Recommendations
Women’s Ministry Leaders, Teachers, Pastors, Community Leaders,
and others
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Women’s Ministry Leaders
“At the Women of the ELCA's
Triennial Gathering in
Sally B. Sedgwick
Director for Programs
Women of the ELCA (
“I was at The Salvation Army Retreat at the
Virginia
Champion,
Keynote Addresses, Great Women of the Bible
“Laurette – I’m
still smiling! What an awesome
conference. I wanted to let you know we
were touched by your keynote, PraiseMoves, your music and especially your welcoming, compassionate spirit.”
Jenny Neubauer, Women’s Ministry Director
New
Fitness for His Witness Seminar and Keynote Address
"Laurette came to our Church retreat in September 2004 in answer to
prayer. What an answer she was! Little did we know she was a woman of so many
talents…
"We were entertained by '
“We are now working on bringing her back."
Nancy
Thomson, Women's Ministry Director
Keynote Addresses, Great Women of the Bible
"Thank you for sharing your many gifts with the women of southern
Nancy Hidle, Women's
Ministry Director
Southern New England District Council of the
Assemblies of God
Great Women of the Bible and PraiseMoves Workshop
“Since I am a visual learner, I especially
love the way I felt drawn into the history and culture of the Bible through
Elizabeth, Priscilla and Mary Magdalene.
“The Bible came alive with each character
as we anticipated the birth of a longed–for son, poured the precious oil on
Jesus’ feet and served with Paul and visited him in prison.
“What a great time we had with
Laurette! May God continue to give her
opportunities and ideas as she performs for Him.”
Jean Bond,
Pastor’s wife
“Laurette is a fascinating speaker who
combines the gift of acting and humor with spiritual words of wisdom and
biblical truths. I highly recommend her... I thank her for giving women
across the denominational lines of Christianity the lift they need in Christ
Jesus."
Mary Beth
McElroy, Women’s Ministry Director
Will
Keynote Address: “Becoming
A Vessel of Honor”
"Laurette is very professional, but also has a very sweet Christian
spirit that comes across in her performances. I would highly recommend her as a
speaker to our District Directors of Women's Ministries across the nation."
Linda Stamps-Dissmore,
Women's Ministry Director
Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God
Fitness for His Witness Seminar and Great Women of the Bible
“Our Women’s Ministry Team at Christ First
FSBC cannot begin to thank you enough for the terrific conference presentations
you provided. We have had tremendous
feedback from our attendees on both your ‘Extreme Makeover by God’s Design’ (keynote) and your PraiseMoves (workshop). Some mentioned even having already worked out
to your video J.
“Your multi-talented and perky personality
contributed greatly to the success of our first-ever women’s conference. Not
only did you share from a heart that is deeply in love with our Lord Jesus
Christ, but you also brought humor and excitement into your presentation.
“We are already talking about a way to
have you back for a church-wide event where we could tap into your ‘radio’
personalities (The Nutty ‘40s Radio Show).
“Thank you again for delivering to us what
you promised.”
Marcia Y. Johnson, Christ First Women’s Ministry Team
First Southern
Keynote Address and PraiseMoves workshop
“Just this morning, I was having breakfast
with my director of women's ministries for 9 states and we told her about you.
“In September, I am attending a Women's
Ministries conference for The Salvation Army. We are preparing a packet
of information about you and your ministry to be given to those in attendance.
It is a conference that has women who are directly responsible for
ministry in the 9 southern states. I hope that this is OK with you.
“Once again, our women still talk
about you and your ministry to us (2005 Salvation Army Women’s Camp).
Thank you. Anytime you need a recommendation, please just let me know.”
Amy Kelly, Major
The Salvation Army
Divisional Secretary for Women's Ministries
Arkansas-Oklahoma Division
Keynote Address, Fitness for His Witness
seminar, and Great Women of the Bible
“Laurette
Willis has a very unique gifting in her ability to portray Great Women of the Bible. When she ministered at the New York Women Of
Purpose Conference, there was a very real anointing of the Holy Spirit. She
‘became’ Mary Magdalene and Priscilla. We, the onlookers, felt as though we
were transported back in time and were with women who actually knew Jesus, Paul
and Timothy! Laurette's attention to the details of the costumes and styles,
and stage decorations further added to the authenticity. She is a talented
actress, very professional in her presentation, and exceptionally used by God
to present the message of salvation and the deep commitment of His servants.
