My name is Christine Gutu, and I am from Zimbabwe, a beautiful country in Africa. So far, I have a Diploma in Pastoral Studies from one of our local Bible schools here in Zimbabwe. I was working on getting my degree in Theology and Biblical Studies but did not manage to finish the studies for various reasons. Thank God, I found the Christian Leaders Institute because now I can pursue my studies without worrying about my ability to pay for my education. Free study at CLI is an answer to prayer. Besides my Pastoral Diploma, I also have a Diploma in Marketing and Financial intelligence.
My Path
Growing up in a divorced family was not easy for me. I grew up with very low self-esteem and was emotionally unstable. Although I managed to present myself as a robust person, inside, I was bleeding for years. I was a church girl in my early years of life, but I was never happy. I struggled with a sense of belonging to a point where I tried to commit suicide twice in my teenage years.
One thing I craved the most was love. I needed to feel loved. I wanted someone to love me, unconditionally. However, no one was there to fill that gap that grew bigger and bigger as I grew older. A place that I felt at home was the church. So from the time I was eight years old, I spent most of my time at church. I was bitter and broken and didn’t have a mentor to teach me the ways of God. All the same, at church, I was everyone’s darling and very active in Sunday school activities.
God Was Calling
As I grew older, I finally understood that I had a calling. The Holy Spirit opened my spiritual eyes. I experienced and felt the presence and power of God. However, during that time, my mother got sick. God showed me her death in a vision before it happened, but due to my lack of understanding, I thought it was a vision of healing.
When I received the news of my mother’s death the following day, I decided to let it all go. I remember telling God that I was never going to set foot in a church again because He didn’t love me. First, my parents divorced when I was four years old. Then I grew up in a place where I felt unloved and had to fight for attention all the time. Then, when I was getting to have a relationship with my mother, God decided to take her away from me. At that time, I thought that God didn’t love me, and so I decided to have nothing to do with Him.
Good Girl Gone Bad
After my decision to not go to church anymore, I started a crazy journey of looking for love and happiness in the wrong places and things. I started drinking, clubbing, and spending time with the wrong crew of the town. Somehow, I felt that it made me look cool, and maybe people would value me and respect me because I was “swimming with the sharks.” I did it all, but nothing filled the gap that was in my heart. Every night I said, “I LOVE YOU, JESUS!” before going to sleep. No matter how drunk I was, I never went to bed without saying it. For about six years, I continued with this lifestyle until I realized it was never going to give me the peace I wanted and needed.
Wounded Soldier
Finally, I went back to church, and things improved somewhat. I was very prayerful but still not fully surrendered. I got into some toxic relationships that left me broken with money issues that didn’t make life easier. However, I thank God that this time, I didn’t think about giving up. I decided to hold on. I was a wounded soldier who was not going to put her weapons down in battle.
Saying Yes to God’s Calling
With all that was happening, I knew that God wanted me to do something in His Kingdom. I felt drawn to broken people, especially women and children. I felt this overwhelming love that flowed from me to the orphans. So I spent some time playing with children from the Children’s homes. I wanted them to feel loved.
God called me to do more, but for years I kept running. All I wanted was to be an “ordinary” Christian. However, the pull toward ministry and His voice grew stronger and louder. I finally surrendered and said yes to God’s calling!
First, I enrolled in a local Theological college and got my Pastoral Diploma. I started a ministry to empower women in the ways of God. I gave my time entirely to this ministry, and by God’s grace, we are now in our third year of officially operating as a ministry. Though it’s not easy to run a ministry as a single woman, God’s grace is sufficient for me. My spiritual dream is to see people restored to God and living for Him. All Glory to God!
Free Study at CLI Online
I am so thankful for the Christian Leaders Institute. With the classes I have gone through so far, I have increased knowledge and revelation that will help me to be more effective in ministry. It has strengthened my walk with God, as well. And this free study at CLI is the best thing for me since I cannot afford to pay for my studies. I will give back to this great work so someone else can benefit the same way I am benefiting from Christian Leaders Institute! Thank you, CLI!
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Hello, my name is Wayne Wong from San Francisco, California, USA. I am excited to receive formal Christian training at CLI. Currently, I am single and have been wanting to grow closer to God and to serve Him in a more significant way. I am a member of the Millbrae Bible Church in Millbrae, California, about 15 minutes away from San Francisco. My first service the Lord began last year as an usher/greeter. I hesitated to be more active with the church, but as I prayed, the Lord led me to serve as a greeter. As time passed, a new assignment was given to me where I collect tithes and offerings during our Sunday service. The expanded role was significant for me with greater trust from the pastoral staff.
My Early Years
I grew up as an only child, sheltered most of my life. Although I have cousins on both my mom and dad’s side of the family, I was never close to them. My whole family was Buddhist, and that was the only religion I knew, but I did not practice it much. I always felt something was missing in my life. Also, I noticed I often felt lost and angry. I lost many friends due to my negative attitude in life.
