Blind Faith
Hello everyone. My name is Lynette Kendall. The tuition-free Ministry Program at the Christian Leaders Institute is preparing me for my calling from God.
My Spiritual Development
I was born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, USA. But I have spent most of my adult life in Southwest Virginia since 1995. I am grateful to live in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by the wonders of God’s creation. My home sits atop a mountain. I feel incredibly blessed to reside in a picturesque setting on five acres with my husband, Ron, and three of our six children. The other three are married and have families of their own.
My faith journey has been gradual, without a specific “coming to Jesus” moment. From a young age, my maternal grandparents took me to Sunday School and church, providing my initial exposure to God. Since my parents were not strong believers then, my grandfather became my first Christian influence. I witnessed his regular Bible reading, which left a lasting impression on me. In the days before the internet, he and his brother would record themselves reading scripture aloud and send the tapes to one another.
I observed the local Jehovah’s Witnesses visiting my grandfather’s house during that time. Despite their differing beliefs, he welcomed them in and engaged in conversations about the Lord for hours. Little did I realize the impact this had on me. When I turned fifteen, just two days later, my grandfather passed away. Marking my first experience with loss but certainly not my last.
Tragedy and Development
Tragedy struck when I was twenty-three, as my younger brother suffered a sudden heart attack, leaving him with significant brain damage. Although the paramedics and doctors managed to revive him, his essence seemed to be replaced by someone unrecognizable—a grown man trapped in an infant’s body. Nevertheless, my parents decided to care for him at home without outside assistance. Over the next two decades, my mother and father dedicated their lives to his well-being. Their selfless love and sacrificial care for my brother, despite his state, showed me a glimpse of Christ’s actions right before my eyes.
My parents and older sister found salvation in Christ during this challenging journey, further reinforcing the impact of their unwavering love and devotion. My father, despite his stage 4 cancer, fervently prayed to God when my mother passed away after battling various health conditions. He pleaded for God to transfer my mother’s sins and wrongdoings onto him to ensure her entry into Heaven. Though he did not fully understand the theological complexities, his self-sacrificing love for my mother profoundly impacted me.
Health Challenges
Amidst these challenging times, my relationship with the Lord deepened, and my desire to follow Him grew stronger. I married and had children and grandchildren but also battled health issues. I have lived with Crohn’s Disease since my teenage years, which went undiagnosed for a decade due to the focus on my brother’s care. Lack of insurance and financial constraints delayed treatment until my forties, resulting in irreversible damage and life-threatening situations. I have also been dealing with Fibromyalgia and Hashimoto’s Disease, causing chronic pain and limited mobility, rendering me unable to work for several years. However, throughout it all, I have sensed God’s calling.
Tuition-Free Ministry Program at CLI
While I am uncertain of the exact nature of this calling, considering my physical limitations, I am confident that God has led me to the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) for a purpose. Despite the lack of recognition in Virginia, where I reside, CLI’s tuition-free ministry program allows me to pursue my degree from home. My husband and I hope to relocate to the Clearwater, Florida, area within the next five or six years. As I engage in this program, God equips me for His plans for me and my family. Although I walk by blind faith, I trust that He is with me every step of the way.
I hold fast to the promise in Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
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, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- 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 Ministry Journey
Hello! My name is Lane Wallis, and I am from the United States. I am at the Christian Leaders Institute online for ministry service courses.
Salvation Testimony
I grew up in a Christian home in North West Arkansas. At the age of seven, I came to the realization that I was a sinner and that my sins would lead to eternal separation from God if I were to die. However, God showed me that through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, forgiveness for sins and eternal life are mine.
Calling to Ministry
As I grew older, I felt a calling from the Lord to enter into ministry. This calling became evident when I was attending a youth conference at the age of 13. Six months later, I accepted and publicly declared the calling that God had placed upon my life. At the age of 13, I had the opportunity to deliver my first sermon to a supportive congregation.
After graduating high school, I pursued theological studies at a seminary and obtained an associate’s degree in theology. Additionally, when I turned 18, I began volunteering for my local fire department, following in the footsteps of my family as a third-generation firefighter and first responder. This experience opened up a whole new avenue of ministry for me, and I became the chaplain for the department.
Ministry Service Courses at CLI
Up until May of 2023, I served as the youth director and worship team leader for a recently transitioned mission church in Arkansas. However, I have now relocated to southern Alabama to take on the role of Camp Director at a Christian Camp.
With this new direction for ministry, I wanted more training for ministry. I searched online and found the Christian Leaders Institute with its ministry service courses.
As my family and I embark on this new journey, I humbly ask for your prayers for myself, my wife, Victoria, and our two children, Copeland and Carter. We seek to faithfully follow God’s leading and serve in this new capacity.
Ministry service courses offered at institutions like Christian Leaders Institute are often considered valuable and needed for several reasons:
- Accessibility: These courses are freely offered, making them accessible to individuals who may not have the financial means to attend traditional seminaries or ministry training programs. This accessibility allows a broader range of people to receive training and education in ministry.
