My name is Frances Andersen from beautiful Southern Oregon. Looking for more training in ministry, a friend told me about the Christian Leaders Institute. Now, I study at CLI to prepare for whatever ministry God leads me to do.
My Journey
As I share my story with others, I see where God was in every step of my life. Growing up in a Catholic home introduced me to the existence of Yahweh very young. I received infant baptism in the Catholic Church, went through catechism in the second grade, and made confirmation as a teen, where I committed my life to Christ. My life was always His, even though it took me several years to understand how that would play out in the long run. For years, I searched for what was always with me from the beginning of my life.
Unfortunately, my interaction with the world of adulthood didn’t start out very well. Even though I was raised in a decent home with good parents, things happened. Easily influenced, I turned out to be an awesome follower of people, good and bad. Again, unfortunately, I tended to follow and take advice from people who didn’t always steer me in the right direction.
Called but Running
The whisper of a call was always there. However, like Jonah, I ran away until there was nowhere to run. I began to pay attention and learned to not only hear Him call but stop to listen. Nothing in the world I was turning to filled the emptiness or repaired the brokenness but God. He showed me that in Him, I would find comfort. Therefore, I surrendered.
More Training in Ministry at CLI
Many people have walked beside me, helping, encouraging, and listening while I learned, pondered, and wrestled with passages in the Bible. I began working with other people, doing for them what others had done for me. That’s why I am here at the Christian Leaders Institute. A friend of mine found CLI and told me to check it out. I wanted more training in ministry without the huge tuition I could not afford. Ready to retire from my current profession, I am dedicating the rest of my life to service work.
I don’t know what the Lord has in store for me at the end of all this, but I know without a doubt He brought me to CLI. He made more training in ministry possible. In faith, I will do what He puts in front of me.
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.
Journey of Faith: From Engineering and Law to Ministry
Greetings, dear readers! My name is Daniel Jeffrey Gonzales from the Philippines. I am thrilled to share my life’s journey with you. The ministry courses and biblical knowledge taught at the Christian Leaders Institute equip me for my dual ministry calling.
My Early Years
I was born on a crisp October 30th morning in 1991, a day that would mark the beginning of an adventurous and faith-filled life. Raised in a loving family, I quickly developed a curiosity for understanding the world around me. This curiosity eventually led me down paths I could never have predicted.
Education and Career Convergence
As I grew, my passion for learning led me to pursue a dual career in engineering and law. Armed with a thirst for knowledge and an unyielding determination, I embarked on a journey through university. I honed my skills in these two seemingly disparate fields. With each milestone I achieved, I realized that God was weaving a unique tapestry for my life. One that blended my analytical engineering mind with a heart for justice and advocacy as a lawyer.
Marriage Union
On December 20, 2019, I experienced a life-altering event. I married the love of my life, Jane Marie. Our union symbolized more than just the merging of two souls. It was the embodiment of God’s perfect timing and His plan for our lives. Together, we set out on a journey of shared dreams. We support each other’s endeavors and embrace the challenges that come our way.
Answering the Call
My journey took an unexpected turn when God called me to serve Him in ministry. The call to ministry was like a whisper in my heart that grew louder with each passing day. I began to engage in various roles within my church community – from leading the youth to guiding worship and preaching. It was in these moments of service that I discovered a new dimension of purpose, a deeper connection to God’s work, and an unwavering desire to touch lives.
Birth of a Vision
The culmination of my experiences led me to found “Soul’d Out for Jesus Ministries Incorporated.” This organization was born out of a passion to bring hope, healing, and access to justice to those who needed it most. The ministry aimed to provide legal assistance to the underprivileged while also spreading the message of God’s love to the farthest corners of the world. The dual identity of lawyer and minister seamlessly merged. God created in me a powerful force for change and transformation.
CLI: Ministry Courses and Biblical Knowledge
As the vision for my ministry expanded, so did my quest for ministry courses, biblical knowledge, and spiritual growth. This search led me to the Christian Leaders Institute. There, I found a community dedicated to equipping individuals like me with the tools to serve effectively. With a heart for the marginalized and a passion for ministry, I joined CLI to enhance my skills and fulfill my calling. My ultimate goal is to empower those in need, whether through legal aid or spiritual guidance.
