There’ve been obstacles in my life that I’ve had to overcome and I use those as stepping stones.
Lewis Summers’s story is anchored in his faith that has grown deeper with every challenge he has faced. Beginning with his time in the military in Vietnam, he made a promise to surrender his life to God if he ever made it back home. From that day forward, Lewis has lived with that promise in mind, wearing a cross as a physical reminder of his purpose.
When he returned to the U.S. in the 1970s, Lewis was unsettled by the racism permeated society. With the resilience that he gained in his time serving in the Marine Corps, and a calling for ministry, Lewis became involved with Elon First Baptist Church.
Lewis seeks to lead by example, holding himself and his fellow ministers to a high standard as leaders within the church and the surrounding community. He recalls how his grandparents’ influence and his life experiences have contributed to the perseverance and faith he has developed today. “If I did it then, I can do it now,” he states as he looks back on the obstacles he has overcome. Lewis’s inspiring words remind anyone who is faced with a challenge to find their purpose that gives fighting the battle meaning.