LAURA WEST

Christian Comedian - Inspirational Speaker

Testimonials

You will be encouraged and challenged by this humble woman of God to be wholly surrendered to Jesus.

Ron Corley
Knoxville, TN

You will laugh. You will cry. You will be touched. I guarantee that anyone who hears their testimony (and Maleka, who is blind, SINGS!), will be both encouraged and challenged to walk more closely with the Lord.

Deborah Martin Gillipsie
First Baptist Sevierville, Sevierville, TN

I can’t recommend enough how special Laura and Maleka are, and your life will be touched in a way you have never been before. I am still telling people about it, a week later, which prompted me to write this review.

Cindy Cohn

Everyone is still talking about Laura and Maleka! I certainly look forward to seeing them again.

Carla Hayes
Lynn Valley Baptist Church

Laura West & Maleka drew a crowd. It’s safe to say, many were touched & brought to tears by their testimonies. I can say, this is the second time I’ve seen them & again, I was touched & blessed! If you ever get the opportunity to see/hear them, take it. Love them!

Angela Culbertson
Rileyville Church of the Brethren

We walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Laura & Maleka West have challenged us to follow that verse along in “Spiritual” Braille. Their story is not about what you can see, but about what you can feel. I personally have traced the Father’s love across the pages of their lives &… Read more “Ray Scarbrough”

Ray Scarbrough

An amazing duo. God has placed his hand on this ministry. Laura brings truth and Maleka brings faith and together they bring LOVE.

Carla Evans
Fincastle UMC

Laura West and her daughter Maleka with LOL Ministry were the guest speaker at our yearly ladies retreat. Our ladies said this was the best retreat ever. Thank you, Laura.

JoAnn Hansel
SOLOS

Laura and her family blessed our FBC Sevierville Celebrate Recovery meeting. One of our newest group participants gave her life to Christ after hearing all that God had done in this family’s life.

Barbara Mcwhorter

The message that God has given Laura and Maleka will warm your heart and soul. They will inspire and encourage any audience.

Jerry Hyder, Associate Pastor
First Baptist Church, Sevierville TN

In April 2017 we had Laura and Maleka West as guest speakers at our annual Bellview Baptist in Paducah, KY, Women’s Event. I cannot say enough about Laura West. She had a group of ladies laughing and crying. A powerful testimony!

Carolyn Martin, Women's Events Coordinator
Bellview Baptist Church

Our ladies LOVED LAURA WEST! First of all you are crying from laughing so hard, and then you are crying from being so touched with her incredible testimony. Laura’s adopted daughter Maleka, “Blind, Burned and Living Against all Odds,” sang for us. A blessing beyond description.

Betty Gray
Encourage Me Ministries

Laura’s message is one the you will never forget. She spoke recently at our Di’s Hope Women’s Conference in Cuba, Alabama and what a blessing we received. Her delivery plays on all emotions, laughter, tears and a deep sense of longing to be better than we are. We will never forget Maleka. This precious child… Read more “Pam Wooldridge, Conference Coordinator”

Pam Wooldridge, Conference Coordinator

Our groups were so blessed by Laura’s wonderful, God-given spirit and would recommend you consider including her in your upcoming events. You will not be disappointed.

Heather Jones

In 2009, I had the honor and privilege to hear Laura West speak at Madison Avenue Baptist church in Maryville, TN. Her life story will simply overwhelm you. She has a heart full of love and kindness for everyone she meets, especially for less fortunate children. She blessed us through song and words of a… Read more “Fern Williams”

Fern Williams

“I loved her presentation.” “She made me laugh and cry,” were some of the comments when Laura West was our speaker for several events. I highly recommend her.

Beverly LaHote Schwind, Author

It is my pleasure to give this reference concerning Laura. As Associate Pastor of House of Praise in Sevierville, TN. I have had the pleasure on a couple of occasions to hear Laura speak in church’s. Laura’s ability to motivate members of the congregation is “Excellent.” Her knowledge and caring attitude is appreciated by everyone… Read more “Pastor Dillard Craig”

Pastor Dillard Craig
House, Praise

Laura’s life is a wonderful testimony of God’s love. She has a unique blend of being able to be serious one moment bringing you to tears, and the next filling your heart with laughter and inspiration. God has gifted her to be able to show the love of Christ in so many different and effective ways.

Pastor Frankie Carroll

It’s not often that a speaker bridges the gap to inspire all generations from teens to senior adults, touching those just discovering Jesus to those seasoned in their faith, but Laura did just that.

Julie Sanders, Women's Ministry Director
West Park Baptist Church

If you are looking for a godly speaker for your reteat or other event for Ladies in your church or community, I highly recommend Laura West. Her testimony will inspire and challenge you, and you will laugh your head off, too!

Melanie Kerley
Center Faith Church, Knoxville, TN

Laura and John have done something very few people could do. Maleka is just one of over 100 children they have given their life, heart, finances and their time to show abiding love and compassion. Their story will not only bless you but it will challenge you to look at the opportunities around you where… Read more “Evangelist Bailey Smith”

Evangelist Bailey Smith
President, Southern Baptist Convention

Swann’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church will be having Laura to speak at their Women Retreat Dinner in April 2012. This will be the third time she has came and spoke for us. We have been so blessed to have such a friend and speaker. We enjoy and appreciate her. Thank God for women like… Read more “Linda Loveday”

Linda Loveday

Laura West and Family Photo

Our Story

My husband, John, and I have been married for over 20 years. We have been tested and are able to say God is faithful through it all. As biological parents we waited 12 long years before we were able to have a child of our own. As adoptive parents, we adopted a blind child, Maleka, that was burned as an infant. As foster parents, we cared for over 100 medically fragile foster children.

Meet the Wests

Maleka West and her white dog, Doodle

Maleka's Story

Maleka’s life started out challenged from the beginning, she was born blind. It went from bad to worse for her. In March 1997, at the age of 15 months, while still in the care of her birth mother, Maleka was burnt in a tub of scalding hot water. The burns were horrible. Maleka received third degree burns to more than 55% of her body. The doctors gave her only a 5% chance of surviving. God had other plans!

Be Inspired