Greetings, I am Rich Gouette from Maine, USA. Maine is the most north-eastern state and is the first to see the sunrise. When people think of Maine, they think of lobster and snow. As I write this, I am looking out over my snow-covered backyard and am thankful for where I live. I am also thankful to be receiving free recovery ministry training online at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online free Bible courses, Click Here).
My Youth
My early childhood was not a secure and happy one. I experienced abandonment, insecurity, neglect, and divorce. I have come to learn that these early experiences can change the formation of our brain’s neuro-pathways. It sometimes leads to addictive behaviors to cope with what we do not handle or process properly.
When my father married my step-mother, I was 11 years old. Aside from my traumatic past, I had no church background, except for being baptized as an infant in the Roman Catholic church. My stepmom was a Christian, and she strongly felt that even though my father was not, she was supposed to marry him. She began to share Jesus with me. One evening while sitting on the side of my bed, I thought to myself that if I were to die tonight, I didn’t know this Jesus she spoke of, and consequently, would be lost forever. Shortly after that, my father and I were baptized at an AOG church. I was 16 years old.
My Journey Continues
That was almost 37 years ago. So much has happened since then: marriage, divorce, remarriage, three children, one international adoption, 30+ years of worship ministry, and years of recovery from addiction that stemmed from childhood-related trauma. Yet, I have also come to understand an ever-deepening sense of what it means to follow Jesus and enjoy a fellowship with Him. It goes far beyond salvation based on a fear of dying and being lost.
Called to Addiction Recovery Ministry
The addiction portion of my story began in me a burden and desire to minister to men out of my experience. Some years ago, I thought that I would someday help men start on a path to recovery from the darkness of addiction that holds them captive. However, I didn’t always understand the timing of entering any ministry in this area. It wasn’t until recently that I felt it was time to take steps. I wanted to offer myself within the context of my local church to begin toward this ministry. So, I’ve recently started a dialogue with my pastors. We are exploring how we might implement a recovery group and offer it to the church.
Free Recovery Ministry Training Online at CLI
Further, I wanted to get free recovery ministry training. So, I signed up after finding the Christian Leaders Institute offering online ministry training. I also desire to network with other men who have experience in this area or wish to learn about it. This networking is something that I hope to leverage in the Christian Leaders Network. So, I am reaching out and connecting with other men on the network. Thank you, CLI, for this opportunity to learn and network!
My prayer is to keep an eternal perspective, love people, and draw near to God as I work out my calling. Soli Deo Gloria!
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.
Jesus Saved My Life
Hi! My name is Kelsie. I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. I am also studying at the Christian Leaders Institute to be better equipped for ministry service (Learn more about online free Bible courses, Click Here).
My Youth
For as long as I can remember, I have known Jesus. I was a member of a Presbyterian church growing up. I went to youth group regularly and sometimes even a Sunday service here and there. But, although I knew who Jesus was in my mind, I didn’t know who He was in my heart. I didn’t have a relationship with Him.
I was never forced to go to church, as I always had that little spark in me that actually wanted to go. However, when I went to church, I went through the motions and didn’t know what I was doing. I was asked to read scripture on a Sunday to the whole congregation one time. I remember being terrified and feeling so unqualified to speak because I didn’t even know what I was saying.
God Became Real to Me
It wasn’t until I was freshly 19 years old at the beginning of 2012 that I had a change in my heart. There was a distinct moment where I felt the overwhelming pure love of God in my soul. One of the worst moments in my life turned into one of the greatest. I was being physically and mentally abused by my husband (now my ex-husband). It was a fight for my life from about 10 pm-3 am.
When I was at my wit’s end and couldn’t physically fight back anymore, the only thing I could do was pray. I prayed out loud, which I had never done before. Yelling out to God to save me as loudly as I could, my ex-husband put a stop to my words by trying to suffocate me.
I remember thinking that if there really was a God and anyone would hear me and help me right now, it would be Jesus. I felt an indescribable sense of peace, calmness, relief, and no pain. Despite what was going on around me, I had total serenity. I knew I was going to be okay either way because I felt the Holy Spirit. It was like Jesus was in the room sitting right next to me. My abuser eventually left me in the house alone. I escaped to my neighbor’s house, who helped me.
Equipped For Ministry Service
From then on, my life hasn’t been perfect. First, I faced a lot of struggles and hardships. Then, I turned to drink and drugs. Even though I loved Jesus, I didn’t know how to have a relationship with Him.
Seven years later, the Holy Spirit told me to get into a specific church. I was unchurched for that long. There, I learned how to walk with God truly. I also met my wonderful husband, who is an associate pastor. God is so faithful.
Now, I work full-time in ministry. I am the Life Group Director at our church. I am studying at Christian Leaders Institute to be equipped for ministry service.
After a season of miscarriage and heartache, God has given us a miracle baby due in July 2022. We have great faith and are very excited about what God wants to do next!
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.
Hello, my name is Chris Ongeimungu, and this is my story. In 1993, I was born in the heart of the city of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. I am thankful for the free online training for ministry I am receiving at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online free Bible courses, Click Here).
My Spiritual Journey
I grew up in a Christian home. My dad was Catholic and my mum was a born-again Christian In a Pentecostal church in Uganda. My mun raised us as Christians. All the scripture I knew while growing up, she taught me it. The God I serve, she introduced me to Him. I gave my life to Christ in 1999 as a little boy. I tried to live a Christian life all my childhood and into my teenage life. However, it wasn’t easy. I later recommitted my life to Christ in 2010 and purposed to walk in the light and to serve God with all that is within me.
Free Online Training for Ministry at CLI
Growing up under the training of a mother who had the whole family in her hands and an absent father, education wasn’t a necessity. Even so, my siblings and I sailed through our schooling. I made it to a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communications and graduated in 2016.
After graduation, I never went to work anywhere that wasn’t within the confines of the church. So, to this day, I serve and work in the church. Being a student at Christian Leaders Institute is helping me champion the servant leader in me. It is also equipping me to do great things in my area of influence.
Further, I plan on using the free online training for ministry at the Christian Leaders Institute to serve God better with a deeper understanding and equipping for ministry.
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.