Laura T., Founder & Director
Born on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and later relocated to San Francisco, CA. I began dancing the hula while I was in elementary school. I first learned from friends and watching others. I eventually took formal lessons in Hayward, CA.
I had not danced the hula for many years when I was asked to dance at my mother’s church for a special event. At the time, I didn’t have a song or the choreography. Actually, I’ve never choreographed a dance before. I wasn’t even sure of the date, or how much time I would have to prepare. If there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that the hips needed to be oiled, big time.
I thanked the Lord for the opportunity and left it in His hands and timing. Weeks had passed and I still did not have a dance, until one evening so unexpectedly, while listening to one of my favorite songs and prayer “A Pure Heart” I felt in my spirit that this was the song to share, and suddenly my mind was flooded with the feet and hand movements. The dance was choreographed that evening. It was a true divine inspiration. This was the beginning of my dance ministry journey.
In 2004, under the leadership, support and encouragement from Pastor Ed Steward of Community Assembly of God, San Francisco, CA, Of One Heart Hula Praise was born. In 2007, and after a difficult battle with cancer my Pastor went home to his reward. The church found itself in transition and it was apparent the season for the ministry had also changed.
During times of uncertainty, God is faithful and if you’re faithful with what He’s given you, He will continue to use you and the gifts and talents bestowed. He sent me to churches who embraced Hula Praise and I continued to minister in dance and teach. For a brief season, I joined another ministry and welcomed a break from a leadership role. But God had different plans for me.
God continued to send worshiping hearts eager to learn and desiring more. This was the beginning of the renewed vision for Of One Heart. No longer exclusive to dancers belonging to one place of worship, but all who desire to express their praise and worship to God, through the art of the Hula. One Body and One Heart.
It’s been over ten years since my journey first began. It’s such a blessing to share and teach others and to see lives touched in a special way. To strengthen my foundation further, I attended Jubilee Bible College in San Jose, CA and received my diploma in Ministerial Studies in 2008.
Rhonda A., Assistant Instructor, Events Coordinator
I met Laura in that group and continued to have contact with her after she left. When this sweet sister started Of One Heart Hula Praise Ministry, I was honored to become a member!
She is truly anointed by God with her gift for choreography, teaching, and dancing praise hula. I have been dancing with Of One Heart for several years. Praising and worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ is a daily blessing in my life.
Hilda N., Assistant Instructor
August 2006, I met retired Kumu, Renee Ku’uleinani Price. She announced she was starting a hula ministry at Crossroads Church and invited all who were interested to attend. I attended; although, I was not a member of their church. Renee danced to “The Prayer”. I was captured by the words, the beauty of the dance and her willingness to give back a gift that was given to her. So began my journey with the dance of hula with Crossroads Ohana Hula Ministry. I found through dance a way to express my love and devotion to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Renee instructed us for six months before returning to Hawaii. Her former students continued to teach us a few more months before they had to leave. The torch was passed to her niece and I stepped up to assist in instructing dance. However, due to the many commitments for several members of the church, we decided to take a break.
Hence, my hula praise journey continues, as a current member and assistant with Of One Heart Hula Praise Ministry. Much love to Laura who gives so much of herself and her talents in hula praise dance and choreography. We are so blessed!