Malachi Mennenga

Malachi was born in Watertown, SD, on November 12, 2001. He grew up in the same house with his parents and two older brothers, living just a block away from the school he attended and the church he was part of. He had a very simple childhood—nothing too extraordinary, apart from a few broken bones and a couple of head injuries. He quips that this is why he seems a little "off" sometimes.

Malachi was a huge sports fan, playing both football and basketball as a kid and throughout high school. In his words, he was never particularly great at them, but he loved being part of a team that played hard and always gave their best to win.

Malachi spent most of his time at Cornerstone Church. He loved learning from his kids' ministry leader and his youth pastor, both of whom played significant roles in helping him grow in his walk with Christ. With all the time he spent at church, he began volunteering and helping with ministry, eventually interning during his junior year of high school. He never truly left that role, continuing to assist with youth ministry until he accepted his position at Collision.

Although he had a Christ-centered upbringing and began his faith journey at the age of 14, Malachi faced significant struggles after graduating. He took a position at a manufacturing plant and worked the night shift, which proved to be incredibly challenging. The isolation and lack of social interaction led to depression and a deep sense of loneliness. His faith and trust in God began to waver.

Eventually, Malachi transitioned to a first-shift position, not fully knowing what it would entail but understanding it would be better for him. This change turned out to be exactly what he needed. The new role challenged him in various ways and allowed him to reconnect with and grow in his faith in God.

After working at the plant for four years, Malachi was offered a position with Collision as an area coordinator for Watertown. Without hesitation, he accepted, trusting in the Lord’s plan for his life. Looking back, Malachi sees how God has held him through every stage of his journey, and he continues to trust in His direction for the future.