I first learned about CHALLENGE when I chauffeured a younger brother (Joel) to CHALLENGE in 2009. He had heard of the program through a friend, and after getting a taste at Basic he promptly returned for Extreme and Staff Training all in that year.
My first CHALLENGE, the year after, I was blessed to have all 3 of my younger brothers and my father joining me. I participated in the last two events run under the TeenPact organization (Basic and Extreme) and there were 40+ recruits in my Basic class. At 21 I was somewhat old for Basic, and (living at home at the time) was in that transitional period where I still wasn't sure what I wanted to do with myself and was a little apathetic toward my place in the world. Through one week at CHALLENGE Basic (and another week shortly after at Extreme) I gained an emotional education that can't be translated to words. I learned to detach and think analytically while under pressure; I learned to read my squad mates, to help deconflict and bring the team together; I learned to "move with a purpose" and give constant "attention to detail." I also learned leadership as an assistant squad leader. From that position I not only made decisions and gave direction, but I supported and counseled my squad lead by "leading up the chain of command" as Jocko Willink says in Extreme Ownership. Layered together with this practical leadership training was God's word and guest speakers who shared how God had worked in their lives on the battlefield, in business, and in their families. From all of this I was inspired with an understanding of the Creator's hand in all of our work, and his purpose in all of our struggles. I left that first week physically tired and mentally drained. But my soul was invigorated, and I wanted more.
After graduating Basic, and then Extreme and Staff Training (CST), I went on to volunteer with the Timothy Group for the next decade in various capacities. I also participated in additional training with the Timothy Group in emergency medicine, scuba, and additional staff training. Through these experiences I was continually tested, once running until my legs literally gave out under me, and later completing 2 scuba certifications with chest pains that later were assessed as a collapsed lung. In 2017 I developed and launched my own training events for the Timothy Group (Armed Defender or AD-Tac C and AD-Tac H) based on training I had pursued outside the organization.
As I write this at the end of '21, we're planning the next AD-Tac H, CHALLENGE: Basic, a new staff selection course, and other events for an even wider audience. If this country has ever had a greater crisis of manhood and womanhood, I am not aware of it. We need leaders, and everyone is called to lead in some way. Christ is the answer, the truth is in his word.
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