My name is Pernell Delahoussaye, and I am originally from the Bayou state of Iberia, Louisiana. My beautiful wife Catherine and I live in Cutler Bay, Florida, with our two daughters, Isabella and Michelle. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute to get my Bachelor’s degree in Chaplaincy.
It’s My Story, and I Am Sticking To It – My Salvation Story
I grew up in a French Catholic home. I was an altar boy and, all around, a good guy. Although I was nominally Catholic, I was practically atheist and, at best, agnostic. However, I was religiously curious.
When I was 18 years old, I almost drowned. Loaded on Budweiser and weed after having a good time, I woke up in a fog. My Catholic upbringing kicked in, and I thought that if I died, I would go to Hell. A strange thought for a man who didn’t believe in such things. For the next six months, various Christians witnessed Christ to me.
Then, one day, while fishing, I came to faith in Jesus. I instinctively knew what to do and said a simple sinner’s prayer that was anything but elegant. I knew I was saved because the first thing I did was witness to a fellow fisherman about my newfound faith. He told me not to say anything to anyone and left the scene ASAP.
My Service to the Lord
In my youth, I went on mission trips, ministered in the Air Force, and became a nurse to do medical missions after reading Hudson Taylor’s biography. As a nurse, I served the Lord in Haiti and the Ivory Coast through Youth With A Mission. I have come full circle to serving the Lord and my country as a Spinal Cord Nurse at the VA hospital in Miami. I plan to transition out of nursing and into hospital chaplaincy as I approach retirement. This change brought me to the Christian Leaders Institute to get a bachelor’s degree in chaplaincy and then on to my MDIV.
Bachelor’s Degree in Chaplaincy and Ordination
I was studying at Trinity International University in Florida seven years ago when my lovely wife asked for a divorce. About to graduate, my life and dreams fell apart. I fell into a deep depression. Everything was put on hold to save my marriage. However, God is more interested in healthy marriages and whole families than half-baked, messed-up preachers (1 Tim. 3:5).
Studying for my bachelor’s degree in chaplaincy, I am also starting the ordination process. It involves first becoming a wedding officiant. As I prepared for this role, the Holy Spirit told me, “Your experience has prepared you for this time and role.” CLI has opened new doors for me and shown me that Proverbs is true. There is a time and season for everything!
I am exactly where I want to be at this journey stage. Entering ministry sooner would have been disastrous for me, my family, and the poor victims in my ministry circle. I am pursuing my education and developing a marriage counseling ministry to accompany my wedding officiant role. Further, I volunteer at my church and hospital. Besides a learning, testing, and maturing season, I don’t know what’s next. However, I know it will be interesting and exciting. Please pray for me and my family as we embark on this next stage of our faith journey.
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, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- 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.
Hearing His Voice: A Student on a Mission
My name is Imonje Kubai from Nairobi, Kenya. I hold a Diploma in Ministry Training from PISTIS Word Of Faith Bible School. Discovering the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) was exciting! The ability to access free knowledge and training on matters of God and the Kingdom is truly fantastic. I have a natural drive to know God intimately and to also share that knowledge with others. Formal ministry training is usually costly, both in time and financial investment. Therefore, I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow at my pace, from the comfort of my home at CLI.
My Journey
Growing up, my parents instilled in me a love for church attendance with them. We primarily attended Catholic churches. Therefore, I developed a strong desire to be right with God and follow His will. During this time, I was also drawn to the 700 Club on television. The show featured stories of God’s work around the world, with testimonies and interviews. I vividly recall constantly repeating the Sinner’s Prayer at the end of each episode, fearing I might miss heaven if Jesus returned unexpectedly.
This experience became a significant turning point in my journey to know Jesus intimately. Initially, I believed that if Jesus returned before I confessed and received forgiveness for every misdeed, I would go to hell. Further, this fear paralyzed me during my high school years. Constantly consumed by thoughts of impending doom compelled me to confess every thought or action I considered sinful. This relentless anxiety crippled my ability to focus in school or at home. It drove me to seek isolated places for constant prayer and forgiveness. Therefore, I was trapped in a cycle of fear and bondage.
Freedom in Christ
Unable to recall the exact moment of freedom from this fear, I remember a series of encounters with the Gospel of Grace that marked a dramatic shift in my relationship with God. Through teachings and sermons by Andrew Wommack and Joseph Prince, I began to understand and appreciate the true meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. I came to realize that He died, taking my sin upon Himself, and in return, offering me His righteousness. God sees me as righteous not because of my actions, but because of what Jesus did! This righteousness is irrevocable – even when I sin, I am still His beloved child. His love and acceptance are unwavering. This understanding was revolutionary. It ushered me into a deeper relationship with God. There, my focus shifted from my sin to Jesus and His overwhelming love for me! Hallelujah!
Over time, it became increasingly clear that my desire is to deepen my intimacy with God and help others experience the same. A key aspect of this is learning to hear God’s voice. He speaks to us, and we must learn to listen attentively, every day, every moment. I want to help others experience the life God has for them. The ability to hear and respond to His voice is central to this life.
Free Knowledge and Training at CLI
On my journey of free knowledge and training at the Christian Leaders Institute, I desire to continually grow into the person God created me to be. He has a purpose for me, and I want to serve Him in any capacity He chooses. I submit myself wholeheartedly to this training, eager to be shaped and molded into the leader He desires.
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, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- 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 Elizabeth Noel Young, aka Noel. I’m 38 years old and live in Amarillo, Texas, USA. I’m also a student at the Christian Leaders Institute. The free ministry and college courses are what I need to be equipped for my calling.
My Story
Born in South Carolina, East Texas became home when I was a teenager through most of my adult life. I graduated high school in 2004. My maternal grandparents raised me. I’ve been through all kinds of trials and tribulations and abusive relationships (verbal, mental, emotional, physical, and sexual). It doesn’t matter if you’re in a relationship or married, or not. No means no!
I always thought molestation involved penetration. However, I discovered later in life, as an adult in prison, that it can be inappropriate touching. Therefore, I was molested when I was a child by a family member. In my early 20s, I was an alcoholic until someone introduced me to methamphetamine. I spent six years in each addiction. I did things I’m not proud of during that time in my life.
New Beginning in Christ
God sat me down in time out for three years on a ten year prison sentence. I got clean and sober during my time out. Further, I got back into Bible studies and reading my Bible. I paroled to Amarillo, and it quickly became home. Through the grace and help of God, I am almost eight years clean and sober!
I am on the worship team, singing backup, at my home church. My church family has been with me through a lot of this journey in recovery and staying on track with the Lord’s plan for my life! They are excited for my journey with Christian Leaders Institute!
I originally came to know the Lord when I was a child. However, I became lost again later in life. I came to know the Lord again while I was on my time out. God has been there with me through every moment even when it didn’t seem like it at times. I now know He wast there! He was there while I was homeless, in and out of the Salvation Army, and in a tent in the woods, for two years.
Free Ministry and College Courses at CLI
The free training at the Christian Leaders Institute, as well as scholarships and financial aid for ministry training and college courses, are crucial for me. Right now, I live in a motel and work full time. I can’t even save up for a vehicle after paying rent and getting groceries. The motel I live at is within walking distance to the hotel I work at. It offers weekly rates on kitchenette rooms, so that’s a plus!
My ministry calling is for two things: the homeless and addiction recovery. I’ve been homeless, technically still am by the definition of the word homeless, and I’ve been through two substance addictions. I hope to get a degree in substance abuse counseling to help with my ministry!
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, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- 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.