Hi, everyone! My name is Alica Neal. Called to preach, I am pursuing a Biblical education online at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
I am currently serving as a Youth and Young Adult Pastor in the beautiful state of North Carolina. I grew up in a Bible-based home where my maternal grandmother was an Evangelist and my mother was also. Therefore, I gained an early love for church and God. It prompted me to first be baptized at the tender age of three. Though they initially refused my request, after several attempts, they allowed me to do so. Later in life, at the age of 14, I was rebaptized. I felt that at my younger age, though I knew the importance, I hadn’t really experienced much to appreciate my decision. Shortly after, I was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost in my bedroom.
The Calling: Preach the Gospel
A few years later, at the age of 16, I felt God calling me to the Gospel ministry. But, I gave every excuse possible not to do God’s will. My main reason was the same as the prophet Jeremiah’s that “I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:7). However, as I continued to listen to His voice, I was reminded of the passage which states: “Let no man despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). Finally, at the age of 17, I preached my initial sermon and became legally licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 2012.
After developing a passion for education and graduating from early college in 2013, I was pursuing a Biblical education to get the Advanced Christian Education Certificate from Living Epistle Bible College in 2015. Though I did some further studies at another local Bible college in 2019, I was not able to finish those classes due to financial hardship. During these years, I self-published some Christian books to earn money to pay for my tuition, but it would soon not end well.
Challenges
I had just relocated to a new area and was only getting offered temporary job assignments. It was putting me behind on my bills as I had to choose between my biblical education and calling or a solid job. Since I was taught God came first, I felt an obligation to the college so I let the job go. This put me deeper in the hole, and the college had no sympathy! Can you say cruel? The college knew my situation. Even though I was the most deserving candidate of the degree in the Pastoral program for a scholarship, it was given to someone else. This person already had financial assistance and a steady income whereas I didn’t have any.
I was devastated because I was only one year away from finishing! Everyone who knows me knows all I live and breathe is the Word of God. So, I felt I failed myself, God, my church, my future ministry I’d planned to lead in years to come, and my family. This time is when everything began to spiral down in my life.
Further Challenges
Long story short, 2020 was filled with many deaths. The loss of my maternal grandmother to Alzheimer’s and her son, my Uncle Leonard, unexpectedly, led to me preaching their eulogies. In early 2021, I lost my paternal grandmother as well. Then, if that wasn’t bad enough, I lost my dad to COPD a month after his mother passed away. I preached his eulogy while I was battling gastritis and diverticulitis simultaneously. Talk about stress and depression! I was a walking timebomb, and everybody thought I was okay because I was preaching and smiling. Little did they know, I was falling apart inside. As a result, I ended up with complex migraines which greatly affected me.
The Coma: A Spiritual Rebirth
I received some counseling to assist me in my grieving process. Yet, it was God’s way of redirecting me into a deeper relationship with Him. During these past two years, I was busy doing church. I poured into other lives and neglected my spiritual needs. Therefore, I was functioning while running on empty. God revealed to me that I was like a patient who has been placed in a medically induced coma to protect other areas of the body when it’s not effective. I call it a spiritually induced coma.
God showed me my spiritual gifts were operating as a patient who is in a coma has organ function. I wasn’t being as effective as I could be. So, God finds a way to give me rest by any means necessary to take the pressure off of any area that stands in the way of His work. Some people looked at my situation and thought it was the enemy attacking me and my ministry. I quickly corrected them and shared that for so long I thought ministry was all about building God’s people. However, before we can ever do such a thing, we must first allow God to build and strengthen us. At this point in my life, I need rebirth before entering the next assignment God has for me.
The Christ: Light At the End of the Tunnel
Pursuing a biblical education further is a forever must for me. I desire to teach, preach, and train other leaders as I do now. So, pursuing a biblical education with the Christian Leaders Institute courses will strengthen my leadership skills in the pastoral area.
My desire is to eventually gain my doctorate degree. Then, I can assist other leaders in planting and building churches professionally and with excellence. It will also open up many doors for me to network with others around the world. It could lead to ministry advancement opportunities that are beneficial to the spiritual relationships that I build through CLI. Thank you, CLI!
