PowerTeam Muscle, Sweat, Truth

F.I.R.M. Foundation(Faith Inthe ResurrectedMessiah), also known as the Power Team, uses the vehicle of power to evangelize and disciple. Their ministryfocusesmainly onadolescents.

The team consists of .Anthony Vandyke, Kevin Lockwood,NeilBryant,Barry andChristineRiceandDanny Hirst. These members representpartofthe original members that started the groupinSept. 1991.

Each team member contributes unique skills to the team. "We all balance each other out, and there really isn't a leader," team member Danny Hirst said. "It'sa unique thing. Weall haveourownresponsibilities."

They usually begin their performances with a highenergy,high-power introduction. .Afterthattheyillustrate different feats of strength,eachone followedby a team member'stestimony.

NeilBryant, spotted by BarryRice and J.D. McDuffie, lifts 305pounds "clean andjerk" as AnthonyVanDyke and DarinNelsonwatch Inadditiontobeing members ofF.I.R.M. Found-ation, Rice and Bryantalso coach atLU.

"We gotochurches, schools and detentioncenters," Hirst said. "We usevisual attention-getters so their eyes and earswillbeopentothegospel."

One oftheir most popular attention-getters isblowingup hotwaterbottles.

Immediately after most presentations is aninvitation, although Hirstsays the teamisnot allowedtopresent invitations in the public schools.

"Wehaveapositivemessage ~ teachingkidstostay away from badthingsbyemphasizingfamilyvalues."

Theteam ispresentlyseekingthe Lord'sdirection in developingafull-time ministry. "Ourvisionistogo overseasto Russia orEngland andtake theevangelisticmessageover there." fa

By Becky Griggs