Hearing from God
Hello, my name is Linda Fry, from the United States. The accessible Christian ministry training study opportunity at the Christian Leaders Institute is equipping me to serve the Lord.
I am a proud wife, mother to two beautiful daughters, and grandmother to a wonderful granddaughter. I am a disabled veteran, a federal employee, and a devoted family member of the church of God. That said, most importantly, I am a child of the risen Savior. I have come a long way in finding and answering my calling of ministry, which I do not take for granted.
My Journey
I started as a young girl in sunny California, then rural North Carolina. Quiet and polite, unfortunately, I was the victim of sexual trauma that lasted into my teen years. During that time, I faithfully went to church and waited for rescue from my living conditions.
I grew up in a family network where children were to be seen and not heard. Children were responsible for obeying and complying with adults. If they didn’t, they brought shame on themselves and were treated like an outcast or a troublemaker. I hated what was happening but didn’t know how to stop it. I felt like a fraud at church because I was active in the choir, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and any other program, but I could not be honest about what was happening in my home. It felt like God had forsaken me and that I was damaged goods.
When I was 13, the pastor baptized me at the local church. I was determined to give my life to Jesus. However, my change did not change the circumstances. Eventually, I gained the courage to report what was going on. However, instead of the relief I expected, the news ripped my family apart, and I felt more alone and forsaken.
Challenges
At that time, I turned away from God and family. I could not trust anyone, and I thought God could not love me if He allowed all these things to happen. To make a long story short, I made one wrong decision after another. I graduated and left home the next day to marry a man I barely knew who was fighting his past mistakes. We had our daughter a couple of years later. She gave me the courage to love someone again.
I started going back to church, but something was missing. Unfortunately, our marriage was not healthy, so we decided to divorce. Therefore, to care for my daughter, I joined the military. While in basic training, I again experienced sexual assault and felt abandoned by God. However, I prayed for help repeatedly, and I felt the pull of God’s love on my heart.
I suffered many days and nights, However, I knew something was different. After Basic Training, I went to Advance Training and was immediately sent to Iraq. I would love to say I was not scared, but that was not the case. I was afraid. But I had started a real relationship with the Lord and felt settled even in my fear. I did not feel alone and knew God was with me, whatever the outcome.
Healing and Hope
Once I was sent back to the States, I reunited with my daughter and other family members. It was challenging, but I let go of a lot of the past and was ready to walk boldly in the future. However, I got deathly sick at this time. As I was still on Active Duty, my care was through the VA hospital. I remember the doctor asking someone if they had the contact information for my next of kin. It was a horrible time, but God was with me. Then, God brought me a man (who would become my husband) to help me recover.
I am unsure when God started to re-hard-wire my soul, but I do know when I felt the first real shock wave. I was in the VA hospital for a psychological evaluation. The Tech asked me how I was doing. I told him, “I am truly blessed. The God of all things has restored my soul. I am humbled that His Holy Spirit resides in such an unworthy vessel.”
The Tech looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “After all you have been through, how can you say that?” At the time, the left side of my face was paralyzed and my left eye was closed shut and swollen. I could barely move my left arm, and I could not open my mouth on the left side. At that very moment, I knew that the life I gave to Jesus when I was just a little girl was a treasured gift in His heart. Through slurred speech, I said, “Because He loves me.”
Calling from God and Accessible Christian Ministry Training
Once again, the Lord touched my soul and gave me the desire to preach His Word. Like all sinners, my first thought was, “Not me, Lord. There has to be someone more qualified than me.” I finished my Bachelor’s Degree and, subsequently, my Master’s degree while recovering over ten years ago. I was unsure if I wanted to return to school. Because of my illness and mobility problems that would occur suddenly and last an unspecified amount of time, I had to do many of my studies online. I had a hundred excuses: I couldn’t afford to return to school, I didn’t have time to take classes, etc.
But, thankfully, the Lord of all creation had a plan for me. I prayed for the courage to take action toward this calling, and I began searching for authentic and God-based online classes (there were many options to pay a small fee and receive a certificate without training).
Accessible Christian Ministry Training
However, the Lord led me to Christian Leader’s Institute. I knew I needed to listen more closely when God spoke and learn how to respond to what He said. I needed God-breathed, accessible Christian ministry training. Therefore, God led me to CLI purposefully because He wants me to be obedient to the Great Commission and go out and make disciples. It is not so people imitate me, but that they would walk in the ways of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This opportunity to continue my education through the generosity-driven model that Christian Leaders Institute provides allows me to answer the ministry call on my life with a quality God-filled education. Thank you, CLI, for wanting to grow God’s people to step out and move according to the Spirit confidently.
May God bless your organization in all things and forever!
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling 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.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
My name is Derek Kunzman. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute to become an ordained Chaplain and volunteer. I am a 34-year-old husband and Father to two beautiful toddlers. We live in Indiana and enjoy life in the Midwest.
I am an actor and filmmaker. My faith and love for the Trinity protect me in the film industry. Before I ever step onto a film set, I always pray to be a life-giving spirit like Christ. I also ask for the love of the Trinity to radiate from my core so everyone around me can feel the warmth and presence of God. The cast and crew feel it. Fellow cast and crew approach me and ask about my faith because they feel a Loving presence when I am on set. This has often opened the door to sharing my testimony and love for God.
My Upbringing and Development
My dad grew up in the Southern Baptist church, and my mom was in the Catholic church. So, they raised me and my four older brothers in many different nondenominational churches. My dad’s job required us to move several times while growing up. So, once we moved to a new area, we went to all the different churches to see which church family we fit in best.
God blessed me with the gift of empathy at a very young age. I did not understand everything every preacher was saying when I was younger. However, I felt God’s presence in the words the preachers spoke. When people came to greet us or talk to my parents, I knew if they had a heart for God or if they were putting on a performance.