These benefits have given me hope and brought a source of light at the end of my tunnel in a season that has been so dark. Christ is leading me in a new direction to expand my reach, capacity, spirituality, and connectivity.
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 Jeffrey Roy, and I am continuing my learning journey at Christian Leaders Institute. I am thankful to have found the Christian Leaders Institute for Biblical training and a community of faith (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
My Journey
My journey on this earth began on June 13, 1962. For most of my life, I have lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada. I am an only child. I have undergraduate degrees in Arts (Major-French), Education, and Physical Education from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Further, I have a Master of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, and a Doctorate in Ministerial Theology from Freelandia Bible College & Seminary in Broadway, Virginia. I have been an Ordained Minister since 1996. In October of 2020, the Evangelical Christian Church in England (ECCUK) also welcomed me as a Priest.
I grew up in the Anglican (Episcopal) Church. In late summer 1987, I felt a call to return to regular worship. In the following years, I became involved in most ways possible for a layperson. During a Christian Counselling course, in February 1994, I sensed the Lord leading me to pursue the Ordained Ministry. Thus, I began my M.Div. program in September 1994. In January 1995, the local Anglican Diocese rejected my candidacy without giving a reason for that decision. I completed my M.Div. program as an ‘independent’ student.
New Experiences and Challenges
In the years after graduation from my M.Div. program, I have lived out my faith in a more unique way. I experienced life in other denominations: Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, Seventh Day Adventist, United Church of Canada, Church of Christ, Christian Church, and Presbyterian. The positive was experiencing how other Christians live out their faith. The negative was realizing how fractured the body of Christ is and how ‘un-Christian’ many members are in their beliefs and practices.
Since February 2014, I worked at a local fitness club. I was at the Front Desk and encountered hundreds of people each day. This challenged my introverted personality, and I became more confident. In mid-March 2020, they laid me off due to the Covid crisis. When the club reopened in late June 2020, I chose not to return. Mainly, because I chose to remain home to care for my mother. In 2019, in separate incidents, she broke both hips. She is also living with Parkinson’s Disease. It was and is a leap of faith. However, at this point, home is where my presence and ministry are most needed. This belief heightened after the passing of my father on November 30, 2021.
Finding CLI for Biblical Training and Community
I feel blessed and privileged to have found the Christian Leaders Institute for Biblical training and a community of faith. After completing the Getting Started courses, I believe I have found the type of family of faith my journey has been without. I want to be part of a more authentic representation of God’s kingdom on earth. One that does not discriminate based on another’s religious background and welcomes Ministers despite their previous backgrounds. One whose Ministers do not use their positions as leaders for financial gain. CLI welcomes others and does not require stages of commitment.
Involvement with CLI will allow me to continue to challenge myself. It will also better prepare me as a servant in God’s kingdom. For now, that service focus is at home. Through the ECCUK I may have the opportunity to become involved in Christian activity in Pakistan. I am open to your suggestions as to how I can become a more effective servant. This will include meeting and journeying with a Mentor, a relationship I have never before enjoyed.
I realize even more how much I need Christ. I experienced a deep crisis of faith from my experiences in the body of Christ and during my parents’ illnesses. My spiritual dream is to be more Christ-like in my daily walk. I also desire to be a better Pastor at home with my family. Further, I want to be a more positive representative for the ECCUK and to grow in my relationship with the Christian Leaders Institute.
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 Learning Journey
My name is Hwee Kim Roskos, and here is the story of my learning journey to God’s Word. This journey led me to the Christian Leaders Institute for proper Bible training (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
Originally from Singapore, I now reside in Island Heights, New Jersey after I married in December of 2020. My journey to salvation was a tough one. I nearly killed myself due to depression, but the Lord found and lifted me up and gave me a new life. Therefore, from that moment I was very curious about the Lord, our God. So, I dived into learning His Word every day. However, I was stopped due to my educational background. That’s when I found Christian Leaders Institute. A new light shines on me, and I know God has shown me a new path.
