Louise Hammell has been a Christian since receiving Jesus Christ as her savior in 1976. She and her husband Ron have raised three sons. They also have one grandson. Their youngest son, Matthew, was killed by a drunk driver in 1995; he was 17 years old. Ten years later their oldest son, Ron Jr, was diagnosed with brain cancer. He battled that disease for 13 years and passed in 2019.

One year after Matt’s death, Louise began speaking to people convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). She has since spoken to thousands. Her speech, which brings a face to this tragedy, mixes forgiveness with hope and conviction, often moving men and women to tears. The State of New Jersey, recognizing its impact, granted funds so that her speech/presentation could be made into a video. That video, known as “Matt’s Mission”, is presently being used in prevention programs in several states.

After speaking for 24 years, Louise stopped speaking to DUI offenders in March, 2020. But, in Atlantic County, NJ, where she spoke, they now show the “Matt’s Mission” video instead.

From the night Matthew was killed, Louise began to sense a purpose in this tragedy and soon began to write. She abandoned her desire to become an elementary school teacher and instead pursued a new, unexpected course: speaking and writing.

“That You May Know God Has a Purpose”, ten years in the making, is her real-life story that demonstrates a peace and a faith that no tragedy can topple.

Anyone interested in having Louise speak, may contact her at : LHammell@comcast.net