My name is Michael Angelo Jimeno, and I’m from the Philippines. Wanting a firm foundation in Christ for my life, marriage, family, and church, I study at the Christian Leaders Institute with its tuition-free ministry, leadership, and Bible courses.
My Testimony for God’s Glory
As the saying goes, “Tough times don’t last; tough people do.” So, I absorbed that belief in my life and told myself, “I am a hardworking person, I am smart, I earn a 6-digit income abroad, and I am a leader, and I am the boss.” What could possibly go wrong if I did this, and my family followed and obeyed my lead?
Because of this view, I became legalistic, critical, judgmental, always right, controlling, and sadly, spoke harsh words to my wife and kids, especially when I was drunk. Please note: I was already reading the Bible, part of a small group, and attending a couple’s retreat. Unfortunately, this only fed my expectation that everyone in my family should submit to me since I knew more about God, and they needed to rely on my leading or else they would not obey God.
As I continued this attitude, I noticed that things never went well. Rather, they spiraled down. My wife, Allain, began to resent me and, most of the time, didn’t care about me. Whenever we fought, she left our house and returned in the evening. My kids became afraid of me.
Time for a Change
I reached rock bottom when my wife said that she was convinced and resolved that it was time to part ways. That really hit me hard. I prayed to God, “Lord, if you’re willing, please have mercy and give me one more chance to make this right.” God worked in my heart and life to become the godly husband Allain deserved in Christ.
In Ezekiel 36:25-27 the Lord said, “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”
Indeed by God’s grace, I became new! The healing process began in my family with a lifestyle of forgiveness and humility towards my family. I consistently did my personal quiet time and intentionally discipled my wife and kids.
Ministry Leadership and Bible Courses at CLI
When my attitude was fixed and our family recharged for God, God called us to reach out to more families and athletes out there. Our mission statement is “To honor God and empower others to have a lifestyle of balancing the 4Fs: Faith, Family, Finance, and Fitness.” We also share our tagline, “Go for God!”
Furthermore, we started our house church with the loving support of our discipleship group. We do this with joy and trust God along the way. Last August 20, 2022, we had our first fellowship in a small tent. Then, the Lord provided a bigger place. We celebrated our first Christmas party at the back of our house.
I also wanted more training as a Christian leader and minister. That is when I found the Christian Leaders Institute online. It’s tuition-free ministry leadership and Bible courses are a gift from God.
To God be the Glory
As I end, let me rephrase what I said: ” Tough times don’t last, but humble people who trust God do.” Thank you for reading my story. My encouragement: If God can change a super messy me, God can also do that for you. When He does, or He already did, may you first be intentional about having your family draw near to Him and then be part of a Christian fellowship.
So, my name is Michael Angelo Jimeno. Once having a heart of stone, I am now, by the grace of our all-powerful God, a humble messenger with a heart of flesh and a loving servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! To God be all the glory! Let’s go for God!
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.
Hello! My name is Ashley Penrod. I am blessed with one son (so far) and a fantastic husband. We live on the small family farm I grew up on in eastern Iowa. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute. The ministry course options at CLI equip me for my ministry calling from God.
My Story
My family very rarely missed church. The days I grew in my faith the most were in 8th grade, which was a confirmation year for me. At this time, my church did not have a full-time pastor. Our pastor retired and moved away, and we had not yet found a new pastor. I had a great confirmation teacher and a great mentor. My father took me to church council meetings and was a part of finding a new pastor.
While in high school, it crossed my mind that I could go into the military and become a chaplain. However, I could not go this path as I had some health issues with asthma and with my joints. I had several ankle surgeries. We prayed before each one, and they all went without issue.
College, Work, and Marriage
After high school, I started to pull away from my faith. I worked on weekends as college was Monday through Thursday. I attempted to attend church and even conducted the bell choir for a year. However, I later moved to the apartments at my local community college. Once again, my faith went on the back burner. I went to school to become a diesel mechanic and earned my agricultural business management degree. For a few years, I worked as a mechanic until a shoulder injury made it impossible for me to work on heavy-duty trucks.
