Testimony Tuesday is where we celebrate a personal fitness story from a fellow Christian pursuing a FiT life.

Today Tom Elmore shares his personal fitness story.

Grandpa in blue dress shirt holding laughing Grandson on his lap

We all love hearing FiTness testimonies. However, here at MissionFiT, our “FiT” has more than just one meaning. Physical fitness, of course, but there’s an even deeper meaning for us.

Faithful in Training in every way God calls us:

Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’.”

In order to LOVE the Lord with all our strength, we need to train our bodies to be strong.  That will allow MissionFiT Believers to live out the Great Commission; We see these ways to Love as ways to Train.  And we must be Faithful in Training in these ways to be fit for His missions. The one He’s placed on His church; “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19.

It also allows us individually to pursue God with the gifts we have been given; “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

This Testimony Tuesday, we celebrate Tom Elmore’s personal FiTness story!

This man is a true steward of his temple in every way!

“I have many names: Tom, Diddy, Papou, Pops, Mr. Zoe – sort of reflects my various roles in my family as husband to Zoe (my bride of 38 wonderful years), as dad (to my sons Josh and Joseph), as father in law (to Kelsey), as Papou (that’s grandfather in Greek to Noah).  My strengths include my unwavering love of my family and my Lord.  I know my principles, priorities, and my passion – all of which I hope anyone who reads this would know of themselves.”  

“My passion: to grow and create strategic relationships that make a difference.”

MissionFiT: When you think of your fitness journey, what 3 words come to mind?

Tom: “My 3 words are ‘do my best’ – every day and in every way.  My timeline is rather broken up: somewhat of a ‘jock’ in high school, lots of exercise and intramurals in college.  Then a real gap until my son Josh became trainer in Charlotte.

MissionFiT: In relationship to your fitness journey, share the specific triumphs and obstacles you have faced. What has been the biggest area of growth, and the hardest area to overcome with your fitness journey?  

Tom: Triumphs – just finishing a workout and surviving Kelsey’s training. I also try to get in 10,000 steps each day. Hardest areas to overcome would be diet and upper body strength. Pursuing wellness is 1st knowing that scripture calls us to take care of our bodies (these temples that God has given us). That continues to motivate me. But my biggest support system along the way has been my wife, Zoe, my son, Josh, and my daughter-in-law, Kelsey.

MissionFiT: What has been your experience of fitness training in groups and alone?

Tom: I Prefer small groups for fitness, but I enjoy walking mostly alone listening to Christian music.

A man squatting a barbell in a colorful gym. He's wearing a white tshirt and red and black shorts.

MissionFiT: How has investing in wellness and fitness changed your life?

Tom: By God’s grace I’m not taking any medications or have any physical ailments.  I want to take care of myself – live the life God wants me to live which brings Him glory and is for our good. Christ healed others, He is the perfect example of servant leadership.  We are called to take care of ourselves and help others with their challenges.  Just like the Good Samaritan, be a servant leader. 

“I encourage others to begin a fitness journey of their own.  To improve themselves in many ways: not just physically. Fitness improves us mentally, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and even financially (not having ailments, meds…).”