In college, I met someone, who is now one of my best friends. He opened my heart and mind to experience the Word of God. He introduced me to the writings of many of the great Christian mystics. From reading those books, meditating and praying every day, and reading the Bible from front to back twice in one year, I entered the divine dance with the Trinity. As a result, I truly experienced the Word of God and came to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus, in a much deeper way.
Further Growth
During that time, I also met Father Antony, who is now my spiritual Father. He has been a wonderful mentor, teacher, and friend. Further, it was at this time that I chose to be baptized. I was 21 years old, and what I felt that day is still indescribable.
During my junior year in college, my dad lost his job as Director of Security for a large trucking company. A criminal organization bought the trucking company my Father worked for. It forced many of its employees to leave. This situation created a long period of hardship for my parents. My dad was in his 60’s and was “overqualified” or “too old” for every job he applied for. As a result, my parents had to sell their home and move into a small apartment until my dad could find a job.
Used by God
I was home visiting one weekend before they moved. One day, my mom opened up to me while my dad was out of town for a job interview. She told me about how hard of a time she was having with everything. I had never seen my mom break down like that before. She was opening up and being very vulnerable. At one point during our conversation, she got up to let our dog outside.
When she left the room, I stood up and walked to the window to look outside. Then, I started praying. I told God that I had no idea what to say to my mom to comfort her and that I completely surrendered to Him. I asked God to use me as a vessel, as a conduit, as His voice to speak to my mom.
My mom came back into the room. We sat on the couch to continue our conversation. She had tears in her eyes when she sat down. At that point, still not knowing what to say and being fully surrendered to God, I opened my mouth. God spoke to my mom through me. To this day, I don’t remember what I said or, rather, what God said. What I do remember is what my mom said to me when I finished talking. She said, “Children are supposed to look up to their parents, but son, you are my rock and I look up to you.” She started crying and gave me a hug I will never forget.
My Spiritual Dream
My spiritual dream is to be present in my walk with God and open and available to any and all who need love from God. I pray to always radiate the love of the Trinity, and for everyone, I am around to feel that love. I pray that my children witness my discipline in my walk with God, and the compassion of Christ that I show to them and to others. Further, I want them to see the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. That is my spiritual dream.
Ordained Chaplain Volunteer
My hope is to study and become an ordained Chaplain through the Christian Leaders Institute and volunteer. I do not plan on making this a full-time career. I simply want to volunteer to minister at jails, hospitals, police departments, VA clinics, and film sets. Also, I want to make house calls for people in need. I know I don’t need to be an ordained Chaplain to volunteer. However, I want people to know that I had proper training and study, and am committed to God, my faith, and my ministry. That is also why this CLI training is so important to me.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling 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.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
Finding My Calling
My name is Jessika Smith. I am from Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, USA. My husband Derek and I have lived here our entire lives and we have two beautiful daughters together. Right now, I am just getting started in the free Christian ministry courses at the Christian Leaders Institute. I have had a calling on my heart from a very young age. However, at that young age, I did not know what it was. I only knew that when I talked to God, I felt safe and loved in a very unsafe environment.
My Spiritual Journey
My childhood was filled with fear, chaos, and sadness. Sporadically, my family attended church. But, when we did go, I would find peace and hope. I felt safe and found a word that would follow me my entire life. That word is Joy. I have been seeking joy. Each time I would fall into sadness, God would be the only one who could bring my joy back.
I came to know the Lord from going to church with my grandmother and parents off and on throughout my childhood. When I was 12, I went to a youth group one night. It was shortly after my grandmother passed and my parents divorced. My grandmother was one of the only people who was constant and kind to me. Her passing was extremely hard on me, and right after that, my parents divorced. The divorce was very messy. I was in a lot of pain when I went there that night. However, I felt a longing in my heart while I was there. It was for that joy that I needed, and I knew only the Lord could provide it. I accepted Jesus as my Savior that night. I knew that someday I would help guide people to Him, help youth know they are not alone, and give them hope.
My Calling Journey
I have had this calling on my heart since I can remember. Unfortunately, with my upbringing, I lived my life in the background, shy, silent, and afraid. My dream is to help the youth and the homeless. I also, in more recent years, have had a calling to work with marriages. The Lord saved our marriage about six years ago. Therefore, I want to share my testimony with others and show them how God saved our marriage.
Our marriage struggles brought me back to Christ and showed me how much I needed Jesus in my life. The Lord showed me the power of surrender and prayer. With no control over my life and what happened to me when I was younger, as an adult, I needed to be in control of every aspect of my life. I needed it to be predictable, or I felt anxious and depressed. This season in my life showed me how surrendering and allowing the Lord full control over my life allows me to feel the joy and peace I have searched for my entire life.
God has always been real to me. I grew up in darkness, so God was the only light in my life. He gave me hope when everything else felt so hopeless. My dream is to use my Christian Leaders Training to gain more confidence in myself. Then, I can use my testimony and God-given gifts to help others find the peace and joy the Lord can bring to their life if they surrender and have faith.
Christian Ministry Courses at CLI
The tuition-free Christian ministry courses are so wonderful! They guide me on the right path and clarify the specific calling God has for me. Not growing up with a strong church environment or influence made it difficult to know where to start. I knew for a long time this was the direction God wanted me to go. However, I did not know where to start.
Having the opportunity to take Christian ministry courses is such a blessing as I find the right direction to go. There is no worry or commitment that a class I take might not be the right direction for me. It is also wonderful that it is online and on my time. Having a husband, two daughters, and a full-time job does not leave much wiggle room for classes. So, the option to do these at my own pace at any time of the day is a wonderful blessing!
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling 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.
Find out more about women in ministry here.