Christian Leaders Institute’s student Benjamin Gyamerah enrolled at CLI because he could not afford a traditional seminary, and has the vision to open a charity to help the poor in Ghana through ministry. Ghana Free Ministry Training helped change Benjamin’s life, here is his story…
Ghana Free Ministry Training – Benjamin’s Story
I bring you greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. My name is Benjamin Osei Gyamerah. I was born on the 20th September 1980 to Ghanaian parents. Currently I live in Scotland with my wife and child but I will like to go to Ghana in a not too distant future to continue what God has placed on my heart. After I was born my father travelled to Germany for greener pastures leaving myself and my mother alone. After not hearing from my father for a very long time, my parents had to settle for divorce.
This situation led to a very difficult moment in the life of my mother bringing me up all alone without any source of livelihood. My grandmother then later took up the responsibility of my upbringing and she inculcated in me many Christian values and qualities that helped to influence and shaped my Christian life growing up as a believer. She will wake me up very early in the morning for devotion and encourage me to go to children service on Sunday. She became my source of inspiration and role model but she later died at the age of 67.
At some point in my life my father came into the scene and took up the responsibility of my schooling from senior secondary school to the University of Ghana where I studied Political Science with study of Religions. After my first degree, I secured a scholarship to pursue my master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom where I studied MSc in African Studies. Throughout my life, I never dreamt of becoming a minister of God but my greatest ambition was to become a university lecturer. However, after my master’s degree I felt a strong sense of Gods call upon my life and really wanted to abandon everything and go into ministry. I was highly motivated by the scripture in 1Timothy 3:1 that says that “if anyone decides to do the work of an overseer, he or she has chosen a good job”.
Initially, my father did not agree with my decision to go into ministry but I was greatly and profoundly encouraged by one great man of God (Reverend Lawrence Owusu Ansah), the general overseer and founder of Hour of Prayer ministry in Accra, Ghana whom I also got the opportunity to work with. He prophesied into my life that there is a call upon my life. I did not doubt the prophesy but rather I felt it was a confirmation from God of what I was sensing in my spirit.
Pastor Lawrence became my spiritual father and he taught me many things in ministry and gave me the opportunity to become a youth leader in the church. His tutelage and divine guidance was second to none and it greatly gave me confidence in the Lord. He gave me opportunities to lead prayer meetings and bible studies in the church and travelled with me on many occasions to perform religious assignments.
Currently, I am in a local church in Edinburgh, Scotland (Destiny Church) serving as a member of the welcome and the prayer team. Since I joined the church, I have learnt many things and the experience has been very fulfilling. The church has been very supportive to me and my family both physically and spiritually and I really thank Pastor Peter (Head pastor, Destiny church Edinburgh) for allowing God to use him to impact many lives.
My greatest motivation and desire for going into ministry is first and foremost to avail myself for any kind of work God wants me to do to expand his kingdom and secondly to bring revival among the youth in my country as a minister of God. As a former tutor in a high school in Ghana and a youth pastor in my previous local church, I noticed with discontent the rate at which moral standards in the youth especially those in our schools and colleges are deeply dwindling bringing about low level of optimism among many of the youth to serve the Lord. There are widespread negative and unapproved practices such as homosexual, lesbianism, stealing, gambling etc. in many schools in Ghana.
My aim in ministry is for God to use me to reach many people especially the youth in secondary schools and universities to know the Lord Jesus and demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in working for God in many aspects of their lives. By the grace of God I intend as part of my ministerial calling set up an outreach team and program that will go into schools and engage with students to share and discuss with them pure teachings of the bible with the intention of empowering them for greater service in the Lord. As part of this vision, a comprehensive plan and strategy will be drawn to get many schools come together once a year to share what the Lord is doing in their lives. The purpose is to create the platform for other youth to be encouraged and also give their lives to God and serve him better.
Moreover, part of my greater vision is to set up a charity organisation which priority will be to assist the poor and the needy in most deprived communities in Ghana where church activities are not very common. I have observed that for most of these deprived areas, there is a strong correlation between livelihood and people’s desire to serve the Lord. The charity organisation when established with the help of God will have a dual responsibility of assisting the needy with anything that promote their physical wellbeing (clothes, food, trade, entrepreneurship etc.) whiles at the same time taking the gospel to them to help redefine their relationship with God.
The online Christian leaders’ basic certificate course from CLI has been very positive and has contributed to the broadening of my scope of knowledge in basic concepts in the Christian faith. I thank the management of Christian Leaders Institute for their clear vision in the Lord that is helping to shape the lives of many individuals in the Christendom. This vision can only be made possible through the unfailing support and guidance of the Holy Spirit and I beseech you all by the mercies of God to support me with your prayers to make this dream a reality.
At present, things have been quite difficult for me financially. I do not work full time and my wife is also not working at the moment so I will gladly welcome any opportunity from CLI to make my call in the Lord a reality. Scholarship from Christian leaders Institute to go further in this course will be a positive tool and an enabling platform to prepare me adequately for ministry and to make this dream a reality. Thank you for your support. Shalom
Kenya resident Peter Murigi enrolled at Christian Leaders Institute for Free Moble Phone Ministry Training Online! Here is his story…
Free Mobile Phone Ministry Training – Peter Murigi’s Story
My name is Peter Murigi,I live in Kenya,Nakuru.Am fifth son of margeret who has eight childrens and my dad is unknown to me. God gave me pastoring ministry to serve and edify the body of christ in apostolic faith church at Bahati, under overseer John,and these i rejoice in the lord. The CLI has worked unto my christian life,since i googled for study using my phone unto these far am today and surely God has been good to me.I really apreaciate all mentors principle and character that has mentored in me,oh yes! God bless all.Okey,my life as christian and my call started when God apperead me in a dream while in class four,and was lead in by Bishop munyua at late 1994 at new testament church.That time mum could not believe a vision of 14 years boy.she was wine seller and only me was a christian in our family at that time.Now am 35 years and still i hear from God for direction and also to know more about leadership. Iam husbard and father of two sons.
Rev R.D. Jacobs is an Evangelist from Alabama who sought to be a Local Christian Leader in his Church, so he enrolled at Christian Leaders Institute to receive free Christian Church Leader Training through CLI’s online ministry training. Here is his story followed by his accomplishments at CLI…
Christian Church Leader Training – Rev Jacob’s Story
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Rev. R.D. Jacobs, Evangelist, is originally from Munford, Alabama in Talladega County, but currently resides in Auburn, Al. Growing up he attended Living By Faith Ministries, in Oxford AL under the leadership of his Spiritual Father Senior Pastor – Apostle Bob McClain. He currently is a member of the Mt. Traveler Missionary Baptist Church in Waverly, Alabama, where the Rev. Benjamin C. Datiri, Ph.D is Pastor. At Mt Traveler Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Jacobs is the Assistant to the Pastor and Outreach & Evangelism Minister (2012), where he serves in Evangelizing, Outreaching and Missions to our City, State, Country, and World. He also participates with “The Way 2 Serve Ministries” where he serves as the Compassion and Relationship Builders Follow-Up teams Coordinator, respectfully. Evangelist Jacobs is an avid Out-Reacher visiting and ministering to the local community, community/Church sick and shut-in, nonactive Church members and local jailed inmates. He also participate with many local area Outreach Programs and Churches. Rev. Jacobs’ main passion is Evangelism, in spreading the story of Jesus Christ to anyone who has not heard it and in making Disciples. He has also been Blessed with a Spiritual Partner, by way of Dakar Senegal his wife; Mrs. Khady Berthe Jacobs, whom he Loves and Thank God for. Mrs Khady has her undergraduate and Masters Degree in Sports Management from Auburn University in Montgomery (A.U.M.) and currently works with youth nutrition and is a tennis Instructor. She has a calling to minister to children and share with them the Love of God. From this union God has blessed them with a daughter on 5-5-15, Ms. Amila Christinie Jacobs
Rev R.D. Jacobs Ministry Dream and Goal is fashioned around his Call, to proclaim the life changing Power of Jesus the Christ in practical means seen in everyday life. He also desires to provide opportunities for the needs of our neighbors to be met. He is being equipped with the right tools and viewpoint to effectively reach the unsaved and involve the entire body of Christ in friendship evangelism! He envisions seeing all born-again believers come to the fullness of the truth, learn their spiritual giftedness, and use it for the Glory of God. He dreams of this because then the Body of Christ will grow healthily by reaching the lost and winning souls – by being an effective witness in the Earth. Evangelist Jacobs was able to see this dream formulate when he participated with the leadership of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and their crusade and evangelistic efforts in Alabama’s Lee County.
Rev. R.D. Jacobs combines a passionate yet powerful preaching style while convincingly presenting the Gospel to illicit a spiritual response from the heart. He brings the maturity and demeanor of the traditional Missionary Baptist Preacher, with his love of Traditional Hymns and Gospel, while still moving the Church into the Technological and ever evolving 21st century. With a strong emphasis on teaching, equipping, mentoring and maturing through the Preaching and Studying of the Word of God, Rev. Jacobs is currently studying at Christian Leaders Institute (C.L.I.) where he is seeking to obtain his Advanced Diploma of Ministry with a focus on Evangelism and Missions, and Diploma of Divinity. He has earned his Commissioned Pastoral Diploma and Diploma of Ministry with a focus on Pastoral and Christian Leadership with magna cum laude honors with a gpa of 3.941. Rev. Jacobs has done research studies in conjunction with Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI), Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, Illinois), Christian History Institute (Worcester, PA), Beeson Divinity School of Samford University (Birmingham, AL), Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake Forest, NC), Western Theological Seminary (Holland, MI) and the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE). Rev. Jacobs also is listed Globally as Ordained for Ministry in The C.L.I. Christian Leaders Directory with his Christian Leaders Ordination and Officiant Ordination Certificate. With this Ministry Training and Education, Rev. Jacobs seeks to prepare himself fully for the role of Christian Leadership in the local Church involving its Worship, Ordinances, Disciplines and Doctrines. He also desires to bring the gained knowledge and wisdom back to the local Church, surrounding Church districts and all Christians to fully prepare them for using their gifts in Christian Ministry.
Rev. Jacob’s Training at CLI
Biblical Training
The Spiritual Life of the Preacher
Dr. Joseph Jordan
Christian Life and Witness Training
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Discipleship and Evangelism Training
Christian Leaders Institute
ACT Personal Evangelism Training
Acts 1:11 Ministry
FM419 (Matthew 4:19, “Follow Me and I will make you Fishers of men”)
Youth Evangelism Training
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
SEEDLINGS Child Evangelism Training
Acts 1:11 Ministry
Teenage Evangelism
Lillie R. Holmes
“Save The Mother, Save the Child” Training
Acts 1:11 Ministry
Eternal Impact: Disciple-Making Training
Dr. Robert E. Coleman
Strategies for Follow-Up and Discipleship
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Neighborhood Discovery Groups Seminar
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Transforming Communities for Change Workshop
Dr. Tony Evans
Earned Certificates and Diplomas
Christian Leaders Basics Certificate
Continuing Ministry Certificate
Continuing Ministry Diploma
Christian Leaders Bible Certificate
Christian Leaders Certificate
Christian Leaders Diploma
Ordination
Christian Leaders Ordination
Officiant Ordination Certificate
WHAT I BELIEVE
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Bible is God’s inerrant Word, the only final authority for faith and life. (Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)
God is Trinity, an eternal, loving unity of three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
God created the universe ex nihilo, from nothing, and made all things very good. (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3)
God created humanity to glorify and enjoy God and to be stewards of creation.
(Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8; Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11; Psalm 37:4)
Humanity has fallen into sin, and we are totally unable to save ourselves.
(Genesis 3; Romans 3:12, 23; Romans 5:12)
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man.
(Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1,14; 20:28; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:14)
Jesus was born of a virgin, obeyed God perfectly, worked great miracles, died on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and reigns over all things.
(Luke 1:26-35, Hebrews 4:15; John 14:11, Luke 23-24, Ephesians 1:20-23)
Salvation is merited only by Jesus’ perfect obedience and substitutionary atonement.
(Isaiah 53; Hebrews 7:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 4:12)
Salvation is entirely God’s gift, not our achievement, and is received by faith, not works. (John 3:16; Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 2:16-21)
The Holy Spirit gives new birth, unites us to Christ, equips us with His gifts, and empowers us to be His ambassadors. (John 3:3-8; Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 3:16-21; 1 Corinthians 12; Acts 1:8)
The church is the one body of God’s people throughout all generations and from all nations. (Romans 12:5; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 1:22-23; Revelation 7:9)
Christ gives two signs and seals of his grace: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
(John 4:1; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Matthew 28:19; Mark 14:22-24; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
God’s holy angels defend and help God’s people.
(Psalm 34:7, 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14)
Satan and other fallen angels are dangerous but doomed. Christ is victor.
(Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10-12)
Christ will return visibly to rule the world and to make all things new.
(Matthew 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 21:1-5)
God’s people will rejoice forever in heaven; God’s enemies will suffer forever in hell.
(Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 22:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)
God’s covenant addresses not only individuals but also their families.
(Genesis 17:7; 18:19; Deuteronomy 7:9; Joshua 24;15; Psalm 103:17; Acts 11:14; 16:15,31)
As individuals, as couples, and as families, we need daily conversation with God through Bible reading and prayer. (Psalm 1; Daniel 6:10; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
We are called to a life of love, as depicted in the Ten Commandments.
(Exodus 20:1-17; Mark 12:30-31; John 14:15; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13)
We are called to spread the gospel to people who don’t yet follow Christ.
(Psalm 96:3; Matthew 5:14; 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15)
We are called to a world view and way of life which seeks to honor Christ in every area of thought and action. (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5)
Statement of Faith from Christian Leaders Institute
Articles of Faith
I. The Scriptures.
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
II. The True God.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
III. The Fall of Man.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
IV. The Way of Salvation.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
V. Justification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
VI. The Freeness of Salvation.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
VII. Regeneration.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.
VIII. Repentance and Faith.
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
IX. God’s Purpose of Grace.
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
X. Sanctification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
XI. Perseverance of the Saints.
We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
XII. The Law and Gospel.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.
XIII. A Gospel Church.
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XIV. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
XV. The Christian Sabbath.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
XVI. Civil Government.
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.
XVII. Righteous and Wicked.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.
XVIII. The World to Come.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.
Articles of Faith National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
Contact:
Rev. Richard Donavon Jacobs, Evangelist
Mt. Traveler Missionary Baptist Church
15160 Lee Road 188 – Waverly, AL 36879
(334)-821-4040 (Phone)
Email: jacobrd@gmx.com
Websites
Mt Traveler Missionary Baptist Church
http://www.mttraveler.org/About.html
The Way 2 Serve Ministries
http://theway2serve.org/
Media
Sermons Preached
http://www.mttraveler.org/Sermons.html
Christian Leaders Institute Support Story from Rev. Jacobs
https://supportchristianleaders.org/free-ministry-training/
Christian Leaders Directory Page
http://christianleadersdirectory.org/user_custom_profiles/richard-donavon-jacobs-800/
Connect & Follow
Facebook: @rdonavonjacobs
Twitter:@rdkbjacobs
Instagram: @revrdjacob