Making Spiritual Dreams a Reality
Hello to every one of you! My name is Tina Frankl, and I am a child of the Most High King! I am also called to leadership training at the Christian Leaders Institute. Living in Franklin, Indiana, I am a fifth-grade math and science teacher and a mom of two wonderfully created young men. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Christian Leaders Institute and their mission to offer free ministry training to those who love God, love others and desire more knowledge of His Word through professional training.
Calling to Ministry
Aren’t we all called to do something? Whether it is to preach the gospel behind a podium, travel the world as an evangelist, or be a shining example of Christ through our daily work and communication with people, we are all called. We are to love God, love others, and offer eternity in Heaven through Christ Jesus. I have always felt a “calling” to do my part. I’ve always felt that there is something bigger around the corner that God is calling me to do.
However, I’m not sure what that might be. What I do know is that I am blessed to be a part of the public school education system that has tried to shut God out. Yet, they hire men and women of faith like myself. We then go through those doors each day, where we are on the front lines of battle. We minister in our way the Gospel of Christ through our kindness, compassion, empathy, and love. They will know we are Christians by our love!
With all of that, I know that there is even more work for me to do. My life has been quite the story, much like yours, and I believe that God never wastes a hurt.
God Never Wastes a Hurt
Here is my story in a nutshell. My husband went to be with the Lord at the age of 36 after battling malignant melanoma. I was left to rear our two young boys without their father. Our oldest son was born prematurely due to complications from an amniocentesis. It resulted in a life long battle with kidney failure for him. In his 27 years on this planet, our son has been through several years on and off dialysis. He has been blessed with three kidney transplants with the newest one struggling at only 9% function. Our youngest son, at the age of 16, was diagnosed with pre-cancer cells found in a mole that looked like a simple freckle. He is currently a fifth-year student at Ball State University studying to become an elementary teacher with a minor in Spanish and Computer Science.
Some of you may be thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot. Poor girl!” Yes, I often fall victim to that mentality when things come crashing down on me all at once. However, then I realize it is a blessing to still have my two sons with me. I have a job that affords me a roof over my head, food on my table, and my bills are all paid. My oldest son has won the kidney transplant lottery three times, and my youngest son had his mole removed before it could cause harm. God BLESSED me!
Called to Leadership Training at CLI
My story is not unlike yours. We all have our struggles and hurts. It is what we do with them that matters. I know there is more God wants me to do. He has put so many desires in my heart. Several times in my adult life, people asked me to testify, write a book, lead a group, create a social media outlet, create a non-profit, and the list goes on. Crazy enough, all of those things I desire to do.
However, I am called first to leadership training to be fully equipped for the chaotic world that we are now living in. As a teacher and mother of sons with extensive medical needs, the finances are tight. Paying for education for myself is not an option. Plus, I have always felt that God’s Word and training for His work should never have a price tag. God freely gives, and so should we.
Therefore, finding the Christian Leaders Institute has been an answer to prayer as I am called to leadership training. I didn’t just stumble upon them; God led me to them. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication to the cause. I believe that as Christian Leaders Institute freely gives to the Kingdom, so should we with our time, talents, and treasures.
Spiritual Dreams
How shall I use my time, talents, and treasure, you ask? My time is mine now that I am an empty nester. Having a heart for theatre and film, I own a small performing arts theatre, produced and script supervised several independent films, and worked in Hollywood as a General Manager for the world-famous Graumann’s Theatre. Having seen Hollywood in all of its “not-so-glorious” state, I want to make a positive Christ-like impact in the entertainment world.
I love entertaining and making people laugh, helping others, giving God all the glory, and sharing my story. I pray that God will make my path clear and my opportunities plentiful. As I progress in my journey for knowledge and wisdom through my training here at CLI, I hope to retire soon from my current career.
Therefore, I look forward to embarking on a whole new adventure of loving God, loving others, and using my God-given desires and talents creatively and engagingly!
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Answering the Call to be a Chaplain from Heaven’s Dispatch Center
Hello! My name is Joseph D’Amico, and I am from Wisconsin in the United States. I am called to be a chaplain in the fire service field. Free ministry and chaplain classes at CLI are what I need to answer this call.
I grew up Catholic, attended CFC classes to prepare for my First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Honestly, I hated going to these classes. As a child with ADD, it was difficult for me to have to go to classes after school once a week. All I wanted to do what play with my friends. As I grew older, I still attended these classes until I made my Confirmation.
During that time, I was struggling with Anxiety and Depression. Although I still didn’t particularly appreciate going to the classes, I found more meaning in them. I also began to open myself up more to God. It is where my relationship with Christ truly began. Up until this point, my parents told me I had to go to them. However, as a young adult making my Confirmation, I decided to give myself to Christ.
Struggles
Over time, my depression and anxiety worsened. Ultimately, it led to my hospitalization on three separate occasions, all within one year. It was a trying time as I was on the brink of giving up and not trying anymore. During one of my hospitalizations, I asked my doctor for my Rosary. He agreed to allow me to have it, and I began to pray as much as I could.
