My name is Edward Ramos. I am from the United States. I am taking tuition-free online courses in ministry and the Bible at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here).
My Story
A father of four and grandfather of three, I have always been close to my family and will do anything for them. As a pastor’s son, I grew up in a Christian household. I went to church out of obligation and not by choice. Sadly, I didn’t want anything to do with Christ. I just wanted to live my best life and grow old, but God had a different plan for me.
With my first child, I had a life-changing experience. My wife was eight months pregnant when we were involved in a head-on collision that nearly killed us. I remember screaming to God when trapped in the car. I felt so alone and didn’t feel that God was listening. We managed to get out of the car, but my wife’s right leg was broken. She was unable to move. All I could hear was my wife screaming, “My baby is not moving!” Every bad thought rushed through my head.
In the emergency room, the doctor approached me. He told me that I had to pick between my child and my wife. I remember telling the doctor it was his job to save them both. At that moment, my mother rushed to my side and said, “Let’s pray!” I was so upset that I didn’t want to pray. I felt it was God’s fault. He abandoned me. I walked outside of the emergency room and screamed to the heavens, “I hate you!” At that point, I decided to no longer believe in God.
Running Wild
Over the next 23 years of my life, I ran wild and went down a dark path. During this time, I felt good. My career took off. I made good money and had everything that I ever wanted. However, with all good things, there came a breaking point. Mixed up with the wrong crowd, I even got caught up in organized illegal activity. I was arrested with this group and was looking at twenty to life. I hired one of the best lawyers and was very confident that I was going to walk away without a scratch.
The next two years were miserable. I couldn’t sleep thinking about the case. However, I was still confident that everything would work out. In December, my attorney called and told me to prepare for the worst-case scenario. That meant that I had to consider life in prison without my family. I wouldn’t be part of my kids’ life. This thought broke me down. I couldn’t imagine my life without my family. Therefore, for the first time, I asked God to help me.
Courses in Ministry and the Bible at CLI
On December 18, 2016, I fell to my knees and asked God to forgive me. What happened next was a spiritual experience. I cried and couldn’t stop telling God, “I’m sorry! Please forgive me for doubting you and for turning my back! I felt abandoned when I had my car accident.” Then, I heard His voice and saw a movie in my head. God showed me that He sent His angels to get us out of the car. He saved my wife and child. At that moment, I felt so small. I had blamed God for everything and wasted twenty-three years of my life by believing Satan’s whispered lie in my ear.
Now, I am starting over! I want to understand God and what He wants of me. He has called me for a specific purpose. Now, I need to learn more about God’s Word so I can develop a better understanding of His Kingdom. I keep hearing, “What say you? Will you rise to battle by my side? What say You? Will you rise to battle with me?” This calling beats louder and louder. It has brought me to my knees. I want to know more about the Bible and find God’s purpose for me. So, I enrolled at the Christian Leaders Institute. The tuition-free courses in ministry and the Bible are just what I need for my next steps with God.
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.
