An Ugly Duckling Story
I am Wilbert G. Balboa from Caloocan City, Philippines, and I study for ministry training at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online Bible courses, Click Here).
I grew up in a slum community. My father used to be a junk collector. There were times that we only ate once or twice a day because we had no money to buy food. Therefore, during my childhood, I was very thin and ugly in appearance. I use to be bullied at school because of my physique and facial features – very big eyes and big teeth. The girls I liked turned me down because of this. I often thought then that because I am poor and ugly I don’t have a bright future. So, I resented God because of this. I did not have even a dream of any profession. Way back then, I was sure that my parents did not have the money to provide me with a college education.
My Religious Upbringing
However, although we are poor, I grew up in a very religious family. We are devout Catholics. My grandfather on my father’s side used to have an altar full of images that we rendered sacred. On that altar, I discovered the Bible. I tried to read it, but my grandmother prohibited me. She believed that it should not be touched or read by a simple person. She also said that it would be detrimental on my part if I read it. Nevertheless, my curiosity prevailed. I began reading it, but I started to get confused because what was written in it seemed to be contradictory to what our religion practiced.
My Interest in Attaining Salvation
During my teen years, I became interested in exploring different religions and searching for the way of the so-called salvation. I started to doubt that my religion offered the true teaching of God. That’s why I attended different Christian sects and denominations. I thought that perhaps I would attain salvation from God. However, the more I searched the more confused I became.
Then in September 1997, my best friend Daniel Sundiam invited me to attend a youth outdoor activity sponsored by the local church. He said it was instrumental for him in acquiring assurance of salvation. Therefore, I attended the outdoor activity for two reasons. One reason was that my childhood crush attended also. The other reason was that I was curious about my best friend’s “assurance of salvation.” It was there that the gospel was preached and revealed to me by God. I learned that it is by the Grace of God that one can be saved. It is never about the good works or effort that one is putting in. We are all sinners, dead because of our trespasses, incapable of salvation. It is God who made the way through His Son Jesus Christ. The death and resurrection of Jesus are the Good News of salvation to those who believe.
Made New In Christ
October 4, 1997, I formally accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. Since then, I became very positive that there is a bright future ahead of me. It changed my perspective on myself and my condition. I no longer think that it is impossible to have a college degree even though we are poor. My faith is in God, and I am someone beneficial for the advancement of the Gospel. Indeed, in April 2003, I finished my Bachelor of Science in Education with my major in History, Cum Laude. I became a teacher which enabled me to share the gospel with the youth.
God also changed my view of myself. Before, I saw myself as poor and ugly. But, when the Lord entered my life, I saw myself fearfully and wonderfully made by Him with abundant life. I gained self-confidence and self-worth. In my college days, I became a heartthrob. Not because of my looks, but rather I brag about the grace of God that changed everything in my life. Nothing is impossible for the Lord.
Serving God and Study for Ministry Training at CLI
Currently, I serve the Lord as a Deacon in our local church, Ekklesia Tou Archipomenou. I married my childhood crush, Jeva, who was the main reason I attended the outdoor church activity. Perhaps, God used her then so that I’d be receptive to His calling. I am a father of three boys, Johanne, Jesse, and Jahzwil. I am living a wonderful life because I have met the wonderful God. He has a wonderful plan for an ugly person like me to become someone beautiful in His sight. SOLI DEO GLORIA!
I am so thankful to have found the Christian Leaders Institute online. At CLI, I study God’s Word and receive ministry training to prepare me for my ministry call. God led me here!
Women’s Ministry Journey: A Call to Walk with Women
Hello. My name is Bethany Lock, and I am from the United States. My women’s ministry journey led me to study at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online Bible courses, Click Here).
Women’s Ministry Journey Began
As a child, my family went to church every Sunday until something changed. I do not know the reasons for this change seeing as I was a kid at the time. But, suddenly, we went from going to church every Sunday to going only on holidays and then to not going at all. My parents had been one of the first families to help plant a church in our community, but, for whatever reason, we eventually stopped going.
As I went through school, mainly during my high school days, I felt something was missing. I envied my friends and fellow students who talked about a youth event on the weekend. I longed for those times, but they would not come while I was a student.
Now, grown-up and having walked through many, many storms, I followed that longing and calling. God reignited that flame that burned for Christ and turned it into a full-on fire. It has not been an easy walk for me, and I have had to fight to have my faith. However, it’s worth every single scar that I now have.
Women’s Ministry Journey Led to CLI
I am a survivor of domestic violence. I fought for my faith the whole time in that marriage. Now that I am on the other side of that relationship, I have a huge desire to help women and their families find a walk with God. Then they can find a new beginning during and after leaving an abusive relationship. Also, I want to serve in general women’s ministry. I really enjoy walking alongside women in their walk with God and seeing them grow in their faith.
Before realizing the call to get a ministry degree, I wrote and worked as an online Bible study leader. Along with that, I co-authored a Bible study about women in the Bible that heard Jesus calling to them and answered that call. Currently, I work as a co-facilitator for one of the women’s Bible study groups at my church. I also am excited to be studying for women’s ministry at the Christian Leaders Institute.
God Helps Us Rise Above Our Circumstances
Good day to the ecclesia of God! My name is Danver Engelbrecht, and I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute to get equipped and trained for ministry (Learn more about online Bible courses, Click Here). I married Verona Engelbrecht 11 years ago. We have two children, Azariah, my 8-year-old boy, and Zerah, my 1-year-old girl. I live in South Africa in Cape Town in a suburb called Mitchells Plain.
I have a diploma in Operations Management, but my occupation is a Sales Executive at Bidvest Waltons for 18 years. My goal is to remain a beacon of hope in the secular environment, so my light shines for God’s glory. I am a person with integrity, honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness.
My Spiritual Journey
My passion or hobbies as a youth were mostly sports like soccer, table tennis, snooker, volleyball, and athletics. The majority of my peers growing up were unsaved and are still unsaved today. Our community is known for criminal activity, gangsters, drug and alcohol abuse. However, I never let peers or community influence me to go down a negative path.
Just before I turned 21, I lost my best friend through a dispute at a nightclub. I vowed never to set foot in any nightclub again. But three months after that event, I found myself in a nightclub again. A strange happening occurred. I heard a voice saying, “Didn’t you say never to set foot in a nightclub again?” Everything went blurry, and I became anxious and wanted to leave. I left, and that night I wrestled with the Spirit, surrendered my life to God, and never looked back.
I dedicated or devoted my time to serve in the kingdom from day one. First, I became the youth leader, then the regional leader, and even ran the married couples. Also, I had intensive leadership training to equip myself to be relevant and on the cutting edge.
Equipped and Trained for Ministry Through CLI
I love the Word of God, and I desire to exegete scriptures accurately. So, with the help of the Christian Leaders Institute, I will be better equipped and trained for ministry. I love reading commentaries and listening to podcasts and videos of the great men of faith of our time. I am a servant of the Kingdom of God.