The Journey Doesn’t Stop Here
Hello There. My name is Deanisha Roberts. I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute for leadership and ministry training (Learn more about free online Biblical classes, Click Here).
Born in 1986, I grew up in the beautiful city that never sleeps, New York City. My parents are from New York and Virginia. I am the middle child out of three children. My mom passed away in October 2012. After her passing, I relocated to live with my dad in North Carolina. Here is where my journey started walking with Christ.
My Spiritual Journey
My spiritual walk with the Lord hasn’t always been as intimate as it is now. I grew up as one of the pastor’s grandchildren. My life back then was full of pressure. I had expectations put on me by church members as to how active and involved I was supposed to be. I had to join the choir and was pressured to be a lead singer. After Sunday school, I was told I had to stand before the congregation and summarize what we learned. All and all, I was a shy and timid kid. Dealing with this sort of pressure growing up deterred me from even thinking about church. Let alone attending.
Later on, into my adulthood, I found my husband. We met through dog training. Relocating to North Carolina two years after dating, we had no clue the life-changing events that were to come. After settling down and meeting my dad’s side of the family, I met my cousin Ty. She was such a peaceful person. There was something different about her that I gravitated toward. She introduced me to her home church. I was a little skeptical at first due to my past history of attending my grandparent’s Baptist church as a child. So one day, I went and the experience changed my life. Four days before our wedding, my husband and I decided to give our lives to Christ. We wanted to do things differently. We wanted to have God at the center of our marriage.
Challenges
Life seemed great until my first pregnancy. About two months after my wedding, I was faced with the unexpected. I had an ectopic pregnancy. I was in a life or death situation in which it was between me and my baby. The doctors had to make the call of terminating my pregnancy and removing one of my damaged fallopian tubes. A year later, I had another miscarriage. Leaving my body in quite a state.
My faith was tested early in our marriage. If it wasn’t for God, I don’t know how my marriage would have survived. Glory to God, He placed the right people to fellowship with and keep us lifted in prayer. These people became our spiritual family to this day. God did bless us with a beautiful baby girl who’s now 4 years old. He also placed it on our hearts to adopt, so we have a beautiful foster daughter now. In time, our blessing manifested. We are sad about our two heavenly babies, but we are grateful for the family God put together for us.
Marriage Mentors
As time went on, God placed on our Pastor to ask us about being marriage mentors for our home church. My husband and I didn’t feel we were worthy of such a thing. Having been married for such a short amount of time. However, our Pastor told us to pray on it. Months later, our Pastor approached us again after service and asked the same question. We didn’t pray or think too much into it but decided this time to do so. Lo and behold, we decided to step out and get training for marriage mentoring.
God planted the seed that day. Something awakened in me that felt right and fulfilling. Hearing the Holy Spirit talk to me about moving forward in this area time and time again. In the beginning, I dragged my feet a bit. This all seemed like uncharted territory. Until one day, I began receiving phone calls from family members venting and seeking spiritual counsel for their marriage. I guess God has a funny way of nudging us in the direction He needs us to go. From that day on, I began to look deeper into being a true leader and counselor.
Leadership and Ministry Training at Christian Leaders Institute
My dream is to eventually obtain a degree in Leadership and to receive my Clinical License to become a Christian Counselor. I would like to open a center with my husband to help those people in need of Christian counseling for their situation. Life is hard on many, but we don’t have to do it alone. We need to apply biblical principles in all dynamics of life. Sometimes we need help from time to time as I did with my two miscarriages. It is such a nice feeling to be able to lean on someone grounded in the faith that has been through similar situations that can go through the journey with us. Someone willing to jump down in that hole with you and help you out without judgment or condemnation.
The leadership and ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute has been a true blessing for me. Having some financial troubles and seasons of struggling financially in the past, I feel confident in knowing that I can still move ahead with my dream and vision to become what I feel drawn to do in the Kingdom. I want to be about my Father’s business and in pursuit of that get the proper training. The education and meeting other people will help me get to where I need to in order to be well equipped for the role. Christian Leaders Institute shares that vision, and I’m proud to be a part of such an organization.
