Lost and Found
My name is Cristina Alvarez. Looking for an online college-level Bible study program, I found the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here). Now, I can learn more about the Bible and what God wants for me in life.
My Story Begins
I grew up in sunny Los Angeles, California. I grew up Catholic and my parents taught me to follow God. So, I did just that. However, by the time I was 15 years old, I was going all this time to church but never really understood what was to be learned. It was a repetitive and traditional part of my culture. After completing one of my sacraments as they call it, I turned 15. My quinceanera came, and I was not feeling that I wanted to continue to attend church.
During that summer before my sophomore year of high school, my mom met a lady that attended Calvary Chapel. It was in our local city, and she invited my mom. My mom started attending and came home sharing beautiful stories of how the sermon was touching or moving for her in her life. She later invited me to attend with her, and I agreed. I started attending the youth ministry and quickly enjoyed the environment. I really loved the people’s joy and servant’s hearts. Within the year, I decided to dedicate my life to the Lord and received the gift of Salvation. I also got baptized in the church.
Later that year as a student in high school, I got into a relationship with a boy from my school. He was not saved. He was a non-believer, to be exact. Long story short, I left the church to please him. That season of my life lasted 6 years. What I had found in the church quickly got diminished for a boy. This boy was spiritually troubled and ended up hurting me in the end. When the relationship ended my mom continued to invite me to church. I just couldn’t make my way over there and always had 101 excuses to not go. I never went.
My Story Continues
Life took its course, and I got into another bad and unhealthy relationship. This time, it went differently. I got pregnant out of wedlock. Ten years later, we married. It was not because we really wanted to, but to please everyone in our lives. Our parents were very frustrated that we had a daughter but had not yet married. So, we married. A short year later, we ended in divorce. We had grown apart. It was an unhealthy relationship and an abusive one. So, I filed for divorce and left the house with my 8-year-old beautiful daughter. We then lived with my parents and started our new life.
“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” (II Corinthians 4:8 NKJV). One day I said a quick prayer while I cried in desperation for a change in my life. I threw a pity party in a moment of weakness and decided to search for motivational quotes on Pinterest. There it was. The verse that would save my life and put me back on the right path. The path of Jesus.
I love this verse. This verse is what pushed me and motivated me to seek Jesus once more. However, I never want to turn my back on Him again. The truth is I left God. He never left me. I had found myself in situations where I knew it wasn’t a coincidence but merely God’s favor over my life. My mother never stopped praying for me to return to the church, serve the Lord, and walk in His path.
In Christ: Finding a Bible Study Program at Christian Leaders
Today, I have fully immersed myself in all things Christ. If Christ is not at the center of something, I don’t want it. I pray for everything; before, during, and after everything. Prayer helps, it gives me peace, it provides hope, and it restores.
I am currently a baby follower. But I am thirsty for the Word and thirsty for the Holy Spirit to keep working in me. Finding this course of Bible study program by Christian Leaders is the cherry on top. I can now learn the basics and build my foundation in Christ. I am building a firm foundation brick by brick, study by study, and surrounding myself with like-minded people.
In my journey, I learned that we become who we surround ourselves with. I wish I realized that sooner. Although, life has its ups and downs, and I do not regret nor would I change a thing. Because now, I can share my testimony with others. I cannot wait to see what God does in my life next, and in my daughter’s life!
Register for 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:
- Minister 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.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
