God Will Provide
My name is Richard Newel, but I have been known as Rik since my early teenage years. God guides us even when we do not realize it. I am thankful for the tuition-free online ministry classes offered at the Christian Leaders Institute.
Living in France
My wife and I have lived in France since 2006. I am often asked why I left England and started a new life here. Initially, my wife and I had a small amount of money from selling a house. Therefore, we were looking for a holiday home. The ideal home would have a minimum of two bedrooms and be a lock-up and leave-type of home. The reality was that everything we looked at was a ruin – literally.
Then, one day, we stumbled across a five-bedroom house that only needed a lick or two of paint. That’s where our journey in France started. When we bought that house, we had no idea where we would go to church each Sunday. The house initially had a renter. The tenant knew that we were Christians and suggested a local church to us. We met with French and English Christians. They welcomed us into their community.
After a couple of years, we got itchy feet again and moved house twice more before settling here. We were thankful to discover a local house church via one of the roofers working on our home. He continued singing Hosanna very loudly from the roof so all could hear him.
House Church and Belonging
The house church was the nearest I have ever come to how the original church was set up. We meet in each other’s homes, a field, or a village hall. It did not matter where. It was the first time that I felt included and that I belonged there.
I grew up in a Catholic household. In those days, everything was in Latin in the service. So, as a youngster, although I was always aware of God’s presence, I never really understood what was going on or felt any inclusion.
When It All Changed
Everything changed for me when I was ten. There was a visiting missionary who preached in our church one Sunday. The sermon he told was based on a modern parable. It was the story of the long chopsticks or the long spoons, as some might know it. That story spoke to me. For some reason, I knew I was to repeat that story in later life. It took me another 55 years to do it, though!
Our local church asked if any of the leaders wanted to preach. Not known for being outgoing, all of a sudden, I felt a “virtual” dig in the ribs and an inner voice saying now is the time. That story was the second sermon I ever preached. I like to think that it reached others, too. Hopefully, they won’t take as long as I did to repeat it.
Tuition Free Online Ministry Classes
So began my walk with God. At the moment, I am looking for an opportunity to hopefully plant a house church or find a meeting place. I genuinely believe that the Christian Leaders Institute will guide me on my journey. I will be forever grateful to them for their tuition-free online ministry classes. For me, money has always been a deciding factor when looking to further my training. Now retired, I live on a basic pension. This gift of free training is the ideal way for me to follow my calling!
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.
