The Beginning of My Life’s Calling Journey
I am Dawn Smith, and I live in the United States. The tuition-free Bible School classes at the Christian Leaders Institute equip me wherever God leads me.
My Early Years
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, but now reside in Battle Creek, Michigan. I grew up with a teenage mother and a father who was not in my life. My mom’s dad was a Deacon at a small Pentecostal church. I went to his house most weekends and attended church with him and his family. Further, I also went to church with my dad’s mom. Although I attended church, I grew up not knowing who or what I wanted to be. I saw family members attend church but not live out what was being taught. As a child, I was an introvert, and as I got older, I wondered why my family didn’t follow the word of God.
When I was old enough to be on my own, I lived life the way I wanted. I drank, smoked, and looked for God to fix my life. It was what I had always seen. So it wasn’t strange to me until, one day, my husband brought me to a church. That church taught me what it meant to be holy. Even though I had a good heart, I learned what it meant to love God. I stayed with the church as my husband and I grew apart. He wanted to continue a life of drugs and alcohol. However, I wanted to get to know the Lord more and be a better example to my four children. So, we divorced. The Lord does work in mysterious ways.
Tuition-Free Bible School Classes at CLI
While under the same leadership for almost twenty years, I have worked in the church in many capacities. My pastor has mentored me and is always there when I need her. I learned how to teach my kids how to be doers and not just hearers of God’s Word. I believe in “Do as I do” and not “Do as I say.” Further, being faithful to the Lord and seeking Him only opened the door to me being blessed with a wonderful man of God. We have been married for almost eight years and have a son.
I’ve had the desire to know more about the Bible. However, I didn’t have the money to go to Bible School. I asked my pastor for some books on Bible studies. But I still wanted more. Therefore, one day, I looked on the web for free online Bible School classes. When I saw Christian Leaders Institute, it stood out to me. So, I clicked on it. As I saw what the school offered, I knew that this was where the Lord wanted my next journey to begin.
I’m not sure what the Lord has for me to do. Regardless, I need this schooling. I ask for your prayers that the Lord will continue to guide me as I take this next step. My desire has always been to help people know that no matter their struggles, there is always an answer in Jesus Christ.
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, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- 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.
