Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Wilson.
Hi Hunter, We’re thrilled to have a chance to hear your story today. Before we get into specifics, could you briefly describe how you got to where you are today?
My story starts as a kid that comes from a broken home. But later, Jesus saved him, and he now devotes his life to ministry in all areas. So yeah, I grew up in a broken home for most of my childhood. I was later moved out of that environment at the age of 13. I was legally becoming an independent. My grandmother took me in and raised me from there on. I was then introduced to Jesus Christ. After coming to know Jesus, He saved me from my previous lifestyle, and I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior at the age of 15, shortly after being baptized afterward. From then on, my life has been a sprint to know more about Jesus and live according to scripture.
Fast forward a few years, I went to college and continued to live for Jesus. I pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering and an Air Force contract. I attended The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, from 2018-2022. Best and worst 4 years of my life, I’d say. I met some of the bravest people I’ve ever known there. The lifestyle of that institution is constantly strenuous, testing you to your limit and pushing you past it. Unfortunately, in my junior year, during my second semester finals period, I received a call in the middle of the final exam that my mother had passed suicide. It broke me. It was the biggest challenge to my faith. I was angered that a “loving” God would allow something so awful to happen. But, in that grieving moment, my faith grew stronger. I realized what God was trying to tell me and why such things happen. Then, during my senior year, halfway through the year, I had a waiver disqualifying me from an Air Force commission. That was all I had ever wanted to do since I was a kid. But again, God showed me that I had idolized it. Still, I believe that the Lord is/was protecting me from something I can’t see. Shortly after graduation, I accepted a job offer and began working as an Electrical Engineer. I have been at that ever since.
I’ve recently entered competitive powerlifting (I have been powerlifting generally for two and a half years). God revealed to me this past year that I should make my love for working out completely revolve around Him. Not that I didn’t before, but to now make Him known to others on a literal platform. To show His name in a place that doesn’t involve much of His light and love. Many people go to the gym because of heartbreak or some traumatic experience, looking to escape and improve themselves and even potentially gain community. However, lifting weights is not a good foundation, as you can easily lose bodily function. And, as most of us know, Christ should be your rock and redeemer. So, I’ve become more public about my faith to those in the gym community, explaining why my fitness page @hunterr.lifts exists. To bring the light of Christ to a dark place in hopes of leading His children to Him. That’s all I want. And to show how it’s not just me lifting the weights but God’s strength through me. I started working out because of self-consciousness. I was 130lbs walking into college, just a stick. So, I began to fix that. But I didn’t involve Christ in my fitness journey much 6 years ago (when I started working out). So, now, my purpose is to work out. I’ve committed myself to this “ministry” with the power of God’s strength, love, and grace through me.
I have also been doing similar things with my YouTube channel. I’ve loved cars, trucks, and anything with wheels ever since I knew what a car was. 3 years ago, I started a YouTube channel, “Hunter Wilson,” and I make videos on a couple of trucks I own. Whether that be tutorials, going to car shows, or just showing off a cool product on one of my trucks. But I noticed the older I got that the car community is full of broken people who use their cars to fill a void in their hearts. That isn’t healthy since vehicles are imperfect objects. Don’t get me wrong, I used to do the same thing, but I’ve come to see that only Christ can fill that void in your heart. I still love cars incredibly, but I know they won’t fix my hurt or please me completely. I want to show those in the car community that we all love cars, work on them, drive them, etc., but we will need more than they to solve any of our issues. I want to show that Christ is the only One who can. I have enjoyed this journey with every bolt and piece thus far. So, besides involving myself in my community at church, the gym, and the car community, that is what my life looks like. Trying to balance it all can get extremely tiresome, but I love every step of it all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The childhood I had was rough and has altered my personality and mindset today, but I know it has been for a reason. Making me the man I am today. Losing my mother was a challenge, but the Lord has been good to me in dealing with that. Also, losing my Air Force contract was tricky since it was my dream since I was 10, but life has been good ever since. Other than the daily temptations, we push through.
As you know, we’re big fans of your work. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with it?
I am an electrical engineer who conducts flash studies and electrical design. In an arc flash study, we use a calculation program to perform a “Worst Case Scenario” and measure the number of volts and amps sent to electrical equipment to see the amount of calories/energy produced from an actual arc flash. We use NFPA 70E requirements and OSHA regulations to ensure safety in the workplace. I also do electrical design work consisting of installing power panels and lighting fixtures, lighting calculations, which include calculating foot candles, designing single lines and general receptacles, and choosing conductor and conduit sizes with details.” I’m proud of my design work and when I can satisfy clients. It’s also cool to design something on a computer and then watch it be built, and you have that confident voice in your head that says, “I designed that.” What sets me apart from others is that I will only quit once I am satisfied with my work, which is high since I pride myself on proper and quality work.
We’d love to hear about your fond memories from growing up.
My favorite childhood memory is honestly when my mom and I were super close as I was growing up. We were best friends, but it started to fade as time progressed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterr.wiilson/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-wilson-b7326317a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxDvWqZVAiaYsKjXnXwFLoA
