Today we did a recon in Paradise which is Fort Mill’s predominantly black community that has a rising poverty level.

We had no idea what to expect regarding overall engagement. Several Pax prayed for the community to engage in our workout. My greatest hope was to have a decent recon and then pray that someone from the community sees us and joins us.

God had bigger plans. We had 13 Pax in which more than half of the Pax were FNGs (7 total)! Several spectators who looked very interested and join after a few headlocks.  A few FNGs showed up 15 minutes before the workout. It was an amazing time in which all 3 Fs were covered. FNGs partnered with the OG Pax to jump start the fellowship. Several FNGs will headlock others in the neighborhood.

The Thang:

– Mosey to the basketball court for the warm-up.

– COP: SSH (30x), IW (20x), WM (15x), Sumo Squats (15x), MC (20x),  Merkins (15x).

– Mosey to the parking lot in Bethlehem Church.

– Partner up for pyramid drills: At each station/corner, do LBCs, Squats, Ski Abs in increments of 5 until the team hits 15 repetitions then countdown to 5 as a group. Lunge walk to each station.

– Mosey to the basketball court for 5 games of 5 on 5 up to 5 points. Shuffled team members after each game for continuous ice breaking and fellowship.

COT

Consider this when leading workouts at this AO:

– Paradise is your community, too. Don’t let the evil one convince you of anything contrary to that fact.

– Adding basketball to the workouts brings more inclusion of the community by meeting people where they are. Men like to hoop in Paradise. 

– The sun is up at 9 AM. Exercise the areas under the trees for shade to prevent overheating.

– Not all Pax have babysitting available Saturday mornings. Keep the workouts in the park so 2.0s can use the playground as their Daddies sweat it out.

– Discuss the 3rd F theme of the month with the Pax. The young Pax really appreciate and absorb that positive message.

– Not all Pax will have gloves and water bottles. Bring them for the Pax.

Bottom line:

The opportunity to engage, enrich and impact our community is now. Get involved. The workouts in Paradise will be on Saturdays at 9 AM at 600 Steele St, Fort Mill, SC. Use the following link to get on the Q schedule. 

bit.ly/F3TheFortQSchedule

Peace,

Deacon