Teammate Spotlight: Samuel G. Ellis

Resides In: Willow Street, Pennsylvania

Before NET: Graduated high school in 2019, then joined NET last year with Amanda and I. He was on Team 14, a discipleship team, meaning he stayed in New Brighton, Minnesota for the full year doing ministry there. He returned for a second year with me, and we ended up on the same team this year!

First Encounter: We were actually in the same Camp Wapo small group our first year, and we became best friends then. We would hang out all the time around camp, from Hammock town to walking to sessions. We stayed in contact throughout our first year too.

Initial Thoughts: He is super engaging, even though we have different interests we are still somehow so connected. Super fun to hang around.

(Left) Sam is notorious for making impulsive purchases, he admitted it himself during our first year. This photo is a collection of some of his purchases, including the spurs on his iconic Docks, and this is just a tip of the iceberg. Other things he has bought and owns: Harem pants, a Mongolian helmet from a Love's gas station, a battle axe, a full Lego Millennium Falcon (ok that's kinda sick), and so much more. It made Sam unique, and we loved him for it... well most of the time. (Right) Evidence of our friendship for almost two years now! The first photo was taken on Picture Day of our first year, when we first got put on our first teams, and the second photo was on the last day of our second year, when we wanted to recreate the photo. You can see major differences in these photos, and the amount of growth between those days is insane! We have been there for each other truly since Day 1, and I'm so grateful for such a authentic friendship.

Favorite Memory: Frist, some context: Sam and I are sleeping in the same bed in a bayou house in Vacherie, Louisiana. These are the first things that happen that morning:

*Alarm goes off*. Sam: "Bro, did you push my arm in the middle of the night?" Me: "Yea, cuz it was on top of my chest."

We both began laughing. Sam is a crazy sleeper, but that was one of the funniest exchanges I had with him over the past two years, and we continued to recall that convo the rest of the year.

Something Samuel taught me: Boldness. This man was rarely ever afraid to do something. Whether it was complimenting a stranger on their beauty, or sharing something controversial but correct, or doing something extremely outside-the-box. If it is good in the eyes of God, and there is no wrong in it, he will do it. He shared his boldness daily, and often times made me question, "Why don't I do this? It makes the world a better place, I can do that too!" Sam challenged me this year in that way, and I am grateful for his courage and confidence through that too.

What the world should know: He is one of the most unique people you will ever meet. His interests ranges from Bollywood movies to K-Pop to Lego, has a great sense of humor, and loves his family so deeply. What stands out, though, is his deep faith in the Lord. He knows himself and his identity in Christ so well, hence why he is so comfortable with trying new things and not worrying about being judged for it. Very few things shake this man, and his love for Jesus gives him so much depth. You will never get tired of talking to him, no matter what you are discussing.

What’s next?: Samuel will be attending Franciscan University next fall! He is following the footsteps of his parents and two older siblings, and will be attending with her younger sister, Anna, and Sally! He is going to have so much fun.

To Samuel:

It's been quite the ride my man. I am so thankful for walking this journey with you these past two years, you have impacted me more than you will ever realize. I am so excited for what is to come for your in the future, and what is to come in our friendship. Know of my constant prayers for you and all your endeavors. Love ya brotha!