Guinness World Records 2020 features LCC pastor

Rev. Dr. Kevin Fast sets a world record in 2009 for the heaviest plane pulled by an individual.

Guinness World Records 2020

CANADA – The 2020 edition of Guinness World Records is out now, and one of those featured prominently is Lutheran Church–Canada’s own Rev. Dr. Kevin Fast. Dr. Fast was one of the record-holders present during a Canadian launch of the book in Toronto on September 10, 2019, leading to a CBC News story on his records.

Dr. Fast is pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cobourg, Ontario, a position he has held since 1993. He’s also the holder of more than 30 Guinness World Records for strength, leading some to dub him the “world’s strongest priest.”

The nickname is apt given the pastor holds some remarkable records. For example: “Most vehicles pulled by an individual” – 15 Mazda 3 cars; “Heaviest house pulled by an individual” – (35.9 tonnes (79,145 lbs); and “Heaviest aircraft pulled by an individual” – 188.83 tonnes (416, 299 lbs).

“The stereotype for a pastor is probably closer to a frail old man with his nose in a dusty book than to a strongman pulling a giant cargo plane,” Dr. Fast acknowledges. But while the combination of full-time pastoral ministry with strongman feats might come as a surprise to some, it makes perfect sense to Dr. Fast. When he was confirmed as a youth, his confirmation verse was Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Rev. Dr. Kevin Fast pulls a 140 ton truck on the “Stan Lee’s Superhumans” television program in 2014.

Dr. Fast sees his great strength as a gift from God. But why would God give such a gift? “Luther said, ‘God does not need our good works, but our neighbour does,’” explains Dr. Fast. So he asked himself: “How could this gift benefit my neighbour?”

“The answer was not far away,” he says. “Charity. I could raise money and awareness for good causes by setting world records.” Over Dr. Fast’s many record-setting feats, he has raised funds for a variety of charities. His record-breaking pull of a three-bedroom house, for example, raised $70,000 for Habitat for Humanity. Other records have raised funds for Waumer Walk (ALS), Tim Horton’s Kid’s Camp, Soldier On, McDonald’s Children’s Charities, Fire Prevention Week, and the Alzheimer’s Society.

While Dr. Fast’s strength is one-of-a-kind, it also has lessons for everyday Christians. “When I pulled the plane for a world record, it took me about 45 seconds of maximum effort before it started moving,” he notes. “When I had used up all my strength and energy, and had no feeling left in my body, that is when the plane moved. One might cite 2 Corinthians 12:10, but the verse that rings in my ears time and time again is my confirmation verse: Joshua 1:9. Through many circumstances, situations, and even world records, this verse has been an inspiration for me.”

What should Christians take away from his story? Dr. Fast explains: “We all have gifts. We all have dreams. We all have plans. And we all have formidable challenges that we must face all the time. One lesson that might be taken from my story is: ‘Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you.”

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