About OUR LEADERS
Dr. Pastor Laurie W. Sonnier
Pastor Laurie is a product of the Churches of God in Christ. She was mentored and inspired by the personal example and devoted ministry of her father, the late Apostle Merlin Walker, Sr. His work in serving the people of God, along with his compassionate and humble heart, influenced her life exceptionally and provided a template for her ministry today.
Pastor Laurie’s ministry training began under her father and continued with her attendance and completing the School of Ministries International Bible College. She was later ordained and commissioned as a Minister on May 2, 2003 by her late father Apostle Merlin Walker, Sr., and Apostle Reginald Wilson, Sr.
Pastor Laurie sincerely loved, appreciated, and honored her father as her pastor! She faithfully served under his leadership as Praise and Worship leader, an intercessor, an administrator, secretary, and other capacities. She treasures until this day his words, “You are to pastor the church, my mantle is upon you.” It was after his demise that she was later inducted into the Pastoral Office as Overseer of True Hope Church Ministries on January 28, 2007, after pastoring for one year.
On December 28, 2018 she was inducted and commissioned as the Prophet of True Hope Ministries.
Prophet Laurie is also a graduate of the School of Ministry Bible College, The Eagles School of the Prophets, and Fellowship International Bible College where she received her Doctorate Degree in Theology and presently serves as Dean and Instructor.
Located in Marrero, as the Senior Pastor and Prophet of True Hope Ministries, she ministers a non-compromising word with boldness, humor, and the Father’s heart. Her life is committed to serving the Lord, her family, and His people.
Her caring embrace is a tool used by God to impart life and sincere ministry to all. Her love for all people is evident in her warm smile and vibrant personality.
Prophet Laurie has four children, plus two daughters, whom all faithfully serve with her in ministry: Allen, Jr., Brian, Ashley, and Lauren. Bonus daughters Donisha and LeNeika. She is also the proud, loving, and caring Nana of six grandchildren - whom she dearly loves!
Prophet Laurie is making a difference in the lives of many as she flows under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor, Elder Merlin H. Walker, Jr.
Pastor Merlin H. Walker, Jr., born eldest child of the Walker Family, is an ordained Pastor of True Hope Church Ministries. Pastor Merlin is also a product of the Churches of God in Christ, as is the entire Walker family, following closely the leading, training and guidance of their parents, the late Apostle Merlin Walker, Sr., and the late Mother Dorothy P. Walker.
Pastor Merlin is the husband of Debra Walker, and together they have one daughter and one son, whom they dearly love, along with one son and daughter-in-love. They are grandparents to four beautiful grandchildren.
Pastor Merlin’s training began at a very early age under the leadership of his father in the Gospel, the late Superintendent Evariste Brown at Evariste Temple COGIC in Gretna, Louisiana.
Pastor Merlin’s early tenure began with his ordination as an Elder of the Churches of God in Christ, under the leadership of the late Bishop W.K. Gordon in March of 1984. He has served faithfully in the COGIC during his early years.
Pastor Walker’s teaching and knowledge of God’s Word was inspired by his father’s diligence in studying the Word. Pastor Merlin, Jr., continued this training of the Word under his father and Pastor, Apostle Merlin Walker, Sr., where he continued to serve as an ordained minister of the Word and was elevated to the office of Evangelist, heading the Department of Evangelism at True Hope Ministries.
At the very tender age of six months, he literally ate his father’s Bible. Pastor Walker has an in depth understanding of God’s Word as he preaches with revelation and insight. He is known among his church family and in the region as a loaded 66 Magnum, filled with all 66 books of the Bible.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Pastorship of True Hope Ministries as instructed and ordained by the Lord under the leadership of Dr. Prophet Laurie Sonnier.
Pastor Walker has a pastor’s heart. He is one who shepherds the sheep one on one, counsels, leads, and feeds. He has been preaching the gospel for 44 years, beginning at the age of 19. His life is surrendered to the Lord Jesus, and he’s totally committed to sharing the Word with all who come across his path.
He’s a retiree from Pride Industries and is now enjoying spending more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Pastor Walker now serves as second in command at True Hope Church Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Prophet Laurie W. Sonnier.
The legacy of the late Apostle Merlin and the late Mother Dorothy Walker continues to live on through their children.