- Equipping and Empowering: Ministry service courses aim to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary for effective ministry. They cover a wide range of topics, including theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, leadership, evangelism, and more. Christian Leaders Institute offers these courses to empower individuals to serve their communities and fulfill their callings without financial barriers.
- Global Impact: Christian Leaders Institute has a global reach, training aspiring leaders and ministers worldwide. This is particularly important in regions where formal ministry education may be inaccessible. By offering free courses online, Christian Leaders Institute extends its impact and helps cultivate Christian leaders in various parts of the world.
- Flexibility: The online nature of these courses allows students to study at their own pace and convenience, accommodating individuals with busy schedules, work commitments, or other responsibilities. This flexibility lets learners balance their ministry training with their personal and professional lives.
- Community and Support: Christian Leaders Institute fosters a supportive online community where students can connect with instructors and fellow learners. This sense of community provides encouragement, accountability, and networking opportunities crucial for personal and spiritual growth.
Overall, the freely offered ministry service courses at Christian Leaders Institute address the need for accessible, quality training and education for individuals who desire to serve in ministry but may face financial, geographical, or time constraints. By removing these barriers, these courses enable more people to receive the necessary preparation for effective Christian leadership.
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, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- 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.
Restoring My Life: Finding Purpose and God’s Love
Seeking higher education for ministry service, I am studying online at the Christian Leaders Institute.
Living in the United States, I’ve witnessed the struggle for survival. While some areas boast stunning natural beauty, others face difficulties. Throughout the vast expanse of this country, I’ve lived on both the East and West coasts. One thing remains clear: everyone faces their struggles and requires different levels of help. As Christians, we spread God’s love and support to those in need. With God always at work, the balance between positives and negatives is in constant flux.
In my youth, my greatest desire was to fulfill God’s calling and please Him. I found joy in working with children, participating in women’s Bible studies, and witnessing the transformation of hearts. My dreams ranged from becoming a minister or a pastor’s wife to writing a book about my spiritual journey. Serving on mission trips also brought me fulfillment, and I had the privilege of doing so multiple times.
Life’s Wrong Turn
However, life took a wrong turn. I unintentionally offended those around me, starting with my mother and eventually affecting my entire community. My mother wanted me to stay with her until I was older to save money, support the family, and figure out my life with fewer worries. At 18, I asked her if she wanted me to move out. Although she affirmed her love and desire to have me around, I often felt neglected by my family. Disliking the idea of living with them, I mistakenly believed I had everything figured out rather than placing my complete trust in God.
Despite the challenges, I managed to secure my apartment while pursuing my education. However, when a relationship failed, I lost my apartment and moved in with my partner an hour and a half away from home. Nevertheless, I continued my studies there for two years.
Taking Responsibility
Heartbroken after the end of that relationship, I felt forced to move back in with my family. In my vulnerable state, I turned to drugs to cope, unintentionally igniting destructive internal turmoil. I quarreled with my loved ones, further straining our relationships. Eventually, I sank deeper into my addiction, engaging in public drug use, driving illegally, and causing accidents. My actions reached a breaking point when I threatened officers and healthcare workers, resulting in my admission to a psychiatric ward.
Taking responsibility for my actions, I paid off my driving tickets and made efforts to show my family that I loved them. Despite a brief relapse, I eventually found the strength to quit drugs, move away, and start anew across the country as a restored person.
God at Work
Throughout my journey, God orchestrated transformative experiences. Surviving a car accident that left me in a three-month coma gave my life purpose. Overcoming drug addiction with God’s guidance became a daily transformation. Serving in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip, preaching, and assisting foreign communities, left an indelible mark on my life. Reconnecting with my father after a decade played a crucial role in my restoration. Furthermore, willingly embracing homelessness by moving across the country allowed me to change my environment and embrace a life of sobriety.
My relationship with God has restored my life, healed me, and provided unwavering support and purpose. Each day, God brings new beauty into my life, filling me with joy. Through His guidance and the people He brings into my path, He affirms my identity in Him and assures me of His eternal presence. Despite isolation and the struggle to meet my basic needs, God is rebuilding my spirit, purging unnecessary burdens, and filling me with new and beautiful things. He has promised to prepare a place for me in heaven.
Now, my renewed dreams involve sharing my testimony wherever I go and traveling extensively to touch lives and lead people to God. I aspire to live a simple and peaceful life, trusting in God and embodying the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Inner peace and acceptance of my life are some of my goals.
Study at CLI: Higher Education for Ministry
Wanting higher education for ministry service, I searched online and found the Christian Leaders Institute. The course I recently finished has played a significant role in my life. It helped me repair broken relationships with my immediate family and equipped me to pursue further restoration with others. In addition, it has deepened my understanding, enabling me to assist and support others in their journeys.
My local church has supported my restoration efforts through their prayers, listening ears, and provision of basic necessities. Furthermore, I hope my family will also seek healing.
This valuable higher education for ministry has brought me closer to God, catalyzing my spiritual journey. 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, and Diplomas with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- College Degrees with the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
- 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.