My Salvation Journey
Depressed after my mother passed away a few years back, I almost lost my job and my friends as I closed myself up. For about four years, I felt lonely and everything was colorless. At one point, staying alive was pointless to me. One day after work, I rode the bus around Singapore as I did not wish to go home. I got off somewhere, and it was very dark. I stood there crying as I felt lost. Then, I plucked up my courage and walked out of the pedestrian sidewalk. I decided to run out to the middle of the road and be knocked down by a vehicle.
Suddenly, from afar, there was light. As I ran, an invisible force pulled me back and I fell to the ground. Then, I saw bus 195 approaching. So I stood up and boarded the bus. It brought me to Plaza Singapura. I went to my favorite drinking place and sat down for a beer. The server in that restaurant saw my devastating state. She asked me whether I was okay and then passed me some tissue papers.
God With Me
Then, a man approached me and asked me whether I lost someone close lately. At that moment, I couldn’t control my tears. I cried loudly. He gave me a hug that felt so warm. It was like he hugged my heart. I stopped crying and looked at him. He told me this, “God has a plan for you, follow Him, trust Him and give yourself to Him.” After the short conversation, he bought me a beer and said to me, “No more drinking, girl. This will be your last mug, and you will have a new day after this.” I did not really take in much on what the man said as I was still getting over crying.
However, I felt bad that a stranger treated me the beer. So I wanted to pay him back, and I asked the same server where the man went. She said there was no man, but she saw me talking to myself. I was shocked when I came to my senses and realized what he told me. Then, I knew it was true. God appeared in front of me. I shared my story with my friends and relatives who believe in Him. I went to a few churches, but I didn’t feel at home.
Saved By Grace
Then, my sister-in-law invited me to her church, Petra Community. The first time she brought me there, I accepted Christ into my life. I learned how to pray and talk to Him. I felt the love given by God, and I know he is always there for me. God slowly healed me. Ever since I asked Jesus to take control of my life, my eyes have been opened. I recognize His presence everywhere.
Every day, God gives me the power to turn away from my sins. I stopped smoking, drinking, and partying instantly. And I always bought a lottery ticket almost every week. One day, I found myself disgusted by the taste of the cigarettes, always tired when my friends ask me out to party, and I tended to walk away from the lottery store. I’m not perfect, but I am now a radically different person. I don’t trust in my own efforts because I know that God will take care of me. I trust in Jesus and tell others about Him because of all the joy He’s given me.
My Determination to Study all about the Living God
I was always longing to do further studies. Because my father always had a bias against daughters going to school, I started working at the age of 17 after high school and did not get a college degree. So, I decided to earn money to go for classes, and I did that when I was in my mid-twenties. But towards the end of the course, I was being assigned to an overseas posting in France (RSAF). Again, my study was put on hold. Then when I left the government job, I focused on climbing the ladder in the commercial world. I wanted to reach an earning cap before I was 35. I managed to get my certificate in Business Management, however, I was already exhausted from working.
While undergoing inner healing at my church due to my past events before coming to Christ, the healing minister asked me to do a heart-to-heart talk with God. God knows my heart and that I always wanted to go to school and learn. He also knew that my health was not in the ideal stage at that time. That was my calling from God. He told me to stop working and start learning His Word. I asked Him how as I wasn’t sure where to look since my church was a small denominational church. I knew at that time there was a Bible college in Singapore, however, the Lord gave me a direction to approach my cousin, Yan Ming.
Finding Proper Bible Training at CLI
So, I spoke to her. She told me to attend some Bible classes that were organized by her church, Hope Singapore. I was amazed and felt that it was knowledgeable. There was so much to learn about God’s Word. That was when I decided to quit my job and focus on learning God’s Word daily.
I want to work in a church either in the USA or Singapore or maybe in other countries depending on where God’s calling leads. I also feel a need to help out the younger generation to know the gospel better and reach out to them especially in the USA. However, I knew I needed more proper Bible training. I need to be better equipped in knowledge with proper Bible training at the Christian Leaders Institute. I have the utmost confidence in the classes and the lecturers there. God led me to CLI!
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.