Host a Luke 14 Ministries Speaker at Your Church or Event

We love sharing the incredible ways God is moving through Luke 14 Ministries and would be honored to speak at your church, conference, or community event.

Our speakers bring stories of hope, inclusion, and God’s redemptive work through disability ministry. Whether you’d like to learn more about our programs, discover how to serve families affected by disability in your area, or explore how your church can create spaces of true belonging, we would love to connect.

In addition to ministry-focused talks, our founder Julia Erman shares her powerful keynote, “Your Story Matters,” a heartfelt message that helps audiences see how God uses every part of our story—including seasons of suffering—to reveal purpose, healing, and calling.

Use the form below to reach out and invite one of our speakers to share encouragement, inspiration, and practical tools for making the Church a place where everyone belongs.

Meet Our Speakers

Darlene LaPlue — Events Planner

Darlene is a farm girl from Kentucky who loves Jesus and loves being busy about the work of His Kingdom. She fell in love with disability ministry nearly 25 years ago after meeting so many amazing and beautiful people and seeing the heart of God in a brand-new way.

Today, Darlene serves in multiple roles with Luke 14 Ministries—planning the annual Luke 14 Dinner Party, helping lead wheelchair distribution teams to Kenya, directing Camp Celebrate, and teaching an Adult Special Friends Sunday School Class at her church in Morristown. Her spiritual gift is throwing a party, and she’s passionate about taking back the “party” for the Kingdom!

Darlene is a dynamic and joy-filled speaker who loves to teach on topics such as how to start a disability ministry, how to plan a Luke 14 Party, and what the Bible says about serving those affected by disability.

Julia Erman — Keynote Speaker & Founder of The Hazelnut Movement

Your Story Matters

Helping you see suffering as an opportunity to lean into your unique calling.

Every woman carries a story. Some are filled with triumph and joy; others hold pain, loss, or quiet perseverance. No matter what your story looks like, it matters—and when you share it, it can bring healing, connection, and hope.

About Julia
Julia Erman is a bestselling author, disability advocate, and dynamic keynote speaker. As a special needs mom, cancer survivor, and faith leader, Julia speaks with authenticity and deep compassion. She is the founder of The Hazelnut Movement, a program of Luke 14 Ministries devoted to changing the way the world sees people impacted by disability.

Through her keynote, “Your Story Matters,” Julia inspires women of faith to embrace their journey, recognize the value in their experiences, and find courage to share their stories. Blending heartfelt storytelling with biblical truth and practical encouragement, Julia reminds every woman that she is not alone—and that her story has purpose.

Larry LaPlue — Executive Director

Larry has worked as a volunteer serving individuals with disabilities for more than 20 years. His experience includes volunteering at family camps, coordinating the annual Luke 14 banquet, and leading international mission trips to distribute wheelchairs.

As Executive Director of Luke 14 Ministries, Larry brings both leadership and compassion to every project. His passion for practical service and his heart for people make his talks both encouraging and inspiring for churches and organizations seeking to better serve their communities.

Our Ministry Team

Several members of our Luke 14 Ministries team are also available to speak about our mission, programs, and the impact of our work around the world. Each speaker brings unique experiences and insights to help your church or organization take the next step in disability ministry.