“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
Every so often you come across a Daniel 12:3 “star” — someone who absolutely *SHINES* with the love and servant heart of Jesus.
Jessica Guthrie of Chicago, IL is just such a shining star. Among her many accomplishments and acknowledgments include:
- Certified PraiseMoves Instructor (CPI)
- CPI Trainer
- CPI of the Year
- Eagle Award Recipient for Outstanding Service in Fitness Ministry
- Developer of PraiseKicks Certification (PraiseMoves' Kickboxing with the Word)
- ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist
- Director of Faith Integrated Training
Jessica and her husband Jeromy are missionaries in the Chicago area. Let's hear how the Lord brought her to PraiseMoves.
Jessica shares: “I was first introduced to PraiseMoves after I had my first baby 16 years ago. A friend loaned me a VHS of the original PraiseMoves workout, which I promptly copied illegally onto a blank VHS tape. ?
“I carried that tape with me for several years, until later I found out that you could become a Certified PraiseMoves Instructor and train online. I prayed about it, applied, and haven't looked back!
“I had been a stay-at-home mom, and then when both of our kids started in school full-time I was looking for what God wanted me to do next ministry-wise. I have always felt called to teach in some capacity, and I already loved PraiseMoves – it was the perfect fit!
“I completed my certification training online, and then attended the International Conference the following summer in Tulsa, OK. I immersed myself in the entire experience, getting certified in PraiseMoves Gold and MIRA! right away.
“It only took me a couple of months to host my first class after becoming certified. I invited several of my friends to be my students and let me practice. One of the best pieces of advice I received was from one of those friends – she pointed out that I had been apologizing for my mistakes; she said, ‘Don't apologize. You are the teacher, the expert – act like it!'
“Right now, I hold my classes online. The beauty of online classes is that people from all over the world can join.
“Before the Coronavirus quarantine, I held most of my classes at local churches. I enjoy teaching combo classes – the first half of the class incorporates MIRA! and/or PraiseKicks for cardio, while the second half of class is strictly PraiseMoves postures.
“I also teach a PraiseMoves-only class online each week. Online classes help me to keep connected with my local students. One student named Debbie thanked me recently for giving such specific breathing cues. She says it really helps her to make sure she is breathing properly, and enough! Another student named Barbara texted me, ‘I can't think of my life without you in it, my dear Jessica… you bring me blessings beyond measure, physically and in faith in Jesus.'
“My husband Jeromy is a Hospice Chaplain and has always been involved in God's work ever since I've known him. My children Reagan (16) and Eli (15) are my biggest supporters.
“I am also an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer. I work one-on-one with PT clients, teach additional group classes (non-PraiseMoves) at my local YMCA, and spend the majority of my time working at Massage Envy as an Assisted Stretch Provider. For fun, I also love hiking, casual cycling, and watching a good movie.
“I have attended the live PraiseMoves Conference many times since becoming certified in 2012. I look forward to the next one! The best thing about Conference is getting to know other CPIs, and having fun together as we PraiseMove and workout. I love the feeling of family and connection that we have because of our common bond in Jesus Christ.”
What a blessing it is to have someone like Jessica as part of our PraiseMoves family.
We often say, “The Lord always brings us the BEST in PraiseMoves.” Jessica is one example of a “shining star” who is helping people online and in her community grow in their relationship with the Lord in His Word while becoming Fit Witnesses for Christ in spirit, soul, and body.
Want to try a PraiseMoves class with Jessica? Contact Jessica about her online and live classes.
NOTE: If you'd like to become a Certified PraiseMoves Instructor and offer classes in PraiseMoves, PraiseKicks, MIRA! (our alternative to Zumba), PraiseMoves Gold (to teach seniors and limited mobility), PraiseWaves (Aqua PraiseMoves), Prenatal PraiseMoves–or our newest certification L.I.F.T. (Laughter-In-Fitness-Training), check out Dates and Information HERE.
