My name is David Vargas and I am the Co-Founder of Forge Fitness Foundation INC. My wife and I started this mission out of a shared calling to serve others and make a lasting impact in the lives of adolescents in our community. Together, we believe that God has placed a specific calling on our hearts, and we are committed to fulfilling His purpose.

 

My personal story is not one of perfection, but of redemption, strength and a relentless pursuit of purpose.

As a child, I was born with a medical condition that led to multiple surgeries as an adolescent, pain, discomfort, embarrassment, and shame. Those early memories left deep scars. Physical pain became something I learned to control and embrace, but the emotional pain, slowly turned into frustration, anger, and eventually rage. I became a rebellious young man, often defiant and unwilling to back down from a challenge or a fight. Before long I found myself surrounded by friends, most of them gang members who would later end up dead or incarcerated. I was walking close to the same path.

But there were things in my life that kept me from drifting too far. Sports and martial arts gave me direction. In my early teens, I also found strength training and started lifting. The gym became more than just a place to train, it became an outlet. It was my reset and a place where I could channel the anger, frustration, and pain that had been building inside me.

For decades, strength training remained a constant in my life. I eventually went on to a career in law enforcement where I served 20 years. I loved what I did. Serving others and protecting my community gave me purpose. But looking back, there was still something missing.

What I lacked for most of my life was a real relationship with my Lord and Savior. Now that I have that relationship with Jesus, I see my life differently. I can look back and recognize that even through the pain, the anger, and the struggle, the Lord was shaping me. He was preparing me and calling me to lead and serve.

I believe strongly that young men need mentors. They need guidance, encouragement, accountability and other men of faith who are willing to walk beside them.

I believe two powerful tools can help shape the lives of young men today: strength training and faith in the Word of God. The gym builds discipline, resilience, and confidence. The Word builds character, humility, and purpose.

Through the Forge Fitness Foundation, our mission is to bring those two worlds together and help pave a new path for our next generation. To become the leaders of our families, homes and communities.

​

If you feel called to do the same, join our cause to help guide these young men towards life-changing transformations.