About Us
Beginning in 1982, Son Servants was an outgrowth of the Fun in the Son Youth Conference. In the early years, there was only one trip each summer to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico near Merida where we continue to serve today.
For almost ten years, Son Servants was just one trip per summer until 1991 when Danny Dotson became the Director of Son Servants. Since then, Son Servants has added middle school trips, combo trips, and custom trips and has worked in 9 international locations and more than 30 locations within the United States, always partnering with local organizations to serve those in need.
A New Era
In 2021, Son Servants separated from our parent organization (YCM) and is now a stand-alone mission ministry that continues to provide short-term mission opportunities in multiple locations. Under the ongoing direction of Danny Dotson, the organization established a new office location and received our own independent 501c3 non-profit status.
At the end of the summer of 2026, Danny tried to retire, but the Lord had other plans. Through a God-ordained series of events, Danny has agreed to stay on staff as a part-time consultant to train and equip our new Interim Director, Kathy Larson. This will allow us to use Danny’s gifts, knowledge, and experience most efficiently as we move forward with our plans to expand Son Servants and prepare for the transition to a new long-term director.
Our Team
Danny Dotson, Founding Director
currently working as a consultant to the ministry
Danny Dotson’s love of missions began in 1984 on a mission trip to Uganda. Ever since, serving through missions has been a primary focus for his life. Danny served as a youth pastor in two churches before becoming the Director of Son Servants in 1991, which was a dream come true for him.
“I believe that God blessed me with a servant’s heart, and I am eternally grateful for that.”
Serving others and providing opportunities for others to serve and experience God’s love through that service is his love language. Danny has been married to Beth for 51 years, and they have two children, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Danny and Beth have dozens of spiritual children and extended family relationships that they have been blessed with over the years as a result of their ministry.
Kathy Larson, Interim Director
Kathy Larson went on her first Son Servants trip to Jamaica as a high school student in 1993. In 1997, Kathy served on Summer Staff while studying youth ministry at Eastern College. From 2000-2008, while serving as a youth pastor in Charlotte, NC, Kathy took middle and high school kids on several Son Servant’s trips per summer. From 2007-2012, Kathy served on Planning Team and led several trips as adult staff. Through a God-ordained series of events, Kathy stepped in as Interim Director in October 2026.
Kathy and Patrick and their kids, Caleb (18), Eli (14), and Abby (13), live in her family’s cabin on a small lake in the country in Eastern NC where they enjoy all things outdoors. All three kids love Son Servants and are excited to get even more involved.
Partnership
We are excited about the combination of Kathy and Danny working together through this season of transition. Danny brings invaluable knowledge of Son Servants and the relationships that have shaped this ministry. Kathy brings a long history with Son Servants yet a fresh perspective, as well as extensive experience in ministry and non-profit leadership. Together, they provide the continuity we need for our existing programs while also giving us the capacity to look ahead and prepare Son Servants for a new season.
Volunteer Team
The other invaluable parts of our Son Servants team are our Board of Directors, our Planning Team, and the host of volunteers who help implement our trips. We could not do it without you and your servant’s hearts.
