Laurel wanted to be a kindergarten teacher and have six kids whilst living a comfortable middle-class suburban life. At the age of 19, through Youth For Christ and God’s prompting, Laurel ended up visiting, and then later volunteering for a prison that cares for homeless women who didn’t have anyone. Despite not having any qualifications, Laurel ended up as a staff member.  

Laurel discusses how she became closer to God through seeing the love and commitment in other people. She learned to get up early to spend an hour reading her bible and in three months she read the whole Bible. Laurel also shares how she feels the church has done fellowship and ministry, particularly with ex-prisoners and the homeless. “Church has done a great job at being friendly, but not at being a friend”... But without being a friend, lives won’t be changed. We have to learn to love the needy and the broken, to be a friend to those who are lonely, bearing with them, and caring for them personally.