WOMEN’S MINISTRY LEADERS
"Dr. Laurette came to our church retreat in answer to prayer. What an answer she was! Little did we know she was a woman of so many talents... We were entertained and encouraged by her messages, 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
"Dr. 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
"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
"At the Women of the ELCA's triennial gathering in San Antonio, TX, Dr. 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. Her very presence was a blessing to the event."
Sally B. Sedgwick, Director for Programs, Women of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
"I was at the Salvation Army retreat at the Lifeway Conference Center. 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
"Dr. 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
"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
"Since I am a visual learner, I especially love the way I felt drawn into the history and culture of the Bible through your sharing. The Bible came alive. What a great time we had with Laurette! May God continue to give her opportunities and ideas as she ministers for Him."
Jean Bond, Pastor’s wife, Countryside Baptist Church, Stillwater, OK
"Dr. Laurette is very professional but also has a very sweet Christian spirit that comes across in her presentations. 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
"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). Your multi-talented and perky personality contributed greatly to the success of our first-ever women’s conference. We are already talking about a way to have you back for a church-wide event. 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
"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. Thank you."
Major Cheryl Miller, Associate Area Commander, The Salvation Army, State College, PA
"Dr. Laurette Willis, founder of PraiseMoves, was our keynote speaker for our Women’s Ministry Spring Banquet. She delivered an exceptional message about getting fit for God’s service. Through personal testimony, movement, music, and laughter she challenged us to embrace a more active lifestyle. It was obvious that she had prepared and sought God’s guidance for the message. As a leader in Women’s Ministry, it is always my goal to plan an event that will encourage, inspire, and draw women closer to God. Dr. Laurette definitely delivered that for us."
Patty Farmer, Chairperson, Spring Banquet Committee, First Baptist Church, Richardson, TX
"Dr. Laurette Willis has a very unique gifting. When she ministered at the New York Women of Purpose Conference, there was a very real anointing of the Holy Spirit. She is very professional in her presentation, and exceptionally used by God to present the message of salvation and the deep commitment of His servants."
Eleanor Grossglass, Women's Ministry Director, New York District Council of the Assemblies of God
"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
PASTORS, CHURCH AND MINISTRY LEADERS
“Dr. Laurette was invited to minister at our Sunday morning worship service. Our church members were blessed by her message. Especially effective was her benediction at the end, 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. Dr. 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
“It was a privilege to be with you at the Episcopal Church Women’s Annual Meeting in Tulsa. Your presentation was superb. Your messages were moving, and your songs were wonderful. You shared the Gospel in a powerful manner."
Bishop Robert M. Moody, The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
“Dr. 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 message. We look forward to hearing you again. Blessings."
Larry Hatfield, Senior Pastor, Grand Assembly of God, Chickasha, OK
“This letter is to recommend in the most positive way, the ministry of Dr. Laurette Willis. She is a delightful blend of professional speaker and anointed minister. Her presentations bring a greater depth of understanding to the Bible. 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
“Dr. Laurette Willis has an excellent presence that makes one hang on her every word. I highly recommend her work as an anointed and educational presentation you won’t soon forget."
Linda M. Harker, Senior Pastor, Faith United Methodist, Tulsa, OK
“Thank you for your 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
“We recently had the opportunity to have Dr. Laurette Willis minister at our church, and what a blessing she was! Laurette ministered at our women’s conference. 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
“I wanted to thank you for ministering to the women at our Women’s Conference. Your story, your joy, and your anointing were a perfect fit for our event. The women were blessed, encouraged, and challenged. Thank you for being willing to be open and honest about your own life and for your creativity in presentation. It is easy to recommend you to any group that wants to minister to women. Thanks again!"
