My name is Jessi, and I am from a small town in Alabama. I am thankful to be getting a Christian college education free online at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online free Bible courses, Click Here).
Growing up, I always knew who God was. My parents took me to my small town Southern Baptist church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. I was blessed to have parents and grandparents who loved me and trained me in the way of Christ. However, I did not realize as a child that I was just walking the walk my parents showed me. There was never a time in my life growing up that I remember truly having the relationship with God that I have now.
My Journey
My new walk began when my 18-year-old daughter started attending a new church in our area. As an adult, I drew as far away from God as possible. When I turned 18 myself, I found a path that would lead me down a very dark road. It led to emotional and physical abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, pain, and separation from the family and friends who loved me for so long.
At 21 years old, I was a single mother. By the power and grace of God, I managed to beat addiction and leave my abusive relationship. Then, I reconnected with my family. They supported me and helped to heal me in the best and only way they knew how. Even though I was much better than I was before, healthier, safer, sturdier, and a devoted mother, I still had not set foot in a church in many years.
God Spoke and My Walk with God Began
Unfortunately, I never took my daughter to church growing up. I was not the same example for her that my parents had been for me. I always told her about God and His love for us and taught her right from wrong. Taught her to believe in Him and to love him. Looking back now, I could never show her a true walk because I had never had one myself.
At 18 years old, my daughter tried a church that was new to our area. It was not the Southern Baptist church I grew up in. The non-denominational and modern worship service excited her. To be supportive of her newfound love for this church, I agreed to go with her one Sunday. It was an answer to a prayer that she had been praying for many months without my knowledge. The moment I stepped foot in those doors, I knew I would never be the same. God spoke to me that day in a way I had never experienced.
Within four months, I joined the church and started joining teams to help within the church. I served God for the first time in my life. At 38 years old, I finally found my purpose. The more I served others and the more I learned and became involved in our church, small groups, and Bible studies, the hungrier I became. I led small groups and joined the prayer team and greeter team. The more I asked God to use me, the more opportunities he presented for me to grow and become closer to Him.
Christian College Education at CLI
I started taking classes at Christian Leaders Institute. The Christian college education fed my hunger to learn more, grow more, and understand more about this new walk and life I have been given. I was saved and baptized at 15 years old. However, for the first time in my life, I understood that there was so much more to that relationship with God that I had been missing for so long. The more I learn and the more I strive to find ways to be a better servant, the more God blesses me. I ask God daily to search me and show me areas where I need to grow. I want the Holy Spirit to fill me.
These classes I have the opportunity to take through CLI have helped me. They helped grow my faith and increase my knowledge and understanding of the Word of God. Therefore, I am better prepared to witness and minister to others in whatever way God decides to use me.
I do not know yet where my journey is taking me. However, I do know one thing for certain. “Father, not my will, but yours be done! Where You lead me I will go, knowing that you will equip me along the way. I am your servant and eager to do your will here on earth. I am your hands and feet and enjoy every day knowing that You are using me to advance the Kingdom! Amen!”
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
