Finding My Calling
My name is Jessika Smith. I am from Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, USA. My husband Derek and I have lived here our entire lives and we have two beautiful daughters together. Right now, I am just getting started in the free Christian ministry courses at the Christian Leaders Institute. I have had a calling on my heart from a very young age. However, at that young age, I did not know what it was. I only knew that when I talked to God, I felt safe and loved in a very unsafe environment.
My Spiritual Journey
My childhood was filled with fear, chaos, and sadness. Sporadically, my family attended church. But, when we did go, I would find peace and hope. I felt safe and found a word that would follow me my entire life. That word is Joy. I have been seeking joy. Each time I would fall into sadness, God would be the only one who could bring my joy back.
I came to know the Lord from going to church with my grandmother and parents off and on throughout my childhood. When I was 12, I went to a youth group one night. It was shortly after my grandmother passed and my parents divorced. My grandmother was one of the only people who was constant and kind to me. Her passing was extremely hard on me, and right after that, my parents divorced. The divorce was very messy. I was in a lot of pain when I went there that night. However, I felt a longing in my heart while I was there. It was for that joy that I needed, and I knew only the Lord could provide it. I accepted Jesus as my Savior that night. I knew that someday I would help guide people to Him, help youth know they are not alone, and give them hope.
My Calling Journey
I have had this calling on my heart since I can remember. Unfortunately, with my upbringing, I lived my life in the background, shy, silent, and afraid. My dream is to help the youth and the homeless. I also, in more recent years, have had a calling to work with marriages. The Lord saved our marriage about six years ago. Therefore, I want to share my testimony with others and show them how God saved our marriage.
Our marriage struggles brought me back to Christ and showed me how much I needed Jesus in my life. The Lord showed me the power of surrender and prayer. With no control over my life and what happened to me when I was younger, as an adult, I needed to be in control of every aspect of my life. I needed it to be predictable, or I felt anxious and depressed. This season in my life showed me how surrendering and allowing the Lord full control over my life allows me to feel the joy and peace I have searched for my entire life.
God has always been real to me. I grew up in darkness, so God was the only light in my life. He gave me hope when everything else felt so hopeless. My dream is to use my Christian Leaders Training to gain more confidence in myself. Then, I can use my testimony and God-given gifts to help others find the peace and joy the Lord can bring to their life if they surrender and have faith.
Christian Ministry Courses at CLI
The tuition-free Christian ministry courses are so wonderful! They guide me on the right path and clarify the specific calling God has for me. Not growing up with a strong church environment or influence made it difficult to know where to start. I knew for a long time this was the direction God wanted me to go. However, I did not know where to start.
Having the opportunity to take Christian ministry courses is such a blessing as I find the right direction to go. There is no worry or commitment that a class I take might not be the right direction for me. It is also wonderful that it is online and on my time. Having a husband, two daughters, and a full-time job does not leave much wiggle room for classes. So, the option to do these at my own pace at any time of the day is a wonderful blessing!
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