Davina Collier, Director of Women’s Ministries, First Baptist Church, West Frankfort, IL
“Dear Dr. Laurette, It was truly an honor and a blessing to have you as a part of our Women’s Day Program at Joy Tabernacle Church in Indianapolis. The Women’s Day Committee has received rave reviews from everyone in attendance. Your presentation was both heartwarming and inspirational. You left us all with a powerful message and a lasting impression. You are gifted and talented, and your sharing was truly anointed. The fact that you did all of this on your birthday is truly amazing! Thank you again for sharing your gifts and talents with us. We are grateful for your presence, and we appreciate you being a part of our Women’s Day celebration. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. We hope that our paths will cross again in the future. Warmest regards,"
Dorothy Brewer and Deborah Carter, Co-Chairs, Women’s Day Program, Joy Tabernacle Church, Indianapolis, IN
“Hi Dr. Laurette, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for coming to share with us on Sunday. We really enjoyed your presentation. Our congregation seemed to really enjoy your message and your heart for sharing. I hope to be able to have you come back again in the future."
Pastor Jan Halley, Leawood Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for coming to minister at our church. We have had many guest ministers in the past but none with your insight and wisdom. You and the message you brought touched the hearts of everyone who attended the conference. The 'Extreme Make-Over by God’s Design' was not only informative but spiritually uplifting as well. Our church is still buzzing about it! We are already looking forward to your next visit. Thank you once again."
Terri A. McCall, First Lady, Christ Church of Deliverance, Memphis, TN
“Thank you so much for blessing our women! We received so many positive comments about the Woman’s World Night. They thoroughly enjoyed your ministry, as well as your wonderful music! Your excitement about Jesus Christ is contagious! I hope to have you back with us in the future!"
Rebecca Dake, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries, First Assembly of God, Tucson, AZ
“Just a quick note to let you know that you truly blessed the women at Praise Temple Church of God in Christ, in Tucson, Arizona, with your ministry. I heard so many positive comments on the way you used your gifts to bless our lives. I heard the phrase ‘I’m going home to read the story of that woman in the Bible she shared’ repeated many times. The women of our church were deeply moved and inspired by your ministry. It was a delight to have you with us, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you again. May God richly bless you and your ministry."
Pastor Tammy Bennett, Praise Temple Church of God in Christ, Tucson, AZ
“Dr. Laurette, on behalf of the First Assembly of God, we want to extend our deepest appreciation to you for speaking at our women’s event. Your presentation was thought-provoking, inspiring, and anointed by the Holy Spirit. The women were truly touched by the message that God has given you. We have received so many positive comments from the women who attended. You made us laugh, cry, and reflect on our own lives. Thank you for sharing your talents and your passion for Jesus Christ with us."
Reverend Connie Garcia, First Assembly of God, El Paso, TX
“Dr. Laurette, thank you for blessing us in your presentation at our recent women’s meeting. You have been given a gift to touch people’s lives, and I believe the Lord has a great purpose for your life. May the Lord continue to bless you as you use your talents for His glory."
Ladies of Precious Moments Ladies Fellowship, Roseville Baptist Church, Newark, CA
“Thank you for sharing the Word through your presentations. The women of our church were blessed by the way you brought the Word of God to life. They told me how much they gained from your teaching. May the Lord bless you as you continue to bring the truth of God’s Word to life. Thank you again!"
Pastor Christy Hong, Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, San Francisco, CA
“Dear Dr. Laurette, I am writing to thank you for your amazing ministry during our Women’s Ministry Conference. I could tell you really put your heart into the message. You helped make the Bible come to life. I especially appreciated your explanation of the Jewish customs during the time of Christ. Your gift of drama is very powerful, and I believe it will bring healing and deliverance to many women. May the Lord continue to use you in a mighty way. Thank you again for blessing us."
Pastor Brenda Hattendorf, The River International Church, Hamilton, OH
“Dr. Laurette, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for speaking at our Women’s Conference. Your presentations were unique and anointed. You have the ability to reach both young and old, which is a wonderful gift. Your teaching on Jewish customs and the culture at that time brought the Bible to life. May God continue to bless your ministry as you share His truth in creative and effective ways. Thank you again!"
