Laura is a native of Greenville, SC, and a recent high school graduate. Having been homeschooled kindergarten through 12th grade, she was a part of a co-op, which she said was a really cool experience. Her latter half of high school, she also took classes at North Greenville University, where she will begin attending in the fall. She is excited to be studying Digital Media, as it will give her the opportunity to serve in many types of capacities.
Laura trusted in Jesus as her Savior when she was 7 years old. As she has seen on many occasions in Good News Clubs, even young children are capable of understanding the Gospel. However, she said at that time, there was a lot she still did not understand. A few years later, when she was 10 years old, she attended a children’s camp with her church. “I wish I could remember exactly what the leader shared, but it just hit me, and I rededicated my life. It was at that point that I really started growing; knowing what my walk with Christ meant. And I am still growing!”
Laura’s journey with CEF and CYIA began over ten years ago. Her family hosted GNC clubs in their home for several years, and she and her siblings were all a part of it. Her oldest sister began serving as a Summer Missionary in 2008, her brother started in 2010, her other sister began in 2012, and Laura joined in 2015. “I saw how it was shaping them-- not only in growing them as followers, but also in everyday skills like public speaking, and it seemed like such a great program to be a part of.” She took a year off last summer, and thought she had perhaps completed her journey as a CYIA missionary. But God showed her He was not done with her here yet. “I’m really glad that He brought me back, and I am excited to see how God will use our whole team. I’ve already seen him at work so much!”
In her free time, Laura loves to craft. She is currently attempting to master weaving. She also enjoys drawing and painting. Another of her passions is coffee. “I love coffee, so I know every coffee shop in Greenville,” she said. “And several outside of Greenville.”
As Laura serves with her team this summer, pray that she and her teammates will remain encouraged, though they have a small team. She said it has been really cool to watch God use their team, but it’s hard not having a big community like there has been in the past. Pray that they find community in the few, as they continue to share the love of God with the boys and girls they serve.
