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For more information on the Lassiter family and how you can be praying for their ministry, please check out our most recent newsletter!
How long have you been an Awana Missionary?
I’ve been on the field as a US Missionary since May 2008. May 2013 makes it five years! I earned my Citation Award in 2003 but started Awana as a 2nd Grade Sparky, and have only missed one semester of Awana since then (due to a college internship). I’m also the youngest US Missionary currently on serving on the field (though I hope someone else comes along and takes that title before too long)!
What area do you serve?
We serve in Texas in the “North Texas” region of the state as Outreach Missionaries. Our family lives in Denton, TX, just north of the DFW Metroplex.
# of churches under your care:
Along with two other North Texas Missionaries (with Jo Ellen Ballard and Kelvin Gunnells) and our Texas Lead Missioanry (Doug Rolando) and Regional Missionary (Brad Iverson), we serve about 500 churches. About 250ish of those are in the DFW Metroplex. However, it’s over an 11 hour drive from one end of our area to the other!
Fun Facts: Favorite food, favorite sport, something interesting people don’t know about you, etc…(whatever info you want to share):
Probably the most fun fact about our family is that I (Taylor) married my family’s babysitter (Meredith). It’s a long story, but Meredith is 5 years older than I am and used to babysit for our family when I was 11 and she was 16. Our family moved away the following year, and God brought us back together in 2008. Like I said, long story, but crazy what God will use to bring people together!  Our son Timothy is 3 years old and Caleb is 1 Both boys have birthdays in October.
I’m a big College Football Fan (Texas Tech Red Raiders!), enjoy playing tennis, spending time with friends, and anything fun. Meredith enjoys quilting, animal husbandry, and spending time with Taylor–especially beating him (or trying to beat him) at Settlers of Catan. Timothy enjoys playing “baseball’ with dad and making animal sounds.
Why are you an Awana Missionary?
Bottom line–God called us to the ministry! We have a passion for the local church, US Missions, and seeing teens develop into Godly men and women. It’s a challenging but rewarding ministry, and we continue to pray for God’s wisdom on how to best serve the local church here in the US.
Share something God is doing in your ministry:
As Outreach Missionaries, our focus is on Awana events, such as Bible Quiz and AwanaGames. By God’s grace, we’ve seen several kids trust Christ as Savior at these events, floundering Awana Clubs become re-energized, and churches have the opportunity to connect with parents. We’ve seen a big boost in our Awana Youth Ministries participation in Texas, and that is something we really hope to continue to build on.
What advice would you give to a local Awana Commander or Leader?
Most of them know the normal advice–pray, share the Gospel clearly, and continue to be an advocate for the Gospel, your church, then Awana in that order. I’d say if you remain true to that, everything will fall into place.
I’d also challenge Commanders or Leaders who aren’t involved in Outreach Events to take the opportunity and just “go for it”. Your club will benefit in ways you can’t imagine, and God will really grow your ministry and excitement in your local club!
Finally, stay connected with your local missionary. You don’t have a better resource in helping equip your church in its mission!
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