#305: Seeing "You Matter" To God with Alabama and Dominican Pastor + Suicide Prevention 5K

Check out this powerful conversation about mental health and the church with a pastor who grew up in the Dominican Republic but has been serving churches in East Alabama for the last few years, helping now to lead a new 5K race that's focused on suicide prevention.

(3:06) We start with how Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Omar Montilla was called by God into ministry starting with a dream at 8 years old. Later, there was no plan B. What do Adventists believed, compared to Protestants like Baptist churches? Same belief of Jesus as savior, but Sabbath is observed on Saturday and very focused on Bible prophecies.

(11:49) Being from the DR and having worked as a pastor in Panama, Omar also talks about the differences between foreign countries and the USA for churches, worship, culture and how socio-economic status can prompt a different passion for God.

(18:12) Not too late to sign up for the You Matter 5K happening this Sunday morning September 20 in downtown Columbus GA, to promote mental health awareness on suicide prevention month, with proceeds benefiting a Pastor Institute HOPE fund for those that may need help paying for counseling services. Pastor Omar sees exercise as a vital tool for mental health, especially in a military community. What does "You Matter" means? He says it's lies from the devil vs. God's Word showing you are very Valuable to Him. Register for the event soon: You Matter 5K: Sponsored by the SDA Church.

(27:21) We also dive into the church's role in mental health, how that's changed as at-times judgmental and weaponizing Scriptures...to being authentic, showing grace, helping lead peeople to professional therapists if there's a clinical issue beyond the scope of a pastor. he reminds us, the Lord is not done with you!

(37:37) Our chat also goes into diversity inside and outside the church, reaching people with hope in both English and Spanish. (47:21) Pastor Omar also ran his first marathon earlier this year. He has advice for training plus explains his philosophy in life of "training to get old" by pacing ourselves and enjoying the journey.

(51:05) This Dominican friend also delivers the closing prayer for this episode in both English and Spanish. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Make sure to subscribe/follow the show and share it with others, as we continue sharing inspiring content on fitness and faith. 

On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor, marathon runner and missionary, will talk to experts and people with inspiring stories as we dig deeper into the mind, body and soul.