“Laurette also presented her exceptional
workshop, ‘Fitness for His Witness.’ This was a huge success, motivating
hundreds of women to care for the
Eleanor Grossglass, Women's
Ministry Director
New York District Council of the Assemblies of God
Fitness for His Witness seminar, and Great Women of the Bible
“Thank you again for being our speaker at the retreat. All the women had
a great time and spoke very highly of you. You are a very godly and talented
woman. I pray that God continues to bless you and your ministry!”
Karen Dickey, Women’s Ministry Team
Keynote Address and PraiseMoves workshop and Great Women of the Bible
“All our women enjoyed hearing you. We did not receive one negative
comment about any aspect of our weekend on our evaluation sheets – and most of
that was due to you. I think most of us wished ‘The Extreme Make-over by God’s
Design’ could have been instantaneous, but most of us are still working on it!
Also, we would love to hear more about ‘Fitness for His Witness.’ Maybe we can
have you back some time. God has blessed you with many talents. I think we got
just the right person in you to speak at our first retreat in 5 years, and I
would be glad to recommend you to anyone. Thanks for a weekend of spiritual
blessing.”
Darena Bankston, Women’s Ministry
Director
Keynote Address, Fitness for His Witness
seminar
Teachers
“Mrs.
Willis is a delightful speaker. She is particularly interesting in an Alternative
Education Program because she instills enthusiasm and confidence in the
students. She captures their attention and teaches them skills in reading and
storytelling. They are totally absorbed in her presentation.
“These
students are difficult to reach, but she quickly gained their trust, and they
engaged in activities that amazed me.
“It was
inspiring to witness the students’ reactions to her.”
Karen
Spencer, Teacher
Harrah
Alternative
Education Residencies
“Her
stories were magnificent and kept the students spellbound. I found her to be so
versatile, not only covering Native American areas, but character development
and avoiding drugs as well.”
Gretchen
Veit, Project Create Staff
Great Women of the Frontier, Storytelling,
And Cherokee Culture and Language Classes
monthly for
“Laurette Willis has been providing educational programs for
“You
can’t miss with Laurette Willis!”
Sallyanne
H. Wallace, AP Language Arts teacher
Performances presented at Owasso High School include: Great Women of the Frontier, Folktales of Scotland; Great Women of the Oil Fields; The Nutty ‘40s Radio Show; Introducing: Miss Emily Dickinson; Reflections: Letters from WW2 plus Drama Workshops and Residencies for Seniors.
“When
writing activities followed Laurette’s performance, the amount of information
retained by the students was amazing!”
Teacher,
4th Grade
Great Women of the Frontier and “Historical Hysterics” storytelling
“After
observing Laurette’s performance at a Great Expectations summer session, I
asked my principal to schedule her for our students’ enjoyment next year, even
if I had to pay for her expenses myself. I wanted the students to witness her
performance.”
Joyce
McPhetridge, Retired teacher
Will
Great Women of the Frontier and “Historical Hysterics” storytelling
(FYI – Mrs. McPhetridge didn’t have to pay for the performance – the
“As I reflect
back on the highlights of the past year, you come to mind. Your willingness to
participate in our Indian Heritage Week Program is greatly appreciated.
“How
many years has it been since we started this venture of you sharing your
expertise with the students in Muskogee Public Schools? (Since 1993) Our teachers love having you come to their
schools and the students gain valuable knowledge from the Culture and
Traditions that you share.
“Thank
you for caring about our Native American youth and for sharing your expertise
so our youth will long remember the traditions of our people.”
Maxine
Glory, Director
Indian Education
Programs
Great Women of the Frontier and “Historical Hysterics” storytelling, plus NACAIR (Native American Culture Artist-In-Residence Program) and
storytelling workshops for students and teachers.
“Thank you
so much for attending our school. The children and staff enjoyed your program and
hope that you will come back again. I personally was amazed at how well you
held a group of 2nd and 3rd graders as a captive
audience. Just to see the smiles on their faces and hear the laughter in the
room was a joy. In addition, the themes you used such as deception and honesty,
goes along with our character education program. The best thing is that it
allowed the students to learn about history, storytelling, acting, and
character building in an innovative and fun way. Thank you again for a wonderful
day.”
