Ethan Lawton NAMB Summer Missionary
During this summer I was able to minister to my team, not only my team but also other teams spread throughout California and to the different associations. I was able to encourage and provide counsel as a fellow believer and missionary. Many of the summer missionaries were dealing with situations not only here on the field but at home as well. As a missionary that has dealt with similar situations and with the help of our Savior I was blessed to see not only my teammates grow stringer and closer in their relationship with Him but my missionary friends as well!
During my term I realized how huge my support group is. I went through a tough time while family went through a tough situation back home; it affected everyone within our family. During this crisis I was faced with a difficult choice to return home and help the family recover from a death or stay on the mission field a continue to serve. I realized how many friends and family that were there for me and in my decision, they supported me in my decision.
I have felt called into the ministry since I was young, I have slowly narrowed it down (over the past 6 years) to missions and have recently realized that I maybe called to be a Mission Director, ministering to missionaries, encouraging them and helping them throughout their term. This summer has been a confirmation on what I love to do. I look forward to serving again next summer!
Ethan Lawton, Phoenix AZ