Pastor David pressed his way to a 1st Place! - Divorce Minister

Yesterday, I competed in my very first powerlifting competition. It was sanctioned under the UPA Powerlifting federation.

My goal was to break a small national record held for my specific age group and size. I achieved that goal.

For those interested in more details, I have this to say about the event:

Some last minute complications arose as they do.

It was only the second time I actually lifted in the two-ply bench shirt I used Saturday at the competition; although, I had used a similar 3-ply shirt in the past. Since I had familiarity with the 3-ply shirt and had touched in training with this newer 2-ply shirt, my coach and I felt comfortable going forward using the 2-ply shirt.

Another complication was my coach could not make it to the meet. So, I went as a solo lifter. Thankfully, I made new friends there who helped me. The powerlifting community can be rather supportive.

In these competitions, the lifter gets three attempts to complete a successful lift as judged by three judges.

My first attempt was at 567lbs, and I was unable to lift it cleanly in my shirt. Essentially, I could not make it go down far enough to touch and started to dump the weight when the spotters caught it and racked it.

I didn’t loose heart–although, I was second guessing myself a little at this point. I decided I needed more weight to touch in this shirt. So, I went up just a little above the record as a bench shirt sometimes needs to have more weight in order for the competitor to achieve a touch.

My second attempt was successful at 639lbs. It was a new federation record for my age and size. I had achieved my competition debut goal! PTL!!!

But I had one more lift left…

In this last lift, I wanted to make it on the books as an official 700lbs+ bencher. This is something I have achieved in the gym but have not had the chance to make official at a meet, of course. So, I decided to go for 727lbs/330kg.

I took the weight, brought it down, and snapped it up for a successful lift!

So, I broke the record I had just set previously, and now, I set it nearly 100 pounds heavier than it was prior to the meet. It was a very successful day. Below is the short video of me lifting 330kg/727lbs:

There is still a lot to learn in this sport, and I know I have not tapped out my potential. However, I rejoice with this achievement. It earned me a 1st place as you can see in the picture.

I will be getting back to the regular postings in the next few days. Thanks for indulging me in my side hobby by reading this!

-Pastor David aka DM

PS Below is the short video of me lifting 330kg/727lbs:

Post navigation

Give

Subscribe to the Daybreak Devotions for Women

Be inspired by God's Word every day! Delivered to your inbox.


More from David Derksen

  • featureImage

    New attention to looks! - Divorce Minister

    New attention to their appearance A telltale sign of cheating is a new found focus on one’s appearance. This might manifest via going on a diet, increased exercise routine, or changing hair colors and style. In and of itself, this does not equate to cheating. However, the motive behind these changes is worth considering. I … Continue reading "New attention to looks!"

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    PSA: Use a different therapist than your Cheater's. - Divorce Minister

    Public Service Announcement(PSA): Use a different therapist than your Cheater’s individual therapist.* If this therapist was half competent, they would not even agree to work on you as a couple. They would recognize that they naturally would be biased against you, the faithful spouse. Plus, do you really want the therapist who was present through … Continue reading "PSA: Use a different therapist than your Cheater’s."

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    No, hanging out with Cheater is NOT okay! - Divorce Minister

    “I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.” -I Corinthians 5:11, NLT One of the many pains associated with discovering … Continue reading "No, hanging out with Cheater is NOT okay!"

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    Overflow from the heart - Divorce Minister

    21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person. -Mark 7:21-23, NIV Cheating did not happen overnight. An idea was planted. The Cheater watered it, and it produced the rotten … Continue reading "Overflow from the heart"

    1 min read
  • featureImage

    So, so many lies! - Divorce Minister

    “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” -John 8:43b, NIV What was true? Was anything? So many lies come out of the mouths of Cheaters. The spoken … Continue reading "So, so many lies!"

    2 min read

Editor's Picks

  • featureImage

    An Inspired Challenge for Wives This Father's Day - Today Can Be Different

    Consider asking your husband how you can pray for him each day. (If the father of your children doesn’t live with you, for whatever reason, remember to put him on your prayer list too.) Your husband wants nothing more than to succeed, but he probably struggles with issues he’s afraid to admit, even to himself. He may feel insecure about being a dad, especially if he didn’t have the benefit of a good role model. Or maybe he feels more like an understudy because he’s “only” a stepdad.

    3 min read
  • featureImage

    Knowing and Being Known

    Image generated by AI. April and I have started going to a church that is new to us. We agree with their philosophy of keeping faith in God simple. They preach Jesus and him crucified. When you sta…

    3 min read
  • featureImage

    Making Marriage Easier — Carol McLeod Ministries

    A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Arlene Pellicane—a gifted author, podcaster, and a tireless champion for families. Arlene shares her heart with us this week o

    6 min read

More from David Derksen

  • featureImage

    New attention to looks! - Divorce Minister

    New attention to their appearance A telltale sign of cheating is a new found focus on one’s appearance. This might manifest via going on a diet, increased exercise routine, or changing hair colors and style. In and of itself, this does not equate to cheating. However, the motive behind these changes is worth considering. I … Continue reading "New attention to looks!"

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    PSA: Use a different therapist than your Cheater's. - Divorce Minister

    Public Service Announcement(PSA): Use a different therapist than your Cheater’s individual therapist.* If this therapist was half competent, they would not even agree to work on you as a couple. They would recognize that they naturally would be biased against you, the faithful spouse. Plus, do you really want the therapist who was present through … Continue reading "PSA: Use a different therapist than your Cheater’s."

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    No, hanging out with Cheater is NOT okay! - Divorce Minister

    “I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.” -I Corinthians 5:11, NLT One of the many pains associated with discovering … Continue reading "No, hanging out with Cheater is NOT okay!"

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    Overflow from the heart - Divorce Minister

    21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person. -Mark 7:21-23, NIV Cheating did not happen overnight. An idea was planted. The Cheater watered it, and it produced the rotten … Continue reading "Overflow from the heart"

    1 min read
  • featureImage

    So, so many lies! - Divorce Minister

    “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” -John 8:43b, NIV What was true? Was anything? So many lies come out of the mouths of Cheaters. The spoken … Continue reading "So, so many lies!"

    2 min read