Meet Kenny Klinect, A Shepherd Who Cares. Kenny, Carmel Baptist‘s Young Adult Pastor, is a recent graduate from MissionFiT’s “ReStart Your Heart” Program.

Be inspired this Testimony Tuesday by Kenny’s wellness journey and experience though the program. He has a heart of gold for God, for His people and His temple.  So without further adieu…..meet Kenny, who we like to call “Special K.”!

 

 

Kenny K. - A Shepherd Who Cares, Kenny holding 4 grandbabies

 

“We are shepherds who are caring for others.  If we aren’t healthy then we are not able to fulfill our calling as one who cares for, encourages and ministers to God’s people!  Overall, we will be more effective because of better health.

Your holistic health impacts those around you in some way; either in a negative or positive way.  Beginning your own fitness journey is not just about you, but all those you will influence and impact in life.  It’s not a selfish thing, but rather a way of giving to yourself such that it allows you to give more effectively to others.  It’s worth the pain of starting new disciplines. NO PAIN, NO GAIN…truly!”

 

….

My name is Kenny K.  I have been married to my wife, Kay, for nearly 31 years.  We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I serve as the college/young adult pastor at Carmel Baptist Church.  I spend a lot of my time in ministry building relationships with students and young adults each week. I also spend time on the road visiting college students on their campuses.  We currently have approximately 170 students who call Carmel their home church, so I stay quite busy. I also am leading a weekly Bible study at UNCC and looking to start a local one with students from local colleges and CPCC.

 

Kenny K. - A Shepherd Who Cares, Kenny preaching on Sunday with him on the screen behind him

 

I began the Restart Your Heart experience because I needed to strengthen my core and wanted to feel less tired, stronger and overall healthier for the sake of my marriage and family, as well as the ministry opportunities God has called me into.

 

When I think of my fitness journey, the words that come to mind are:  

“Physically and Mentally Stronger”

 

I started my journey in February, 2018 and am still continuing this journey.  In terms of take-aways from my journey, besides feeling more flexible and having a stronger core, I have learned several key exercises to work out myself with as well as being reminded of the importance of wise nutrition decisions that affect my workouts and overall health.

 

Some positive outcomes and accomplishments from my program participation include a much stronger core and more stamina.  I spent 9 days on a “workation” working around my house from very early in the morning until very late into the evening (not getting enough rest), but I didn’t get sick, didn’t injure my back plus my increased stamina allowed me to work very long hours every day.  I definitely believe that my fitness workouts helped me to accomplish this.

 

Kenny K. - A Shepherd Who Cares, Kenny with his extended family

 

Looking back on my favorite part of my MissionFiT experience, I think it would be Kelsey’s ability to have us improve at our own pace by not pushing us, but encouraging us at the same time.  She has been great in teaching us correct movements, exercises and lifting so we don’t hurt ourselves, but are still able to maximize the benefits of our workouts.

 

If someone were to ask me what has been the most meaningful improvement stemming from my fitness journey, I would have to say it’s definitely my core.  

I recently did a 5:04 plank, and I struggled to get to 2 minutes at the beginning of the program.

While I didn’t make weight loss a major goal, I’ve lost 16 pounds and feel great as a result of my exercising.

 

Kenny K. - A Shepherd Who Cares, iphone clock

 

Aside from personal relationships, my wellness pursuit through my fitness journey is based on the Bible which teaches us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  

By taking care of my body and doing it so I can be all that God has created me to be with great energy and passion, I am motivated to keep on for the glory of God and His Kingdom purposes through my life.

 

I believe my physical health directly impacts my energy and desire to share the love of Christ with other people.  When I feel tired and lethargic, I can become complacent and apathetic, but when I feel physically well and energized, I definitely am mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared to do whatever God calls me to do.

 

We are shepherds who are caring for others.  If we aren’t healthy then we are not able to fulfill our calling as one who cares for, encourages and ministers to God’s people!  Overall, we will be more effective because of better health.

 

Kenny K. - A Shepherd Who Cares, Kenny dipping his grandbaby in the water

 

If I were encouraging someone to undertake their own fitness journey, I would focus on the fact that their holistic health impacts those around them in some way; either in a negative or positive way.  Beginning your own fitness journey is not just about you, but all those you will influence and impact in life. It’s not a selfish thing, but rather a way of giving to yourself such that it allows you to give more effectively to others.  It’s worth the pain of starting new disciplines.

 

NO PAIN, NO GAIN…truly!

 

Kenny K. - A Shepherd Who Cares, Carmel headshot

 

For more powerful testimonials, visit our FiT-Bits Blog.