Lora was a member of the MVNC Collegian Chorale and had successfully auditioned to join the college's music ministry quartet, "Assurance."
She was scheduled to travel extensively the summer of '99 ministering at youth church camps and various churches throughout the states of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. This had been her personal dream since her little girl years, as she sat enraptured by our church denomination's travelling college choir.
Her incredible singing voice reached down deep inside those she ministered to, healing hurts as she shared the love of Jesus. She refused to "perform," saying God had given her her singing voice to use for His glory, not hers.
Here are a few audio recordings of Lora's singing. Click the Lyrics button to see the words.
Beauty for Ashes
By Crystal Lewis
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
Go Light Your World
By Kathy Troccoli
There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle, and makes his home
So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
And hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister,
She's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame
So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
'Cause we are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles, and light up the sky
Praying to our father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
I'm so Glad that Jesus Lifted Me
Traditional Hymn
I'm so glad, Jesus lifted me.
I'm so glad, Jesus lifted me.
I'm so glad, Jesus lifted me.
Singing glory hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.
Not Too Far from Here
By Michael Crawford
Somebody's down to their last dime,
Somebody's running out of time,
Not too far from here.
Somebody's got nowhere left to go,
Somebody needs a little hope,
Not too far from here.
And I may not know their name,
But I'm praying just the same,
That you'll use me Lord, to wipe away a tear,
Cause somebody's crying,
Not too far from here.
Refrain:
Somebody's troubled and confused,
Somebody's got nothing left to lose,
Not too far from here.
Somebody's forgotten how to trust,
And somebody's dying for love,
Not too far from here.
It may be a strangers face,
But I'm praying for Your grace,
To move in me,
And take away the fear.
Cause somebody's hurting,
Not too far from here.
Help me Lord,
Not to turn away from pain.
Help me not to rest
While those around me weep.
Give me Your strength and compassion.
When somebody finds
The road of life too steep.
[Repeat Refrain]
Now I'm letting down my guard,
And I'm opening my heart.
Help me speak Your love
To ev'ry needful ear.
Someone is waiting,
Not too far from here.
Someone is waiting,
Not too far from here.