Embracing the Future
Dear reader, my journey continues to unfold each day, with its challenges and triumphs. From my early days as an engineer and lawyer to the unexpected path into ministry, my life has been a testament to God’s faithfulness and guidance. Through it all, my loving wife, Jane Marie, has been my constant companion. She supports me in every endeavor. As I look ahead, I am excited to see how God will continue to use me to impact lives and bring about positive change in this world.
Thank you for joining me on this autobiographical voyage. May my story inspire you to embrace your own journey with faith, courage, and an open heart.
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 Life With and In Christ
My name is Lodesca Livingston. Looking for theological studies online, I found the Christian Leaders Institute. The courses at CLI will equip me for my calling from God to ministry.
I live on a tiny island in the Southwestern Caribbean called Old Providence, which is part of the Archipelago of San Andres, Providence, and Santa Catalina. The island’s history is intertwined with the British colonial history in the Caribbean and America. I was born here in the late 1960s. Later, I traveled abroad for studies and then came back home to help care for my mom. I have recently decided to move to Bogota, Colombia.
My Youth and Education
I am the first of eleven brothers and sisters. I grew up right here on the island of Providence. My childhood days were happy. There was always something to share with others. My father was a farmer and a fisherman, so our kitchen always had food. My mother was a hardworking woman who cared for her home and helped my dad on the farm. We grew up with great freedom and many opportunities to play and share with other kids. My father had strict rules at home. Manners and respect were essential. Children were required to respect their elders.
I finished high school in 1986. However, I did not go on to college immediately because my parents did not have the resources to help me. Therefore, I worked for two years before attending college. I studied Educational Psychology. My first intention was to go to seminary where I would study Theology, but I decided to pursue something else.
I grew up in a house where we did not sit around the table to have devotions or praise God. However, my mom made sure we went to church and attended Bible school every afternoon on Sunday. Childhood days circled school, play, and church. I accepted Christ at 13 and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Providence Island.
The Way Back to God
After finishing my undergraduate, I returned to my territory. I worked there for three years and then traveled abroad for my master’s degree. During this period, some situations led me away from God. I deflected for a while. However, later, I came to my senses and restored my relationship with God, and grew closer to him. After my master’s degree, I returned to my territory and worked as a principal for two years at a school. It was a lonely time, and I depended on God for everything. At this time, I realized that God wanted more from me. Therefore, I became a leader in the church attended at the time. I also occasionally participated in the radio program and delivered the message when delegated.
Attacks, Challenges, and the Desert
Many would think all would be well after recognizing you have a calling. However, it was not like that for me. After that, I suffered the most horrible attacks from the enemy. I still suffer from them. With every step I climbed, there was a series of attacks and challenges to overcome. At times, I was on the mountain. At other times, I found myself in the valley asking God many questions because things seemed so hard. The enemy even tried to kill me.
However, in one of those moments when I was crying before God, He showed me my life in a vision. He passed my life before me from when I was a kid until then. Further, God brought back moments of my life when Satan wanted to kill me. He showed me that He was there to save me! Glory to God! Through this, God wanted me to be confident that He was and is always there to back me up. Therefore, I don’t have to fear. These battles led me to seek God more profoundly by reading books and studying the Bible, God’s Word. It is essential to say that God was faithful when I went through my desert.
During my Bible study classes, the class was asked about their calling. I responded by saying that I wanted to lift people. However, the leader of the class told me that that wasn’t a ministry. His attitude shocked me. But I decided not to let that break me. I continued to serve in whatever I was appointed to do in the church.
Theological Studies Online at CLI
In 2014, I changed location and moved house, which came with moving church. I found a new church but did not accept any leadership position. At this time, I sought guidance from God about my purpose. I then decided to take the calling seriously and prepare myself for it. Though willing to accept the challenge, the possibilities were limited because there wasn’t a university or academy in my territory. Therefore, I decided to do my theological studies online. So, I looked for online programs that would be financially accessible and also offer good biblical training. I surfed the internet for many days, even weeks until I came across CLI and registered. Here, I am in training to support the purpose. Thank you, CLI!
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.