When God calls a pastor and his family to serve in a new place, it often means leaving behind familiar people and activities. For Union High School senior Mike Wilbanks, it meant giving up the sport he loved, or so it appeared.
High school wrestling is growing in the state of Mississippi, and Mike had been eagerly anticipating his senior wrestling season at North Pontotoc High School. Then his father, Rev. Michael Wilbanks, received a call to serve First Baptist Church in Union, a town without a wrestling program.
"When I told Mike the news that God was calling us to a place with no wrestling team, he simply said, 'You are my dad. I'm called wherever you are called,'" Rev. Wilbanks said.
That moment revealed the depth of Mike's faith and his commitment to following Christ alongside his family. At just 17 years old, he chose obedience to God's call over his own plans, trusting that the Lord's path would be best, even if it meant giving up the sport he loves for Christ.
"I knew Union did not have a team, so I thought I might try to start one. I began praying and talking with school officials," Rev. Wilbanks said. "I set out to do what I thought might be impossible, but I knew I had to try."
While the Union Public School District were not in a position to start a wrestling program right now, school leaders were moved by Mike's story and were very supportive. The school sought approval from the state for Mike to compete as an individual out of Union High School. That approval was granted, and Mike will wrestle in this upcoming wrestling season.
"This means he will train and compete without the usual structure of a team, but he is willing to put the work in. He sometimes makes six-hour round trips just to train,” said Rev. Wilbanks. “I could not be more proud of him or more thankful to the Union Public School District and all that they have done to make this possible. And I am forever grateful to the Lord for giving Mike a pathway to wrestle and an opportunity to test his faith.
"Wrestling has been more than a sport for Mike. It has been a classroom for character, discipline, and spiritual growth," his father added. "The way he has responded to this challenge shows his maturity in the faith and his willingness to serve the Lord with joy, even when it costs him something he loves."
Mike's faith extends beyond the wrestling mat. He is also called to preach the gospel and has begun to regularly fill pulpits in churches across Mississippi. He plans to attend college and then seminary to prepare for a lifetime of ministry.
Mike continues to prepare for competition this year, representing his new school and community while honoring his commitment to Christ. His story is a reminder that faith sometimes calls us to step away from what is comfortable, yet God remains faithful in every season.
