Hi, I’m Brian, a US ex-pat living in Norway. I am married and have three kids, 21, 19, and 17 years old. I am studying for my chaplain and mission ministry calling at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online free Bible courses, Click Here).
My Early Years
I grew up in a Christian home with loving, Christian parents. We attended a non-denominational charismatic church in Westminster, MD, where they taught and nurtured me. There was never a time in my life when I recall not loving God and knowing God’s love for me. It was a wonderful, adventurous upbringing, with lots of fun and a few trips to the hospital.
I’ve never had a clear picture of what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I primarily just allowed God to move in my life and go where His wind has blown me. It has been an exciting adventure so far. I can’t wait to see what will come next.
At eighteen, I did a Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Kona, Hawaii, with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). After that, I kicked around, went to college, and worked until 1997. Then, I got a staff position with the DTS onboard the Caribbean Mercy, one of the Mercy Ships. I was on board for nearly two years, traveling around the US and Central America. I discipled students and led outreachs in local communities.
My Continued Journey
It was there that I met my wife May-Helen, who was a nurse and student on board the ship. We fell in love, married, and moved to her hometown, Moss, Norway, when our time on the ship came to an end. We settled into life in Norway, had three kids, found good jobs, went to church, and enjoyed life.
However, something was tugging at us from the inside. I went back to school and got a degree in theology. Then, my wife switched careers. We also found a thriving church. We were moving in the right direction but still had no clear picture of what we were supposed to do or where we were to serve.
As covid spread throughout the world in 2020, I got the opportunity to be part of the YWAM e-learning pilot for their Online Chronological Bible Core Course. It’s an intense, in-depth nine-month inductive study of the Bible. This brought me another step closer, but no more clarity. Out of this study sprung a small group Bible study. We also had the opportunity to develop an online teaching series in my local church about inductive Bible Study.
Cancer Challenge
In June of 2021, doctors diagnosed me with leukemia. I spent the summer in the hospital undergoing intense chemotherapy. While in the hospital, I got septic and nearly died. The cancer treatment was short but very powerful. During this time, my wife and I chose to praise God and give Him glory no matter what happened. He confirmed time and again from sources far and near, unknown and dear, that I would be okay. He raised up an army to pray for and encourage me from every continent. Friends who have never prayed in their lives contacted me and told me that they had started praying. In the midst of my suffering, it was awesome to see God moving.
Ready for Anything
I’ve been completely cancer-free for over six months now. I’m easing my way back to work as my body rebuilds. Since my recovery, I have sensed a call to minister to cancer patients. My wife and I have also both sensed a call back into missions. We still aren’t sure of the details, but the wind is picking up and moving things. As our kids are grown and our time and resources free up, our options open wide. We are ready for anything.
Chaplain and Mission Ministry Call and Study at CLI/CLI
Ready for anything means being prepared to serve. Feeling the pull to be a chaplain and in mission ministry, I am excited about the opportunities that Christian Leaders Institute and CLI’s Leadership Excellence School offer. I want to make the most of my time right now. Learning and improving myself while I am able to work and serve in my church is a great opportunity. Thank you, Christian Leaders!
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