Janet
Richardson, Counselor
“Historical Hysterics” storytelling
“Our
Alternative Education students enjoyed the opportunity to actively learn a
variety of concepts in literature with the vivacious Laurette Willis. The
Oklahoma Arts Council funded this project of integrating the arts into the curriculum. Mrs. Willis’ enthusiasm generated a better school attendance,
too!”
Harrah Schools
Alternative Education Director
Alternative
Education Residencies
“Thank you
for your wonderful presentations for us. Great Women of the Frontier brings
the history we’ve been studying to life for the children. They look forward to
seeing you all year!” J
The 4th
Grade Teachers from
Presenting
in
“Your
acts were remarkable, magnificent, sensational! You
made me feel majestic. I felt like I was there. Come back again next year.”
Jeremiah,
4th Grade
Great Women of the Frontier and “Historical Hysterics” storytelling
Pastors, Church and Ministry Leaders
“Laurette was invited to present Great Women of the Bible for our
Sunday morning worship service. Our church members were mesmerized by her performance.
Especially effective was her benediction at the end of her dramatization, which
led into the altar call at the end of the service.
“She
also brought her ‘Fitness for His Witness’ seminar to kick-off our women’s
ministry retreat this year.
“Laurette is multi-talented, and humbly uses these talents to bring the
gospel message to as many people as she can. Her heart is completely set on
bringing glory to our Lord.”
Dr.
Charles E. Higgs, Senior Pastor
Great Women of the Bible and Fitness for His Witness seminar
“It was a privilege to be with you when you
performed Great Women of the Bible for the Episcopal Church Women’s
Annual Meeting in
Bishop
Robert M. Moody
The
Episcopal Diocese of
Note:
Bishop Moody requested Laurette to present “Ruth” at his Retirement banquet in
2007
“Laurette: It was a joy having you for services last night. Your
presentation was Biblically accurate…and powerfully anointed. Thank you for
your ministry around the altars at the end of your presentation.
“We look
forward to hearing you again. Blessings.”
Larry
Hatfield, Senior Pastor
Grand
Assembly of God,
“This
letter is to recommend in the most positive way, the ministry of Laurette
Willis. She is a delightful blend of professional actress and anointed
minister. Her dramatic presentations bring a greater depth of understanding to
the Bible stories we’ve always known. Her portrayal of characters like Mary
Magdalene and other great women of the Bible seem to bring these people back to
life and reveal their very souls.
“Watching her perform is like taking a ride on an emotional roller
coaster all the way from joyous laughter to tears of grief and then joy again.
She loves God and it shows. Her ministry will be a blessing to any church.”
Robert
O. Johnson, Founder and President
Clarion
World Ministries, Inc.
Past
President, Independent Assemblies Fellowship of Churches and Ministries
“Laurette Willis has an excellent stage presence that makes one hang on
her every word. I highly recommend her work as an entertaining, educational
presentation you won’t soon forget.”
Linda M.
Harker, Senior Pastor
Faith
United Methodist,
“Thanks
again for a wonderful weekend. People at the church have had nothing but
wonderful things to say. Many people were deeply touched.
“Your
ability to make Mary Magdalene come alive for our congregation helped many to
see the wonderful things that God is doing in our lives today. The Holy Spirit
was evident in your life and faith and connected us to the life of Jesus 2000
years ago by making Jesus real for the right her, right now.”
Don
Brown, Senior Pastor
“Thank you for your dramatic presentation in
chapel. I appreciated the way you combined creative art with Biblical accuracy.
Understanding was greatly helped by the background information you brought into
your presentation, and it flowed naturally. May the Lord bless you as you
continue to reach many with the message of the Gospel!”
Jonathan
Stoll, Bible Teacher
Mary
Magdalene from Great Women of the Bible
“We
recently had the opportunity to have Laurette Willis minister at our church and
what a blessing she was! Laurette ministered at our Women’s conference, whre
she performed as Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene from the Bible. She truly has an
amazing way of bringing the women of the Bible to reality. You feel like you
have had a personal visit with each of them.
“Laurette followed by simply sharing her heart. There was such a
ministry that went forth to the ladies. We are already planning to have
Laurette back to minister at the conference next year.”
Dale
Drain, Senior Pastor