At the hospital, we also had group sessions that allowed us to speak about our experiences and do activities. I tried meditation and yoga, but they resulted in an anxiety attack. The only form of meditation that kept me grounded was praying that Rosary. It was God’s way of saying, “Come with me.” To this day, I struggle with my anxiety and depression, but having the Lord as a fantastic resource has gotten me through many difficult situations.
Called to Serve as a Chaplain
Many years after, I wanted to be an avenue of spiritual and emotional healing to my brothers and sister in the fire service by becoming a Chaplain. I served on a fire department previously for five and a half years. To this day, I can clearly remember some of the calls I answered. The mental and emotional stress of the job can take a significant toll on those called to respond in these situations. While I was not subject to a significant incident that left a long-lasting negative impression on me, there are many of my brothers and sister that have been. Many of them, which I know personally, have either sought help and were able to manage their struggles, or some have given in to theirs, ultimately taking their lives.
It is my goal and my passion to help those who are struggling to find the light to overcome and to show them their real strength found in Christ. The Christian Leaders Institute is the only place where I can take the courses needed to serve in that capacity comfortably. While I have only gone through a few introductory courses, I already feel that CLI is the perfect ministry school to train and educate me on effective ministry properly.
I am excited to be a student at CLI! I cannot wait to see what opportunities my CLI training will bring for me as I serve the Lord and people! God Bless!
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Hi everyone, my name is Meschiel Lactayan Taquil, and I am thankful for the free ministry learning online at the Christian Leaders Institute. I was born and grew up in a remote place in the Philippines. Currently, I live and work in Muscat, Oman as an assistant school nurse. I grew up in a broken family. My parents separated when I was eight years old. I have four siblings and am the eldest.
My Childhood
When my parents separated, my siblings and I were separated from each other as well amongst my father’s relatives. My mom decided to work abroad and left us. My dad left us also to look for a job somewhere far from our hometown. When my dad returned after three years, he took me and my other siblings. Then we lived together with his new wife.
When I was 15 years old, I needed to leave because my dad could no longer support my studies. I needed to find ways to support my dreams in life as a working student. My uncle, the eldest brother of my mom and a soldier, helped me. I needed to work for them as a house helper while studying. My uncle provided everything I needed. He was good to me except for the other family members. I almost got raped by one of his wife’s relatives when we were staying together in the same house. They were extended family. His daughter, my cousin, treated me as if I did not belong to the family. She was mean to me. I considered her one of my biggest challenges in achieving my dream.
My Youth and College Experience
When I reached college, my uncle enrolled me in a private university, Catholic University School, in Butuan City, Philippines. In my first year, the first semester, I took up a Commerce Course major in Finance. However, in the second semester, my uncle told me to shift to the nursing course. During my college days, I encountered many trials in life. Filled with frustration, depression, and hardship, I almost gave up on my life. I felt alone and a loser and tried to end my life by attempting suicide.
Thankfully, I met some friends. Some are true to me to this day, some were fake. But that’s life, I suppose. I released my sadness, my disappointments, my brokenness by spending my free time in the clubs. Sometimes, I skipped classes to drink, and I learned how to smoke but never tried hard drugs. My true friends were my family. They were always with me when I needed comfort or someone with which to talk. Despite everything, God also never abandoned me. He helped me to get up and to continue my dreams. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010 and passed my license board examination in the same year.
My Spiritual Journey
Before I took the board examination, one of my friends invited me to go to church. She encouraged me to pray, to talk to God in a private place. At that moment, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in that place. I knew in my heart that He was there. I cried and told Him everything. Then, I confessed my sins and asked His forgiveness. Finally, I asked Him to help me pass the board examination. And God heard my prayers. He gave me my License. From then on, God changed my heart and my life. I decided to walk with Him, and there’s no turning back!
Soon, I got a job and helped my siblings. I supported their studies until they graduated from college. However, my youngest brother is still studying. Every time I feel tired, God is my strength. I keep on praying to Him to guide me in every way and hold me tight. I surrender my life to God, my future, my plans. I’ve read the Bible and understand His Word through the help of my Pastor. I meditate on His words.
Currently, I am part of the worship team as a worship leader in our local church. I am humbly committed to serving God using my voice that He has given. I am also serving as a deacon in our church. How blessed and grateful I am to be part of the ministry for God’s glory!
Free Ministry Learning Online at the Christian Leaders Institute
The Christian Leaders Institute is a great opportunity for me to understand more about my mission as a servant of Jesus Christ and to abide deeply in Him. It is a tool to enhance my skills, competence, and credibility. Then I can share the word of God, gain confidence in leading, and tell the world about the goodness of our Savior Jesus Christ. I am here at CLI because I want to embrace my calling. I am beyond blessed to have this free ministry learning online at CLI.
God Bless Us All!
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.