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While traveling the country for his “U Made It” tour, gospel artist Marvin Sapp will reveal the latest journey in his life: the 50 Million Pound Challenge with Dr. Ian Smith and State Farm Insurance. Sapp aims to live a healthier lifestyle and hopes to encourage others to do the same through the weight loss initiative. When asked what inspired the partnership, the nine-time Stellar Award winner and senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, answered honestly. “My church has a health and fitness ministry to encourage our members to take care of spiritually and physically; how could I not?” Sapp told ESSENCE.com exclusively. “Plus, I gained weight and my wife of 18 years lovingly and jokingly brought it to my attention that I had regained the 50 pounds I’d lost and that the older we all become the harder we have to work to maintain our health and weight.”
Those who are interested in joining Sapp on his journey are encouraged to sign up at 50millionpounds.com and become a member of his challenge team, Marvin Sapp and Friends. The artist will meet several of the teammates during his tour. Challenge founder, Dr. Ian Smith, will assist Sapp in his efforts to become hale and hearty by implementing The 4-Day Diet to get the job done. “I applaud Marvin for not only his personal commitment to his own health, but for his commitment to encouraging others,” said Smith. “He and his team join the more than 1 million people who have registered and 50millionpounds.com and found the free tools and support to lose more than 4 million pounds. I will work with Marvin as he follows my plan, The 4 Day Diet. This program will not only transform him physically, but help him lead a healthier, happier, and longer life.”
Participants will also have access to free resources such as weight trackers, a 30-day diet plan and more.”In the African-American community we struggle with a lot of health problems that have a lot to do with our diet,” Sapp told ESSENCE.com. “Dr. Ian Smith’s health program continues to be successful and has helped so many people and I wanted to be a part of nursing myself and helping others regain their optimal health.”—PS
To learn more about Marvin Sapp and Friends and the 50 million pound challenge, visit www.50millionpounds.com