also encouraged and strengthened as he sees what God is doing here in Hollywood.
For those of you who wonder why you send your donations to Artists in Christian Testimony and not to me out here in LA, I want to clarify. Artists in Christian Testimony is the missions-sending agency that Stronghold Ministries is under. Byron Spradlin is the founder and president of the organization, which focuses on sending out "ministers of Jesus Christ" who desire to serve God outside of the traditional avenues of ministry. Just as artists are creative, so are the creative callings of those under the banner of ACT. I have been with ACT since 2003, and were it not for them, I would probably have not even come to Hollywood! They have been such a God-send to Stronghold, providing us with not only our tax-exempt status, but also book-keeping, accountability, and encouragement.
(Sorry to everyone for not posting this before I actually went to Columbus, OH to minister at the Arnold Classic.)
Your prayers for us have been so powerful and effective! We have been praying about various ministry opportunities within the entertainment industry, and God has been revealing His will to us!
Every month for the past year and a half, I have gathered together pastors from around the Hollywood area for prayer. When we first started, I wasn't sure how people would receive it. Would they take time out of their busy schedules to come? I was pleasantly surprised at the feedback that came from those who did attend. But after a little more than a year of meeting together, I sensed we needed to take the next step in the unity process.
One of the more difficult things about when I first moved to Los Angeles was thinking that every person I met was a contact that was going to lead somewhere. And then, when nothing would happen with that particular person, I would be discouraged and wonder why God didn't do anything. But over the years (and hopefully through maturing in the Lord), I've learned that my job is not to worry about "contacts" as much as it is just being obedient in every relationship He presents. I try not to set expectations regarding any relationship - I just try to love and serve the person as the Lord teaches me.
I will be leaving tomorrow to speak at a men's Bible Study/luncheon in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday. My good friend Jeff has graciously invited me to come and encourage these men who really want to grow in the Lord. Please pray that God gives me His words to speak, and that the Holy Spirit moves the hearts of all of us there! Thanks!
Today through Sunday is the first professional men's bodybuilding show of the year, and the great thing is, I don't have to travel far...it's in Los Angeles! This is always an exciting time as many of us in the industry haven't seen one another since the Olympia last September. Please pray for me and ministry partner Fred Krause as we reconnect with the athletes and officials. Pray that God's Spirit goes before us and gives us favor with whomever we speak. What a great way to start the 2009 bodybuilding season!
Early Wednesday morning, my grandpa Adam Liechty went to be with his maker. He was 90 years young, but had dealt with cancer over the past few years. Holly and I will be leaving for Indiana to attend his viewing and funeral. Your prayers are much appreciated...
Holly and I are beginning our home Bible Study again on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. After having a month and a half break for the holidays, we are ready to charge ahead in 2009. Please pray that God brings people to this study who need to hear His voice. We also pray for new people to come, and that our group can grow close like a family. Many individuals here in LA feel alone, and I believe that Christ's love can change their lives!