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.
My name is Annabelle. My story started about 100 years ago. God has been in my family for over 100 years. I am thankful to be part of a one hundred year ministry legacy. I am also studying at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free online Biblical classes, Click Here).
GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER JOAQUIM CARDOSO
My great-great-grandfather Joaquim was born in Portugal in the late 1800s into a non-Christian family. His country was going through some political turmoil when their King Carlos the first and his eldest son Filipe were assassinated by revolutionaries when riding in an open carriage. So at the age of 33, my great-great-grandfather decided to move to another country with his young wife Rosaria hoping for a fresh start.
They arrived in Brazil in 1910. Little did he know that God really had the exact same plan for him: a fresh start. He was a Portuguese immigrant in Brazil, but God had a great plan for his life. He met Jesus for the first time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and became an active Christian in his community. That was the start of our one hundred year ministry legacy. Also, he had a son who he named Alvaro. A few years later, my great-great-grandfather became one of the deacons at his church. His desire was to spread the gospel so his pastor asked him to lead a new group of Christians on a Brazilian island about one hour away from the main church. It was only accessible by boat at that time, and he became their new pastor in 1939.
Great-Great Grandfather’s Vision
Upon arrival, he was excited to see a few small groups of believers already meeting in different homes on a weekly basis. But they didn’t have a home church. So he started a fundraiser to purchase a large double lot to build an ambitiously large church. Even though this was a small group of Christians, he believed God would make it grow.
A few years later, after the fundraiser started, this small group of Christians was finally able to purchase the two lots they had been faithfully praying about. Eager to start on the building project, all the churchmen gathered to clear off the land, which was full of debris and trees. My great-great-grandfather, at the age of 73, and his son Alvaro were also there helping out at every step of the way and working way too hard. Unfortunately, this job was too heavy for a man his age. He passed away only three days after the lot was purchased while preaching a message to his church members. That was the last message he preached, but the message of the Gospel in that town had just begun to spread.
GREAT-GRANDFATHER ALVARO CARDOSO
His son Alvaro was then nominated the pastor of this young church. They faced many financial challenges. Some people believed they should dream of a big church, while others thought my great-grandfather was out of his mind. It was hard to see their vision. There was no access to the island, except by boat. No large businesses were there, only small homes and lots of undeveloped land.
Five years later, God confirmed their great vision because the city authorized the construction of a road that would allow easier access to the island. The island population increased little by little after the road was inaugurated. With easier access, more people moved to the island and became believers. More people donated to the church building. Around 1950, they built an airport on the island, and the church attendance exploded. God confirmed the vision.
Great-Grandfather’s Dream
During the construction phase, my great-grandfather was overwhelmed with the number of attendees. So, he had to start new church campuses and several church ministries around the island to accommodate the large number of people who were converting to Jesus while the main church was still being built. He also made sure that enough rooms were built into the building. He dreamed of having a Christian school on the main church campus one day, where children could learn the Truth.
On November 22, 1964, 14 years after the lot was purchased, the church finally started to meet on the 1st floor of the new building. When the second floor was built, the church sign was installed, and the inauguration date was set. Unfortunately, my great-grandfather passed away at the age of 59, from a stroke. It was just a few days before the main building’s inauguration day. His children were still teenagers, so they hired a new pastor to lead this church. Under the new leadership of Pastor Gomes, thousands of people came to know the Lord. His first message was based on 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.”
Fast-forwarding to today, this church is a megachurch in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has a weekly attendance of 15,000 people on many campuses throughout the city, with mission churches around Brazil, and in other countries. There is also a Christian K-6 school operating daily in the building, which was another one of my great-grandfather’s dreams.
GRANDMOTHER IVONE CARDOSO
My grandmother Ivone inherited her father’s leadership skills. Throughout her life, she led many ministries in their church, including the Women’s Ministry, the Couples’ Ministry, Benevolence Ministry, Church Retreats, Youth and Marriage Conferences, and too many more to list. She also made sure all her children learned the Lord’s commands by attending church regularly and serving the church with their talents. She just passed away in 2020. I had the honor of being by her side in her last weeks.
