A La Porte Pastor is trying to break a world record. He's not climbing the highest mountain or competing in the longest race, but when you see and hear what he's doing, we bet you'll be impressed.
Pastor Billy Nickrand is an endurance athlete. "I do the triathlon," he says "Biking, running and swimming." But who would have thought, bell-ringing would offer him his toughest challenge yet? "You ever been to a rock concert and isn't that how your ears feel when you're done with the rock concert? That's where I'm at my friend," Billy says as he rings the Salvation Army Bell at the Kroger in La Porte.
Billy is a man of God, trying to break a human record. He's attempting to ring a bell for the for more than two-days straight. "60 hours," he explains "60 hours."
He can stop every four hours for a 10-minute bathroom break. There's no eating allowed and he can only drink water or Gatorade. "When I hit about the 18 mark I felt like I was very crazy, my body was going crazy as well," he says.
Folks with the Salvation Army are thrilled Pastor Billy is helping them raise money. They hope you'll come out and show your support. "He hit the wall every few hours because there's sleep deprivation that sets in," says Corps Administrator Greg Irwin.
A live-stream online is keeping Billy honest and the donations and words of encouragement are keeping him ringing.
"I think he's nuts, but we are so grateful that he has such a heart for the community," says Irwin.
"I'm doing something kind of crazy and silly, but at the same time I'm showing them that you know we can be a community together... especially during this time of year," Billy says.
