Family Band, expanded
Having the oldest girls go off to college felt like a hit for Michael. They had been playing together for years and could predict each other’s moves. While it is an exciting move forward for the girls, it feel like a loss to the band. Michael is always looking forward and quickly realized that all of the band members were born less than 2 years apart and he needed a plan in place. He had the idea to embrace the opportunities of young adulthood. While our children saw turning 18 as time to leave the band, it could be an opportunity for other young adult to JOIN the band. Thus was born the MJM7 Summer Missionary program.
In 2024, we had 3 young adult join MJM7 for 5 weeks. They experienced 9 days of intense training. We had a guest speaker each day giving insights on touring and missionary work. Michael assessed each persons gifts and talents and formed a 90 minute show to tour with. During that time, we celebrated 3 birthdays and joined the national Eucharistic Procession. The Catholic community in our hometown provided meals, lodging, and hospitality for the band. It was a great opportunity to meet and pray with people without having to unpack each night.
After 9 days, we invited friends and family to the kick-off concert in Effingham, IL. What followed next was a tour East where they played concerts in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. They also took site-seeing days in Cleveland (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Sandusky (Cedar Point Theme Park ), Knoebels (Knoebels Theme Park) and Washington, D.C. (Bible Museum + Smithsonian).
Then, they experienced the uncertainty of touring when a Hurricane hit the East Coast and the final 3 concerts were cancelled. Everyone enjoyed the last few days to wrap up business before heading home.
We had such a great time living, loving, learning, and touring with these fine young people, that we decided to make it an annual thing!