Sandy Doolittle, First Baptist Church, Cincinnati, OH
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your ministry at our church. Your dramatic presentations were truly unique and anointed. You have a gift for bringing the Word of God to life, and I believe the women were deeply impacted by messages. Your knowledge of Jewish customs and culture at that time added depth to your presentations. May the Lord continue to use you mightily as you minister His truth. Thank you for being a blessing to us."
Reverend Jackie Manning, The Worship Center, Lebanon, OH
“Dr. Laurette, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your ministry during our Women’s Conference. Your messages were moving and anointed. You have a gift for bringing the Bible to life in a way that is both entertaining and spiritually enriching, as well as impactful and memorable. Thank you for blessing our conference with your unique and powerful ministry. May the Lord continue to use you to touch lives for His glory."
Pastor Lisa Thomas, Grace Community Church, Dayton, OH
"Thanks again for a wonderful weekend. People at the church have had nothing but wonderful things to say. Many people were deeply touched. Your message 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 here, right now."
Don Brown, Senior Pastor, Bethel Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA
"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 presentation. Your ministry truly brings glory to the Lord, and I hope that you can continue to share the Gospel 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
"I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Laurette Willis. Dr. 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. Dr. 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
"Thank you for an inspiring presentation. Spirit-filled and spirit-driven!"
Rev. Kathleen Murray, St. Basil’s Episcopal Church, Tahlequah, OK
"It was our pleasure to have Dr. Laurette Willis come to our church in December for a wonderful weekend of laughter, entertainment, and anointed ministry. Our church family was on the edge of their seats the whole time, and the Spirit of the Lord was very powerful, indicating that Dr. Laurette had spent time with the Lord before coming to our church. I highly recommend her ministry to any church or outreach ministry and will definitely ask her to come back to our church soon."
Mickey Keith, Senior Pastor, Life Community Church, Ada, OK, President, Independent Assemblies Fellowship of Churches and Ministries
"Dr. Willis gave a wonderful performance for the women of our parish. It is a delight to see how she brings so many gifts and talents together into one. Perfection!"
Father Stuart Crevcoure, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sapulpa, OK
"Thank you very much for your wonderful presentations at the Tri-State District Ministerial Retreat. You have been a tremendous blessing to each of us. May God continue to bless your ministry."
Rev. Max Colaw, District Superintendent, Tri-State District of the Wesleyan Church
"What a delight to hear you share! Your study and research are evident. This is a joy!"
Mary Manes, Director, The Missions Memorial, Tulsa, OK
"Dr. Laurette's presentation at New Life Worship Center was the best-received event that I have ever done for Mother's Day in my 25 years of pastorate. I heard many comments from the mothers how it inspired and encouraged them. Dr. Laurette's anointing makes the Bible come alive in a way I have never seen before. You will not be disappointed..."
Garland Thomas, Senior Pastor, New Life Worship Center, Tahlequah, OK
"An excellent presentation with distinct accuracy to scripture and giving clarity to the personalities she so obviously has well researched. Very polished, a quality professional in every way. Very touching. Simply presents the Gospel and inspires the believer onward and to greater commitment."
Willena Robinson, Researcher of Historical Documentaries, CHIEF Productions (Cherokee Heritage Indian Education Foundation), Tulsa, OK
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
"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
"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
"Dr. Laurette Willis provided educational programs for Owasso High School for more than 10 years. She has an amazing ability to communicate with her audience. Dr. Laurette has a strong sense of morality and responsibility, plus, the most amazing talent in dialects, voice, and acting. You can't miss with Dr. Laurette Willis!"
Sallyanne H. Wallace, AP Language Arts teacher, Owasso High School, Owasso, OK
"Dr. Willis did such a remarkable job that I felt overwhelming sympathy for the characters she presented. She definitely showed a new side to Western icons that I had never really thought about before."
