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Aerobics for Jesus: Creative Ministry in Closed Countries

An interview with Missionary Shellie Bowdoin

 

 

Shellie Bowdoin is the mother of two children, Jay (almost 10) and Mary Kate (8). She and her husband Sam serve as missionaries in Vientiane, Laos, where they have been for the past seven years. There she has developed a unique ministry that is making an impact on the international community in her area.

WIM: Shellie, I understand you have a strong interest in physical fitness. How did that develop?

When we arrived in Laos my daughter was 11 months old and I was about 40 pounds overweight and extremely out of shape. Shortly after arriving I made a decision that things had to change in my life. I was not living the "abundant life" that Jesus had sacrificed to give me. I felt that I was out of control and I asked God tohelp me to developthefruit of self-controlin response to food, and to develop a new discipline for healthy living. I joined an aerobics class and began to attend regularly. I had been involved with aerobics at various times in my life, but for the first time, I chose to make exercise a priority in my life. That was seven years ago, and since that time I have been diligent in keeping a regular exercise routine and in watching what I eat.

WIM: When did you begin to see that you could use aerobics as an opportunity to minister to others?

Soon after arriving in Vientiane, I saw that God had placed me in the midst of a vast mission field of international women. Vientiane is the seat of business and diplomacy for the whole country. Many of these women accompany their husbands and do not have jobs of their own; therefore, they have a lot of extra time on their hands. Aerobics classes are an important social element for these women. I have found that physical fitness isa way that I as a Christian woman can be relevant to non-Christian women.

WIM: I think all women have a felt need to exercise and to be in shape. Tell us a little bit about your ministry and how it works.

I teach an aerobics class three times a week at the local international club. This gives me a great opportunity to meet women. I also serve as the president of the Women’s International Group, which has a membership of over 120 women from 30 different countries. I host a monthly social called Ladies Joy Break. This social is designed to reach out to international women in a non-threatening environment. The relationships that I build with women through aerobics and the International Group allow me a platform to invite these women.

WIM: Shellie, this is a great example of how being a part of our community can open doors for ministry. What are some of the greatest rewards of reaching out to women in this way?

A lot of these women have lived overseas for years without the support of their own cultural groups and family. They are a very needy group. I find that they are much more open here than they would be if they were in their normal cultural environment.

WIM: I’m sure you are busy with many other aspects of ministry, life on the mission field, and raising your children. Have there been seasons where you’ve been tempted to put exercise on the back burner? If not, what helped you keep exercise central?

I believe strongly that God’s laws and guidelines are for our good and not meant to harm us. When I am in good physical shape I tend to worry less, I don’t get nearly as stressed out about my appearance, andI have a more positive outlook. This is exactly how God intends for me to live. For the last seven years I have kept exercise as a priority, believing that everyday activities done to the glory of God (exercise being one of those necessary activities) are forms of worship. I don’t see exercise as something that takes me away from the "important" things, but rather as a necessary part of my life just as eating and sleeping are.

WIM: I think two of the greatest obstacles we face in keeping physically fit are finding the time to exercise and having the motivation to do it! Could you speak to women in ministry about these two issues?

First of all, we must change our outlook about exercise being a vain or elective activity. Rather, exercisemaintains God’s temple; it helps us to manage stress (stress does not glorify God); it helps to prevent the illnesses that rob us ofour energy and effectiveness; it helps us to lead healthy, happy lives which are a testimony to the unsaved all around us.

Secondly, exercise can be boring if you don’t choose the activities that you enjoy doing. Besides aerobics, I also play golf once a week with a girlfriend of mine. This is a weekly activity that I look forward to and greatly prize. This same girlfriend finds it hard to make it to aerobics in the mornings, so she schedules regular gym appointments with another girlfriend and that helps her to stay motivated and accountable.

WIM: Are there any other thoughts you’d like to share, or words of encouragement?

Remember to extend grace to yourself especially when you’re just starting out. If you miss working out one day or two don’t just assume that it’s impossible. Tomorrow is another day.

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