Thankfully, I met my husband when I was in the diesel program. We married one year after graduating from school. He helped me with many prayers when I could no longer do what I loved.
Ministry Course Options at CLI
I later went back to college and became a paramedic. At this point, I began attending church more and reading my Bible again. I often contacted God when a serious call came over the radio. It drew me closer to God, and my faith in Him grew. Then, I began to look into ordained minister courses as I did in high school. Generally, one pays a lot for ministry courses. So, I thought I would not get to grow in my faith and become a minister.
I was at work between ambulance calls and looked again at my ministry class options. That was when I came across the Christian Leaders Institute. It worked perfectly for me. In a difficult place financially, I was thrilled to find out that there was an option at the Christian Leaders Institute. I could take classes while still working and donate when I could. It was inspiring for me. I signed up and started my classes that day. Therefore, I can study while work is slow and fit schooling for ministry in my free time.
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 Wendy, and I live in New Jersey, United States of America. I am studying for credentials in the Women’s Ministry Program at the Christian Leaders Institute. For the past 22 years, I have worked with special needs children and plan to retire soon. In retirement, I hope to use the new skills I am learning at CLI to help women who have been through trauma and succeed in overcoming adversity.
I am very blessed, as I have a fantastic husband, four children, and one grandchild. I have a BS in Psychology and advanced Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) training. Further, I am a classical Vocal Instructor. I have been a youth pastor in several churches, and although I love that ministry, God has been tugging at my heart to go in a different direction now.
Life Changing Event
On October 15, 1983, my life changed dramatically when I went to a concert with a friend. I had no idea what was in store that evening, but I’m grateful for going! A concert sounded great since I grew up in a musical family! I was 19 and living independently since I had a great job.
When we arrived at the venue, I realized it was a Christian concert. It was a great show. At the show’s end, there was a call to choose Jesus as my Savior. I answered the altar call and accepted Him into my heart, and I haven’t turned back. Like most people, I am not perfect and have fallen several times. However, Jesus is always merciful and kind. He helps me regain my footing every time.
My Background Story
Previous to this event, I was a pretty worldly kid. Even though my parents sent me to a private Christian school, I hooked up with the wrong crowd. Drinking, drugs, and promiscuity with no sense of right or wrong was how I lived. After two years, they expelled me when I was high on drugs in class. I went back to public school and got lost in the crowd.
In my senior year, my boyfriend got me pregnant and talked me into terminating the child. After that, I completely lost myself and tried to end my life several times. My parents sent me to counseling. They diagnosed me with Borderline Personality Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I hated myself and carried all the guilt of killing my unborn child. Abortion is an ugly thing and very hard to bear. The guilt was unbearable. My drug and alcohol usage increased, and I felt so lost.
My Freedom and Change in Christ
I attended the aforementioned concert the following year and found the answer in Jesus. It took some time for the self-loathing to go away, but God’s grace delivered me from the pain, addiction, and mental issues. What a mighty God we serve!
I have served in many capacities while trying to find my way. I worked in Youth Ministry and Young Life, led Vacation Bible Schools, planned and participated in five mission trips abroad and the US, and led a children’s street ministry in a dangerous city in my area. God was preparing me all along the way.
Study in the Women’s Ministry Program at CLI
My education from CLI in the Women’s Ministry Program will help me serve women who walk the same roads I walked down. I hope to help them to find freedom, deliverance, and peace. I have an active podcast and website blog to reach women who need Jesus and women who want to multiply salvation in women. God touched my heart with this calling, and I am ready to answer. Christians Leaders Institute came along at the perfect time!
Finding CLI is such a gift from God. To be credible, we should show that we are willing to work for it by putting our actions ahead of our words. I have already learned so much in the several classes I have taken in the Women’s Ministry Program! I am excited to be a part of this amazing ministry. My heart is grateful. Best wishes to all who read this! God bless you!
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.