From Trial to Triumph: The Inspiring Journey of President and Sister Clawson in the Colorado Denver North Mission

By Matt Pace, Boulder Stake Communication Director

Since the summer of 2023 the Colorado Denver North Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been led by two people whose lives are marked by deep faith, resilience, and  love for the gospel. Charles and M’Recia Clawson didn’t expect their path to unfold the way it has, but they have embraced each turn with trust in the Lord.

A New Chapter in Denver

President and Sister Clawson, who arrived here from Las Vegas, accepted a three-year assignment to oversee the spiritual and temporal well-being of hundreds of young missionaries. With warmth and humility, they immediately fell in love with the Denver area—the people, the culture, and the symbolism of being modern-day “prospectors” seeking souls instead of gold. President Clawson interviews each missionary every six weeks—often on long walks through the trails and foothills of Colorado. It’s a literal and spiritual journey, side-by-side, through peaks and valleys.

“Our mission is not just about baptisms—it’s about building enduring disciples of Jesus Christ,” President Clawson says.

A Call—and a Diagnosis

Their journey here wasn’t straightforward but rather filled with unexpected turns.

The Clawsons were originally called to the Norway Oslo Mission—a dream, especially for President Clawson, who had served there as a young man. But in the same week they received their call, President Clawson was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma and doctors gave him only days to live.

“We didn’t see how it could possibly work out,” Sister Clawson recalled. “But we trusted God—and He showed us the way.”

Through a whirlwind of chemotherapy, hospital stays, and priesthood blessings, a miracle occurred. Strength returned. Tumors shrank. Against all odds, he recovered.

A Call from the Prophet

After President Clawson’s recovery, the couple received a personal call from Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, extending them a new mission call—to Denver.

“I told him I felt like a quarterback who had been benched with an injury. I just wanted to get back in the game,” President Clawson said. President Nelson responded with a smile: ‘Well, the coach heard you.’

It was a tender mercy. And just a few months later, they arrived in Denver.

A Second Peak

Just as they were settling into their new mission, the cancer returned but rather than retreat, they leaned into the only strategy that had ever worked: trust God. New immunotherapy treatments began and miraculously, the cancer responded and and tumors disappeared once again.

Throughout the ordeal, President Clawson continued to lead, teach, and serve—hooked up to a chemo bag on some days, walking beside missionaries on others.

Leadership with Love and Class

The Clawsons are known for their emphasis on reverence, preparation, and joy. Missionaries have lovingly coined the term “Classy Clawson” to describe the high standards and genuine warmth the couple brings—especially when it comes to making baptisms feel sacred and unforgettable.

“Every baptism should be one of the most glorious days of someone’s life,” he says. “We are helping them begin eternity.”

Sister Clawson encourages missionaries to approach challenges with excitement and positivity—a lesson she internalized while caring for her husband during his illness. Her favorite reminder: “If the Lord called you here, He’ll help you here.”

A Mission of Miracles

President Clawson’s greatest hope is that:

• Non-members come closer to Christ through relationships with missionaries and members.
• Members experience the joy of gathering and supporting new converts.
• Missionaries leave Colorado as lifelong, steadfast disciples—with the mission, and the people, etched on their hearts forever.

The Clawsons are living examples of resilience, hope, and discipleship. Their story is a testament to the power of trusting God through the darkest valleys—and finding miracles along the climb.

#UpliftColorado