Hi! My name is Judy DeGroot from Dorr, Michigan, USA. One morning I was doing a devotional, but I felt that God had something more for me to do. I desperately wanted more than just fluff and things that make you feel good. I wanted to get deeper into God’s Word to learn more about the Bible. So I signed up for Bible training online at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online Bible courses, Click Here).
My Life
I was born in 1949, the oldest of three children, to wonderful Christian parents. My parents modeled a living faith. I was very young when I accepted the Lord as my Savior. I went to Jenison Christian School and later to Unity Christian High, where I met my husband. We had four children of our own and decided to foster, which later led to adopting five. I always wanted a large family.
Trials and Growth
There have been many trials along the way. Our biological daughter was disabled. Through her, God taught us how to be more trusting of Jesus and His will, not ours. We fostered for twenty years and added five of them to our family. Our eldest adopted child died at twenty-seven of a heart attack. Our biological daughter died 3 years ago at forty. It is hard to bury your children, but the grace of God is sufficient through all things. Our other adopted children were cocaine positive at birth which has brought on some special difficulties. It has taught me to have more empathy for people, even if I don’t know their circumstances. My husband passed away unexpectedly last year. He is praising God with my children.
A New Beginning
Whatever has or will happen, I know God has great plans for me. I want to bring His message of salvation to all I meet. That is why I am at the Christian Leaders Institute receiving Bible training online. I am excited to learn more and be used by God to share the good news of Jesus Christ! Thank you, CLI, for this opportunity!
