Bryan Murdaugh once challenged Mike Sylvester to a race around the world. After Mike's camel died in Tunisia, he offered Bryan a new proposition: starting 5thousand, an event ministry team. The rest is history...

Mike Sylvester - Mike Sylvester is currently the director of youth ministry at the Catholic Community of St. Andrew, St. Francis, and St. Paul based in Clemson, South Carolina. Mike's ability to connect with people and willingness to share his life stories (both humorous and heartfelt!) allows for an engaging and meaningful presentation at any age level. Mike has been through the CMD Certificate in Youth Ministry program and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Prior to his current position, Mike was employed as the director of youth ministry at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Mike's first vocation is with his wife, Jamie and daughter Jayden, but when they're not around, he perfects his God-given talent: Dodgeball.

Bryan Murdaugh - Bryan is serving God as a youth minister at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lexington, South Carolina. Bryan's quick wit and unique brand of humor allows him to get teenagers excited about the Gospel. Bryan's talents go beyond his quick wit, though: his musical abilities are second to none and his original compositions offer prayerful and upbeat ways to praise and worship our King. In addition to that, Bryan's degree in computer engineering from the University of South Carolina enables him to offer specialized insights into the use of social media and other technologies to spread the Gospel message. Bryan also enjoys writing and playing liturgical music and entertaining crowds with his dynamic public speaking. Bryan lives in Irmo, South Carolina with his wife and three children.

Both Mike and Bryan are trained in the VIRTUS Safe Environments Program and have undergone background checks through the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina.