My name is Cathy Blalock and I live in the United States. I am married with four children and two step children. I also have three grandchildren and soon to be four. I grew up in a small town in Georgia. Although, I was raised by two loving parents who were Christians I was not raised in church. At the age of seven God blessed me with a dream where I spoke to Jesus and this amazing dream drew me to want to know Jesus. Interestingly, in my dream Jesus spoke in words as the King James version of the Bible is written. I had no knowledge of this at the time as I had never read a Bible. My earthly father was with me at the start of this dream. When I awoke I shared what Jesus had told me. My father began looking up scripture immediately and seeing the words from my dream had meaning from the Bible. This was more than an ordinary dream. Myself and my father were changed that day. He began watching church shows on television. Years later, he began handing out business cards with a message to reach others for God. He handed those out everyday to strangers up to his death. A year before his death he told me God was going to take him that year and that he wanted me to continue to hand them out and take over his role of being a disciple for God. To pray for each one every night that I handed a card to. He passed that year as he said in 2011.
I myself have been actively pursuing to learn all I can about God, Jesus, and the Bible since my dream. I have much testimony throughout all of the trials in my life including experiencing miraculous healing twice once with a near death experience. In 2005, I began some biblical studies to gain more knowledge. I also began handing out copies of The Gospel Of John hoping to bring others to Christ. I joined in praying for those who were reaching out and spent time helping them however I was lead by the spirit. I feel God has called me to continue to do this and I have always prayed he would use me to help others in any way that I could for him. I cannot say exactly what my dream is specifically. I am allowing the spirit to lead me and I know that God can and will direct my paths. My dream is about knowing that without God I am nothing but with him God can use me to accomplish much for the body of Christ. Jesus told me about hope and I intend to bring it to others who need the hope Jesus gave us.
I am disabled due to Narcolepsy but it will not stop me from further studies. I am most grateful to Christian Leaders Institute for giving me the chance to have a scholarship and deepen my knowledge. I know that I will use it wisely as God leads me to do. I want nothing more than to help bring others to the body of Christ and help them in their walk with God. With CLI I will have the skills and help earthly to do what God leads me to. I am blessed to study here!
Sandra Williams of the United States of America – Christian Leaders Basic Certificate
My name is Sandra Williams, most people call me Sandi. I live in the USA and at honestly, at times find it difficult to do ministry. I rely heavily upon the Holy Spirit , for in my weakness, He is strong.
My mother raised me to trust in the Lord, just as her grandparents had taught her. I can still remember her teaching me the Lord’s prayer as a child, and always telling me to put God first. I lost her to advanced liver cancer in 2013 and that loss has had a profound impact upon my life. Again, in my darkest hours of despair, God loved me and gave me His peace. Jesus gave me His love and grace.
My ministry dream is to teach the word of the Lord and to become an evangelist. I love the word. I love talking about the word. I love reading it every day and finding new pearls of wisdom. I see so many people who attend bible study classes seeking to know the Lord in more profound ways , needing to be fed, and sometimes leaving still hungry and thirsty. I want Jesus to use me to help others better understand and appreciate the word. Also to help others disciple their children and family members.
I have always believed in God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but I have not always lived accordingly. However, watching my mother succumb (in 6 months) to liver cancer, changed my entire life. I experienced pain, fear and loneliness at levels that only our Triune God could deliver me from. I sought Him and He was there to comfort me through His Word and to strengthen me. I know that I will live for Him forever.
Challenges are few within my geographic area. We are blessed to have many churches throughout our city. The challenges I face have to do with gaining deeper knowledge and understanding of the word, while trying to work a full time job. I would love to be able to take a 3-4 year break to attend Seminary, but I am determined to study God’s word any way I can, and nearly every day.
I am currently a member of an American Methodist Episcopal church that is founded on very strict disciplines. I can appreciate the rigor of these disciplines, but they can take time to adjust to. However, I am sure that many other groups operate in the same manner. My pastor has been very supportive as well as the ministerial team.
A scholarship at CLI would allow me to pursue my studies and achieve my dream of satisfying God’s calling upon my life. I’ve been searching for a learning opportunity that was both affordable and rigorous. I’ve enjoyed my learning thus far and look forward to taking additional courses.
My name is Shayla Cresse. I was brought up in the Christian community. I was saved at the age of 7 and have strived to follow Jesus since. When I was in High School I wanted to be a Worship Pastor. Music and worship was a passion of mine. Since then I have dug deeper into the word and would like to be a Pastor. I identify most with Youth Leader, my husband and I have recently become the Youth Leaders of our Church. There was a need for a Youth Leader and we stepped up. Since then God has led us down a path I never would have guested would be the plan for my life.
I live in Florida and the biggest challenge for me would be to make sure I do not fall into the temptations of society. Where I live it is all about money, statues and what you look like. My Pastor has been a big encouragement and mentor in my ministry calling. He has given wonderful advice and mentorship. My husband has been a blessing through my ministry training. His encouragement, love and support has helped keep me going.
In order to grow in ministry I need the correct bible training to equip me for the future. A scholarship at Christian Leaders Institute would allow me to obtain that. I need prayer for strength to continue on in what Jesus has called me to do and the opportunity to fulfill it.