A Rescuer Rescued, Born Again, and Called to Rescue Others
Hi, my name is Lance Oosthuizen. I am studying online at the Christian Leaders Institute to become a Licensed Ministry Chaplain (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here). The following is how Jesus rescued and equipped me to rescue those on the frontline.
I grew up in a small town called Vereeniging, just south of Johannesburg, South Africa. Most of my life, I grew up in a traditional Christian family. I tried to live a “good” life. However, I was headstrong and didn’t follow Jesus in my heart. Always thinking in worldly ways, I tried to figure out problems on my own, the good and bad times. I only consulted God if times were terrible. But then, I drifted away after the “bad time” passed. I went back to doing things my way in life.
Road to the Need to be Rescued
Since 1990, I have worked as a paramedic in the EMS. It has fulfilled my childhood dream ever. “The Basics” were one thing the instructors wanted us to Always go to. Therefore, if you doubt, get stuck, or lose your way, you return to the basics or the beginning. Collect yourself and your thoughts and start from the beginning. Ten out of ten times, you will find what was missing and return to the path you should be taking.
My life was a carefree, self-centered attitude that only involved God when I wanted Him. I did what I wanted to do. I lived as I pleased, did whatever I thought was “good” and acceptable, and had morals and ethics that were worldly. Then, I looked at pornography and had an adulterous affair that ended my marriage.
I didn’t realize it then, but it began my very lonely and empty trip to near self-destruction. I lost my wife in divorce and lost the trust and respect of my son. Soon everything else started to fall apart: family relationships, friends, and finances. Soon, I was alone, depressed, and so confused I didn’t know myself. I didn’t know where to turn and thought of ending it all. I felt trapped. That’s when God came to the rescue and spoke to me through the song “Who am I” by Casting Crowns. In this song, I encountered Jesus. He told me that He cares for me and even knows my name and NEVER stopped loving me. It was time to change my ways, turn to the Lord, take up my cross, and follow Him!
A Rescuer for Christ
Therefore, I encountered and gave my life to the Lord on February 14, 2014. Afterward, it was not an easy road. But, with every step, I knew I was not alone. The Lord of all the earth held my hand and walked each step with me. Instantly, my life in Christ and my newfound hope started to change me. The Lord reconciled my marriage prophetically through the word (Ephesians 12:4). The Lord also restored the relationship with my son (Malachi 4:5-6). God’s blessings in my life will continue in the hope I have found in honoring our Lord.
In the years since being saved, I went down a road of revelation in finding my purpose in Christ Jesus. I read and researched many avenues that were led in the Spirit. I thank my lovely wife and brother, who were instrumental in this process. Till 2020, I was unsure of what God wanted of me. Then it dawned on me as all the pieces fell together.
Rescue Ministry as a Licensed Ministry Chaplain
I have trained people to continually return to basics and rescue people. In 2020, the Lord laid on my heart to start a ministry for those on the frontline. Through dreams and prayer, “Frontline of Hope Ministries” was established.
Being a contract worker working in a different country and in different time zones, it was always challenging to attend a class and pay tuition. Looking for options and solutions, I came across the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) online. CLI offered the courses I needed for growth in my life and for the ministry. Further, they provided them in such a way that I could do them no matter where, when, or how, all in my own time and at no charge.
I am currently enrolled in a few courses building up to becoming a Licensed Ministry Chaplain. The Christian Leaders Institute also gives me access to a network of people worldwide with Godly knowledge, insight, and encouragement.
Equipping myself through CLI has been a blessing! It has helped me grow and equipped me to rescue others and plant the seeds for Christ’s work on the front.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls 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.
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