Hey everyone! I hope this post finds everyone well.
The past 3 weeks of training camp have been extraordinary. We have done everything from intense physical endeavors to diving deep into what walking with the lord on a day-to-day basis really looks like.
In order to provide a bit of clarification so it is a little easier to follow along, I will explain how the W squad works and a little introduction to everyone on my team. (Team of eight guys)
Team Introduction
I am part of the W squad which has fifty people total including leaders and mentors. Within W Squad I am on Bank’s squad of eight. Our team’s name is DOGs (Disciples of God). Here is a brief introduction of my team so that it is a little easier to follow along in the post to come.
Banks – He is our team leader. He is from South Carolina, and he did the world race in 2021-22. Before the race he was a BWM technician. Banks loves the Lord, is a super funny guy and enjoyable to be around.
Ben – He is our party planner for the year (birthdays/holidays ext.), and he is from Pennsylvania. Ben grew up playing sports in high school and has a mysterious love for the gas station WAWA. Ben is super relatable and is super easy to talk to and I cannot wait to get to know him better.
Doug – Doug is also from Pennsylvania. He grew up in Lancaster! (Amish country 🙂 ) Doug is awesome and is insanely good at building things. Over the past weeks we have found a way to go fishing, built a tarp covered laundry station in the woods, and set up a hammock city. (4-5 hammocks stacked on top of each other). I love Doug’s adventurous and daring spirit and cannot wait to explore nature with him over the next 9 months.
Luke – Luke is from Virginia. Luke is calm and very intelligent. He is a great guy to bounce ideas with and discuss theological issues. I love going on walks with this brother. I can’t wait to get to know him better and grow with him in faith! Man can this guy crab walk!
Domynik – Dom is from San Diego California. He has lived an extraordinary life and is quite funny. I love Dom because sometimes I will tell a joke and he will be the only one that laughs :). Dom is an awesome dude, and I can’t wait to laugh and live with this brother.
Nick – Nick is from West Virginia. Nick is a Pastor’s kid and is extremely knowledgeable on the Bible. He is a great public speaker and knows how to explain things in a competent way. I cannot wait to learn with him and experience some awesome things together.
Malachi – Malachi is from Kansas. He is very mature and calm. Malachi is extremely fit, and I look up to him in a big way for that. I love doing little workout routines with him and pushing each other physically. I cannot wait to go on the field with him and grow together.
Over the past 3 weeks I have gotten to know these guys and am so glad I get to spend the next 9 months living life and discipling with these brothers.
Highlights from the past 2 weeks.
The Man Hike – Let us just say we were the only team out of four teams who were able to finish, and it took us about 5 hours to complete. From carrying tractor tires and logs of wood through the woods up and down hills, to crab walking and being blindly led, these 7 miles taught us a lot about relying on the strength of the Lord. Through this exercise I gained a lot of respect, especially for those on my team who persevered through the pain. Many cuts on my arm and hands were accumulated.
Out and back camping on Mount Yonah – One Thursday we packed up our bags and headed up the mountain to camp. It was perfect hiking weather and sleeping in a hommock overlooking the Georgia mountains was phenomenal. It was good to get away from base camp for the night and explore nature. Gods’ creation truly is incredible!
Revival Worship Night – Worshiping the Lord has never been so real to me as it is here. Every Friday night we come together as a squad and praise the Lord for usually around 1-2 hours. Most of my life I have stood in the back of the church and half heartly mumbled the words to the song that was playing. Everyone here is unashamed and so focused on entering the presence of God and worshiping him that no one cares what you are doing. From falling down on your hands and knees to dancing joyfully it truly is like not like anything I have ever been a part of before. It is so Beautiful and has brought me to tears multiple times. Praise the Lord!
Looking Forward
This week we will be working with a variety of local ministries here in Gainesville and then on Sunday all the guys on the squad are headed to Kentucky to help build houses.
Gratitude
These past 2 weeks have been exhausting but extremely exciting. As always, I am beyond grateful for how everyone generously supported me and continues to support me. You all are the best and please reach out with any prayer request or thoughts.
Be Blessed!
I love reading your post and everything that God is doing. We are praying for you and your team every day. I love you.
Inspiring
Johnny T!!! Awesome blog brother this is awesome! enjoying livin w u so far and I’m real excited for the next 9 😁
Great post John Michael !! Holly and I rejoice to see you experience this.
As I was reading about your revival worship night, it brought tears to my eyes. Coming into the presence of God in worship and not being ashamed is very powerful!!! My thought and prayers are with you John Michael.