Laura Hawthorne's Page

LAURA HAWTHORNE

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND:

 I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and when I was 5 years old my dream was to become a professional singer. I used to pretend my jump rope was my microphone while singing in my dining room. Then I started singing in school plays, local tv shows, talent contests and many other events. But singing in church is where I always felt best. When I was 16 years old, I gave my heart to the Lord during a crusade in my hometown. I knew He was calling me that day. I will never forget it.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WALK WITH THE LORD:

After I became saved, I kept a Bible in my car on the dashboard. It was there so long it got bleached out by the sun. I rarely opened it. But I was a cool Christian teenager, ya know? I kept it there as "protection". Following high school I went to college in Maryland and earned my AA Degree in Dental Hygiene. Then I moved to New York City to become a recording artist. For 11 years I worked in Manhattan and experienced more than I could ever imagine. I grew in many ways and learned alot about music, recording and live performance. One of the things I enjoyed doing was singing the National Anthem for the New York Mets for 10 years. What an incredible experience. During my years in the city, I attended different churches but never became grounded in any of them. My walk with the Lord was always compromised. My career came first. It had become an idol.

HOW DID THE LORD CALL YOU INTO MINISTRY?

As I was releasing my first secular CD in 2000, my younger brother, Jay, fell and broke his neck at the C2 level during a terrible construction accident. This left him a ventilator dependent quadriplegic. Life changed in an instant. Immediately I ran home to Delaware and spent time by my brother’s bedside as he endured tremendous pain and suffering. It was then that I questioned the way I had been living my life. The Lord opened my eyes. This horrific tragedy is what made me realize that the Lord was calling me into ministry. My brother is my personal hero. He is my inspiration to sing and lead others to Christ. I share his story when I minister to others.

HOW WOULD YOU SUMMERIZE YOUR LIFE NOW AND YOUR MINISTRY?

I see God’s purpose in my life clearer than ever. His perfect plan has come full circle. I'm following "His"direction, not mine. Serving Him and others is pretty much the bottom line. My agenda had to be thrown away. There's been so much healing and restoration in my life. My spiritual growth has been incredible and I know it's due to my willingness to be obedient and disciplined. I have been called to EMPOWER and ENCOURAGE others who need hope and healing in their lives. Currently, I am an international worship leader, speaker and missionary with Heart For Africa.

WHAT IS ON YOUR IPOD?

I have lots of worship songs and background tracks that I travel with when I sing. Some of my favorites are "Hosanna", "Revelation Song","Mighty to Save" & "Word of God Speak". Just downloaded the latest Hillsong United CD. Great worship!

WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. Now I'm doing a workbook study on Exploring Worship by Bob Sorge. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

My cat "Little Man" who I found on the street in Astoria, Queens in 1998.
And of course the ever so popular "Pinkie", my Chihuahua! She makes a cameo appearance in my Inside the Music video and now has her own website:  www.mypinkie.com

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER DEAR TO YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW?

Elderly People and Children.

I sing in many places, but one of my favorite venues happens to be nursing facilities. Firstly, it is an intimate setting where you are "naked" so to speak in front of an audience who is so thirsty for love, joy and hope. They see and feel you without any facade. Secondly, I can interact with them, love on them and listen to their words of wisdom. Thirdly, and most significantly, I am able to minister to them and give them hope in Jesus Christ.
I have also been blessed to work with thousands of orphan children while doing missionary work with Heart for Africa in Swaziland. While on my first trip I spent alot of time loving on these precious children. Their innocence and willingness to embrace the Word of God was so beautiful. I also enjoyed singing for them at Litsemba! 

Worship in Dominican Republic 2009