My name is Pernell Delahoussaye, and I am originally from the Bayou state of Iberia, Louisiana. My beautiful wife Catherine and I live in Cutler Bay, Florida, with our two daughters, Isabella and Michelle. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute to get my Bachelor’s degree in Chaplaincy.
It’s My Story, and I Am Sticking To It – My Salvation Story
I grew up in a French Catholic home. I was an altar boy and, all around, a good guy. Although I was nominally Catholic, I was practically atheist and, at best, agnostic. However, I was religiously curious.
When I was 18 years old, I almost drowned. Loaded on Budweiser and weed after having a good time, I woke up in a fog. My Catholic upbringing kicked in, and I thought that if I died, I would go to Hell. A strange thought for a man who didn’t believe in such things. For the next six months, various Christians witnessed Christ to me.
Then, one day, while fishing, I came to faith in Jesus. I instinctively knew what to do and said a simple sinner’s prayer that was anything but elegant. I knew I was saved because the first thing I did was witness to a fellow fisherman about my newfound faith. He told me not to say anything to anyone and left the scene ASAP.
My Service to the Lord
In my youth, I went on mission trips, ministered in the Air Force, and became a nurse to do medical missions after reading Hudson Taylor’s biography. As a nurse, I served the Lord in Haiti and the Ivory Coast through Youth With A Mission. I have come full circle to serving the Lord and my country as a Spinal Cord Nurse at the VA hospital in Miami. I plan to transition out of nursing and into hospital chaplaincy as I approach retirement. This change brought me to the Christian Leaders Institute to get a bachelor’s degree in chaplaincy and then on to my MDIV.
Bachelor’s Degree in Chaplaincy and Ordination
I was studying at Trinity International University in Florida seven years ago when my lovely wife asked for a divorce. About to graduate, my life and dreams fell apart. I fell into a deep depression. Everything was put on hold to save my marriage. However, God is more interested in healthy marriages and whole families than half-baked, messed-up preachers (1 Tim. 3:5).
Studying for my bachelor’s degree in chaplaincy, I am also starting the ordination process. It involves first becoming a wedding officiant. As I prepared for this role, the Holy Spirit told me, “Your experience has prepared you for this time and role.” CLI has opened new doors for me and shown me that Proverbs is true. There is a time and season for everything!
I am exactly where I want to be at this journey stage. Entering ministry sooner would have been disastrous for me, my family, and the poor victims in my ministry circle. I am pursuing my education and developing a marriage counseling ministry to accompany my wedding officiant role. Further, I volunteer at my church and hospital. Besides a learning, testing, and maturing season, I don’t know what’s next. However, I know it will be interesting and exciting. Please pray for me and my family as we embark on this next stage of our faith journey.
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.