Student critique, Living Literature Conference, Northeastern State University, OK
"When writing activities followed Dr. Laurette's presentation, the amount of information retained by the students was amazing!"
Teacher, 4th Grade, Bartlesville, OK
"After observing Dr. Laurette's presentation at a Great Expectations summer session at Northeastern State University, 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 have this experience and witness her presentation."
Joyce McPhetridge, Retired teacher, Will Rogers Elementary School, McAlester, OK
"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? (20 years!) 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
"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 go 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
"Our alternative education students enjoyed the opportunity to actively learn a variety of concepts in literature with the vivacious Dr. Laurette Willis. The Oklahoma Arts Council funded this project of integrating the arts into the curriculum. Dr. Laurette's enthusiasm generated better school attendance, too!"
Harrah Schools Alternative Education Director, Harrah Public Schools, Harrah, OK
"Thank you for your wonderful presentations for us. You bring the history we've been studying to life for the children. They look forward to seeing you all year!"
The 4th Grade Teachers from Hoover, Wilson and Ranch Heights Elementary Schools, Bartlesville, OK
"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 Student, Bartlesville, OK
ADMINISTRATORS, LIBRARIANS AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS
"I am writing in support of a project proposed by the Arts Council of Tahlequah. I am especially pleased that ACT has chosen to support the research, writing, and production of the play, 'The 1840 Cherokee Trial of Archilla Smith.' Dr. Laurette Willis serves as the playwright, director, and narrator. This play documents an important part of Cherokee history and brings to life important Cherokee leaders. Dr. Laurette developed her script from actual court transcripts of the trial. Cherokee actors portray the lead characters. Cherokee Nation Prosecutor Chad Smith, a professor of Cherokee law, will assist with an accurate representation of 1840 Cherokee law and courtroom procedure. The play will be staged in the Cherokee Tribal courtroom in the Old Cherokee Capital Building (on the same grounds where the original trial took place). We are very pleased the Arts Council is working with Dr. Laurette Willis to make this historical opportunity a reality."
Wilma P. Mankiller, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1985-1995), Tahlequah, OK
"I had a notion of what I wanted to see you share with our teachers and administrators. Let me assure you, what you taught far exceeded my expectations. You brought new skills and experiences to our people. When school starts think of all the lives they will touch. Thanks for sharing your rare talents. Great Expectations is enhanced by your involvement. I am glad to have you on our team. I appreciate the integrity you exemplify."
Charlie Hollar, Founder, Great Expectations Institute, Northeastern State University
"On behalf of the Women's Studies Governing Board and the students in my Introduction to Women's Studies class, I would like to thank you for visiting our campus last week. From talking with my students I know that many of them were strongly moved by the honesty and sincerity with which you spoke to them about your life and work. Seeing you in character the following day added to their understanding of Emily Dickinson. Two of them told me yesterday that your performance left them as you hoped it would. 'How did she say she wanted us to feel when we left the theater? Oh yeah… “bigger on the inside.”' They are a quiet class, and what two will express, many more are thinking."
Alexa Larson-Thorish, Assistant Professor, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
"Continue the good work in inspiring others with your blessed talent."
Carolyn S. Roper, Coordinator, Deep Fork Community Action, Hughes County, Holdenville, OK
"People are still talking about how incredible your presentations were! Thank you for adding so much to our event. We really appreciated your being a part of Frontier Fest this year and helping to make it such a success. We hope that you will be able to participate again and perhaps do more programs for us. Thank you again for your outstanding work. I'm so glad that we were able to bring you to our festival and hope that we can soon talk about next year."
Julie Northrip, Committee Chair for Frontier Fest, Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith, AR
"Laurette is the funniest woman I have ever seen!"
Rick Crom, Chicago City Limits and Second City, Chicago, First Amendment Comedy & Improvisation Company, NYC, NY
