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 San Antonio, TX , July 2005, Laurette shared her program PraiseMoves as one of the workshop
offerings. This contribution became one of the two most popular workshops and
received overwhelmingly positive reviews. In addition, her new book BASIC
Steps to Godly Fitness is still being requested (My personal copy has
been borrowed so many times I haven't had a chance to read it myself.). Her
very presence was a blessing to the event.”
Sally B. Sedgwick
Director for Programs
Women of the ELCA (Evangelical
Lutheran Church
in America)
PraiseMoves
“I was at The Salvation Army Retreat at the Lifeway Conference
Center May 19-21, 2006.
I was blessed by your programs. I feel like a new person, I have been
reborn and refreshed with the Holy Spirit - cleansed and made whole. I am
on fire for the Lord. Keep up the good work. Remember me in your prayers. God
Bless you, and may you continue to do His work and His will.”
Virginia
Champion,
Shelby, NC
Keynote Address and 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 Beginnings Church, Stevens Pt., Wisconsin
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 'Elizabeth'
from the Bible, regaled with music, uplifted with PraiseMoves, and gifted by
the Holy Spirit through an amazing prayer time.
“We are now working on bringing her back."
Nancy
Thomson, Women's Ministry Director
First Baptist
Church, Boise, ID
Keynote Addresses, Great Women of the Bible
"Thank you for sharing your many gifts with the women of southern New England! You have truly been a blessing! While your
professional background shows through, your commitment to the Lord and
sensitivity to His Spirit outshine it. Praise God for the wonderful work He has
done in your life so that you may be able to share the gifts He has given
you!"
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
Countryside Baptist Church, Stillwater, OK
Great Women of the Bible
“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 Rogers United Methodist Church, Tulsa, OK
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 Baptist Church,
Topeka, Kansas
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 temple
God has given us. She
interspersed her powerful testimony of how God was with her for years and
helped her to become the impressive woman she now is.”
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
Christ Memorial Lutheran
Church, St. Louis, MO
Keynote Address, 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
First Baptist Church, Tulsa Oklahoma
Keynote Address and 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 High School Alternative Education Program
Harrah, OK
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
Morrison Elementary School, Morrison
Great Women of the Frontier, Storytelling,
And Cherokee
Culture and Language Classes monthly for Grades PK-6 for 3 years
“Laurette Willis has been providing
educational programs for Owasso High School for more than 10 years. She has an
amazing ability to communicate with her audience. Laurette has a strong sense
of morality and responsibility, plus, the most amazing talent in dialects,
voice an acting.
“You can’t miss with Laurette Willis!”
Sallyanne H.
Wallace, AP Language Arts teacher
Owasso High
School, Owasso, OK
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
Bartlesville,
OK
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 Rogers Elementary School, McAlester,
OK
Great Women of the Frontier and “Historical Hysterics” storytelling
(FYI – Mrs.
McPhetridge didn’t have to pay for the performance – the Oklahoma Arts Council
and school covered the expenses!)
“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
Muskogee, OK
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
William R. Teague Elementary School,
Wagoner, OK
“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
Harrah Public Schools, Harrah, OK
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 Hoover, Wilson and Ranch Heights Elementary Schools
Bartlesville, OK
Presenting in Bartlesville EVERY year
since 1993: Great Women of the Frontier and “Historical Hysterics” storytelling
“Your acts were remearkable, 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
First Baptist Church, Portland, TX
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 Tulsa. Your presentation was superb. Your writing and
performance and interpretation were moving and your songs were wonderful. You
made Elizabeth and Mary of Magdala and Priscilla living disciples and you shared
the Gospel through their experiences. The old, old story was made new and
presented in a powerful manner.”
Bishop Robert
M. Moody
The Episcopal
Diocese of Oklahoma
Great Women of the Bible
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 heaving you again.
Blessings.”
Larry Hatfield, Senior Pastor
Grand Assembly of God, Chickasha, OK
Great Women of the Bible
“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
First Baptist Church, Portland, TX
Great Women of the Bible
“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, Tulsa, OK
Susanna Wesley: LIVE!
“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
Bethel Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA
Great Women of the Bible
“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
Markoma Christian Academy, Tahlequah,
OK
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
Calvary Temple Church, Edmond, OK
Great Women of the Bible
“I wanted to thank you so very much for
sharing your ministry with our congregation. We truly enjoyed seeing the Bible
come to life through your portrayals of Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene.
“Your ministry truly brings glory to the
Lord and I hope that you can continue to share the gospel story in this unique
way. Lives will be touched and changed through your work. May God’s blessings
be with you.”
Ron Rice, Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church, Tahlequah, OK
Great Women of the Bible
“I
wholeheartedly recommend Laurette Willis. Laurette spoke at our Aglow Lighthouse
meeting in Tulsa and even though we only had time for her to give us a limited
overview of her ministry, God ministered through her to many of us. We soon
realized the professional she is, that she loves Jesus with all her heart, and
ministers in the five-fold Ministry.
“Laurette also has an entertaining sense of humor that God uses to make
a meeting memorable. It was not just another meeting!
“It is
my prayer that local Aglow Lighthouses will invite her to speak and our Eastern
and Western Area Boards will get to find out about her ministry.”
Kay
Cousins, President
Tulsa Women Aglow, Tulsa, OK
“Great Women of the Bible is an inspiring
performance. Spirit-filled and Spirit-driven!”
Rev. Kathleen Murray
St. Basil’s Episcopal Church,
Tahlequah, OK
Great Women of the Bible