MOM JOYCE CARDOSO
My mom Joyce grew up in a Christian home. She was very active in the youth ministry in her megachurch in Brazil. At the age of 13, she decided to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It was not because her parents were Christians, but because she realized she loved Him with all her heart. Later on, she moved to Florida and started a Christian family of her own. My mom has led some church ministries, such as a dance ministry and a youth ministry with my dad, and small groups. She has also supported many ministries in our church, such as the children’s ministry, outreach, women’s ministry, and many others. She also worked at Calvary Christian Academy for four years when I was younger. Her passion is to share the love of Christ, encourage brothers and sisters in the faith, and pray for the salvation of many.
ME: Taking Biblical Classes at CLI
I feel extremely blessed to have met the Lord at a young age. Although I’m still 15 years old, I know God has a special plan for my life. I love volunteering at my local church in Florida. I read my Bible daily, and we do devotions as a family after dinner. Also, I have a fun job and enjoy hanging out with my church friends.
Last year, Florida International University accepted me as a dual-enrolled student. Even though this is definitely a good school with challenging courses, it lacks the biblical classes that CLI offers, which is why God led me here. I would like to be better equipped for the work of the Lord as I carry on our one hundred year ministry legacy.
In conclusion, I’m the 5th generation of Christians in my family. Jesus has been present with each generation in a very remarkable way. I pray I’ll also leave a legacy of faith for my children, their children, and their children’s children for His glory.
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.
I was born in the United States and have lived here all my life. God called me to a restorative justice ministry and I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute for further ministry and Bible training (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
My Journey
I was born out of wedlock in St Paul, MN, at the Catholic unwed mothers’ home. I was supposed to be adopted out. However, my mother changed her mind. I was adopted by a man my mother met when I was a year old. He became my earthly father. I have two siblings from my parents. I grew up in the Catholic faith until about 8 years old when my parents divorced. The experience I had during this time in my life formed my religious beliefs. I did not understand religion, and my view of the subject was of disdain.
My life became filled with self-serving pursuits of pleasure. And with that life came spiritual destruction. Through my own marriage and the births of my daughters, I remained selfish, self-centered, and served only myself. I had no moral compass or direction in life. I became an addict to alcohol and drugs and anger. According to my beliefs, I was a victim, and everyone owed me. I knew not the Love God has for me. I did not understand what had been done for me. The truth of His light started to be revealed to me through his Word as I was seeking a way to ease the pain I felt. I later learned that the pain is called the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Praise be to Him!
Finding Jesus
I became sober in 2010 and was introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ thru a recovery ministry called the Way Out. This time is when I was called to work. In 2012, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My faith was tested at this time. God revealed himself in my life at that time through other members of the body. I had no option but to follow whatever his plan was for me, and I recovered.
Struggles
I remained in the ministry until 2015. At that time, I chose to leave it to pursue a secular career and a domestic life as I was engaged to a woman. I realized my falling away at this time in my life. I no longer put God as the center of my life and went back to being miserable and dying spiritually.
In Nov of 2017, I was struck by a car while going to work. Both my legs were broken requiring surgery and months of recovery. During this time, I was in a spiritual battle where once again God revealed himself. I was given the time to reconnect with Him, and I refused to believe I could be worthy of His love for me.
I continued to live this way until February of 2021 when the pain of the piercing of my heart became unbearable, and I turned back to Him. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 “And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.”
Called to Restorative Justice Ministry
I then went to a men’s restoration ministry. There, I spent several months in intensive study and prayer and fellowship with other men seeking the Lord. I accepted His love and accepted what has been done for me despite my brokenness and rebelliousness. I am loved and wanted the revelation I was given. Now, I share this testimony with other men on a daily basis as part of my vocation. I am amazed at the Lord’s patience and love for me.
In September of 2021, I was placed in the position of director of a men’s recovery program. The classes I have taken at the Christian Leaders Institute are the foundation of my education. The Restorative Justice Ministry Program has been invaluable to the work I am involved in here. I plan to continue my education with CLI. Perhaps at some point, I will join CLI’s Leadership Excellence School and earn a degree.
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.