My name is Muriel Hendricks. I am from South Africa, living in Johannesburg which is called the City of Gold. Although I have not found my gold nugget yet, Wow! What a journey! It is really starting now. Studying at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free Bible and ministry training online, Click Here) is truly going to be my “LIFT OFF.” I found CLI while searching the internet for free accredited Ministry Online Training. A single mother of four grown children and a grandmother to eight adorable grandchildren, I know that I am blessed.
My Story
Growing up in the apartheid era came with its own challenges. We moved around a lot because of government displacement with segregation and racial laws. I attended quite a number of different schools because of the moving around. My parents were Lutherans but not devout church members. So we children had the option of whether and when we wanted to go to church or not. I thank God for the plans He had for me.
My encounter with the LORD was a strange one. Already divorced and working in the Corporate Sector, on this particular day I walked into our offices with one goal in mind. It was to hand in my resignation. I had no alternative source of income, no fixed assets, or even a comfortable bank balance. However, I was going to resign from my job. Was it irresponsible? Maybe, but that was what I was going to do, and I did not understand at that time that God was in it. So, I resigned from my workplace!!!!
Former Unsaved Single Mom
Long story short, the following week, I had an appointment with the Pastor of the church where my children worshipped. Yes, you are reading correctly. My children are saved and their mom was not even attending church except for an occasional Sunday visit. To say the least, my life at that stage was like a roller coaster ride. I was not bitter but also not “ready” to have any fellowship with the LORD.
On that particular day, a Tuesday in 2000, I had my meeting with the Pastor. Hallelujah! I gave my heart to the LORD and never looked back. Our meeting went well. All of a sudden, I started crying. The Pastor was also crying. At the time, I did not understand that it was the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Pastor gave me The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren to read. Being an avid reader, I commented that I would complete the book the following day. To which the pastor replied,” No, please read it over 40 days. Each day a chapter.” That book changed my perspective and thinking. Furthermore, I also got offered a position as a School Teacher at the Church’s Primary School. That’s how my walk with God started.
The Journey
What a ride it was and still is. As a newborn Christian, the excitement and love for God were amazing. Every day was a new day, a new adventure with a hunger that needed to be fed. I also enjoyed being a Sunday School Teacher, or in today’s terms, a Children’s Church Leader. I also managed the monthly magazine for the church, which was exciting because that got me to interact with everyone in the church. Further, I attended once a week Bible School classes, which enhanced my spiritual walk.
My family and I then moved from the Maraisburg area. We then attended a church in Randburg which was closer to my new workplace. I served in this ministry for a while but was more involved now with ministry duties. I served in Children’s Church again and was part of the Women Fellowship, the Prayer Team, and the Counseling Division. Then, I enjoyed it so much that I quit my job and became a full-time minister with a stipend. It was fulfilling, and I could not ask for anything more. During this period, I also got ordained as a pastor.
Inner Peace and Joy
As a teenager and then as a young woman, I made a lot of wrong decisions. At one stage, that led me to think that there was something wrong with me. It was as if I could never find peace. I yearned for something deeper than what I was experiencing. I remember that I could be sitting with friends at some function or the other but would feel lonely in the midst of it. Then, the day I accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, I began to experience inner peace and joy. The things of the world no longer had the attraction or impact on me.
Still Thirsty: Free Ministry Online Training
But in all of it, I still felt as if something was missing. I needed more and to do more. However, because of financial constraints, I was unable to engage in any studies. Theology and Ministry studies didn’t come cheap, but I never lost hope that out there was a college or school which would make it possible for me to study further. With its free ministry online training, CLI is that place. I completed God’s Design for Sex Mini-Course and am currently busy with the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 and 2.
I am so excited because everything that I have ever wanted is now literally at my fingertips and within my reach. The Mini-Courses have been my starting point. However, I am a bit unsure at this stage as I want to study everything available to me. There is such a great need for qualified ministers in my society.
At the age of 66, the world is my oyster. My children, my eldest daughter being an ordained pastor, are very happy for me. They knew that I love the LORD and wanted to be more involved in our community. With CLI and the training I will receive, the possibilities are endless.
I am so grateful to Christian Leaders Ministries and the free ministry online training. Not only will I be a recipient of their gift of free ministry training, but I will also be giving back as a token of my gratitude.
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. Then you can 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.