Things changed when I attended San Jose State University in 1999. I transferred there after two years at San Francisco State University. San Jose State had an Aviation program, which I wanted. So I was able to stay close to home and yet getaway to be on my own.
Coming to Know the Lord
In the mail, I received an opportunity to be mentored by Asian American men who are doctors, engineers, and businessmen. I took a chance and met with my mentor, Michael Kim, who was a civil engineer at the time. As I got to know him, he told me he ran a Bible study on campus every Thursday. He invited me to the Bible study. Initially, I was reluctant, but I finally decided to go.
To my surprise, it was pleasant to pick up a Bible for the first time. We studied some verses in John. I was amazed at how my perceptions of the Bible were way off base. After attending Bible study regularly, a friend invited me to the Sunday worship service that was 10 minutes away from the campus. The church was called Berkland Baptist Church.
In 2000, my grandfather from my mom’s side was very sick with cancer and a stroke. Unfortunately, he took his life while I was still in my second year of college. It made me seek answers for life, and I needed comfort desperately. My family practiced Buddhism, but it was no help for me. I needed answers and was desperate. Soon, I realized that Jesus is the answer. I had this feeling that I needed to submit my life to Him. One day during worship service, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. About five months later, I received baptism.
Formal Christian Leaders Institute Training
I feel the calling for formal Christian training because I want to mentor others and be able to counsel them when they go through tough times. I hope to serve God in a significant way. The Christian Leaders Institute formal Christian training is what I need. God has a plan for me to expand my horizons and take on a leadership role. One day, I hope to be an elder at the church. Furthermore, I want the church to grow and expand through the outreach of others in the community. I want to lead the lost to Christ.
Please, pray for me to complete this program and to stay faithful and patient with God’s plans for me. Thank you!
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
My name is Christine Johnson, and I am receiving further minister education at CLI. I was born on the beautiful island of Nassau, Bahamas. We here in the Bahamas say this is where God resides. I am the first of nine children born to my parents, Mr. Fredrick and Elder Cora Mcphee. At the tender age of thirteen, I committed my life to Christ at a revival service at our local assembly. Growing up in a Christian home played a pivotal role in my decision, as family devotions and scripture readings were routine.
My Calling Begins
As a teenager and a new convert, for a time, I became distracted. However, while attending a youth choir rehearsal, the closing song was, Set Me on Fire (once more so the world can watch me burn for you). I knew God had a calling on my life. I recommitted my life to the Lord right then and there. Was the journey always easy? No, it was not. It was through building a disciplined life of prayer and reading God’s word that helped me to mature in the things of God.
Since birth, I have worshipped in the same Baptist church. Therefore, I have had the joy and privilege to have served in each arm of the ministry. I married, and now along with my husband and children, we are at the same church. It will celebrate its 71st Anniversary this year.
Passion for the Youth
I have always had a passion for working with young people and in the Youth Ministry. Sometimes, I wonder if this is because of my time of distraction as a new convert and a teenager. There is a saying, “Experience is the best teacher.” I want to assist as many young people as I can to stay focused on their Christian journey. With what I experienced on the new convert journey, I know it is but for the grace of God that I am walking with Him. The word of God states in Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you.” To this date, I serve as the Church’s Youth Minister.
Ordination on My Journey
My Senior Pastor saw God’s hand on my life, so I was ordained to the ministry as an Evangelist on July 27, 1997. Therefore, I have had the pleasure of traveling extensively throughout the family of Islands. I preach the gospel to fulfill the commission of Jesus Christ. There was an even higher calling upon my life. Therefore, I was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in July 2004 and as a Reverend in July 2016.
One day, I dream of becoming a Senior Pastor and shepherd for the people of God. To this end, I continually rely on my favorite Scripture Psalm 37: 23-24, “The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way, though he falls he would not utterly be cast down for the Lord upholds him in His righteous right hand.”
My Academic Journey Thus Far
My academic journey began at the Naomi Blatch Primary School and further molding at S.C. Mcpherson Junior High, A.F. Adderley Senior High, Atlantic College (Nassau, Bahamas), and Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) respectively. I am a graduate of the Bahamas Baptist Bible Institute and Seminary. Also, I graduated from the School of Ministry of the Mt. Pleasant Greene Baptist Church with a certificate in Spiritual Warfare. Both are located in Nassau, Bahamas.
Further Minister Education at CLI
During the lockdown because of COVID 19, I felt in my heart God is doing something new. I sense there is going to be a great revival during and after this time of crisis. So I thought to use my lockdown time wisely by enrolling in some classes that will prepare me with further minister education. I thank you, Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), for your labor of love to provide free online ministry training. Many people have been laid off or lost their jobs during this time of COVID 19, but you have made the classes available online and affordable. May God forever bless and provide for your institution.
The training received thus far from CLI brought me new insight into some protocols in ministry. My husband, who is also an ordained minister, is my mentor while I study at CLI. Therefore, we can share my lessons learned. The journey thus far at CLI has been life-transforming.
I would like to especially thank Professor Henry Reyenga for covering me in prayer at the end of many of the videos. May God’s blessings forever rest upon him.
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.