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.
My name is Derrick Walls. I’m 41 years old and from Batesville, Indiana. I have been taking ministry classes tuition-free through Christian Leaders for almost five months now. So far, I have learned so much, and my faith has grown leaps and bounds more than I thought it would.
My Youth
My childhood was easier than some but more challenging than others. I lived in an apartment complex for most of my youth. It was awesome as there were a lot of kids to play with. The school was challenging for me, being a heavyset guy and not the smartest (or not applying myself, as my mom would say).
My dad was in and out of my life until I was 12. Then he was gone and never came back around. It was tough not having my dad around even though I had a stepdad. I felt like something was missing. We went to church enough for me to know there was a God with a son named Jesus. I knew the greatest hits: Adam and Eve, Noah and the Flood, David and Goliath, and Mary and Joseph.
Backing up a little, when I was 11, my two and 1/2-year-old brother passed away. He had been sick since birth. It was really hard for me. That was because I went to church camp that year and decided not to come home early to see him. I thought there would be more time. However, he passed away three days later. I was very mad at God for allowing those things to happen. So, I wrote a letter to God telling Him that I would never love Him again and that I hated him.
Struggles and Salvation
Fast forward to 14 years later. My girlfriend of three years had broken up with me because I allowed drugs and alcohol to take over my life. I hit rock bottom. One night, I was so messed up about everything that I flipped my truck and was thrown from it. By the grace of God, I only had a few minor injuries.
About a month went by, I felt like I could not take the pain anymore. So, I gave my uncle, a Deacon at a local church, what I thought was the impossible task of getting to me from where he was before I took a bottle of pills. Nothing is impossible with God because somehow he made it. So, I went to live with him. He had one rule, I had to go to church. As I had nothing, he gave me his clothes to wear. After about a month of going to church, by God’s grace, I was saved. The weight on me was lifted. Finally, I felt at peace.
God’s Leading
After being saved and falling back into sin, I thought I was lost forever. I had that empty feeling most of my life, even when I married and had three kids. Even though I loved them so very much, there was still something missing. We started going to church after having kids. However, it felt like I was going because that was the thing one should do. My marriage struggled because of alcohol and porn.
On December 24, 2022, I felt the hand of God getting me up off the couch. God said, “We are not doing this anymore, you are coming with me!” From that day forward, I knew Him and felt Him with me every day. As of 5/20/2023, I am free from alcohol and porn. I had a lot of obstacles in my life before, but the past five months have been the best of my life. My marriage and relationship with my kids are better than ever.
Ministry Classes Tuition-Free at CLI
The Christian Leaders Institute was the first thing I saw when looking up classes after I realized that’s what God wanted me to do. Being able to do this training on my time and at no cost is so important because I work full-time and have three kids.
My spiritual dream is to preach to as many as I can. The more and more I take these ministry classes tuition-free at Christian Leaders Institute and continue to draw closer to God, perhaps God wants me to work with the youth. My hope is that with all of this training, I can become a worship leader in some capacity, whether it be youth ministry or preaching. I am letting God use me in any way He wants. He will lead me to where He needs me to be.
Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) offers Ministry Classes Tuition Free!
- Affordability: Many individuals who are called to ministry may not have the financial means to pursue formal education or attend traditional seminaries. CLI’s free training removes the financial barrier, allowing individuals from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds to receive quality ministry education without the burden of tuition fees.
- Accessibility: CLI’s online platform makes ministry training accessible to individuals worldwide. It reaches those in remote areas, underserved communities, and regions where theological education may not be readily available or accessible. This inclusivity ensures that individuals with a passion for ministry, regardless of their location, can receive training and be equipped for service.
- Flexibility: CLI’s self-paced online courses offer flexibility in scheduling and learning pace. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with work, family, or ministry commitments, as they can study at their convenience. The flexibility allows learners to balance their training with their other responsibilities, making it more manageable to pursue ministry education.
- Quality Education: Despite being free, CLI is committed to providing quality ministry education. Their curriculum is developed and delivered by experienced faculty and ministry practitioners dedicated to ensuring that students receive sound biblical teaching, theological training, and practical ministry skills. The training is designed to equip individuals for effective ministry and leadership roles.
- Practical Application: CLI’s training emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills. Through hands-on learning experiences, ministry projects, and mentorship opportunities, students are encouraged to apply what they have learned in real-life ministry contexts. This practical approach helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing individuals for the challenges and demands of ministry.
- Community and Support: CLI fosters community and support among its students. Students can connect with peers, mentors, and instructors through online forums, discussion groups, and networking opportunities. This virtual community provides encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging, enhancing the learning experience and fostering relationships among like-minded individuals.
- Empowering Servant Leaders: By offering free ministry training, CLI empowers and equips individuals to become community servant leaders. It recognizes that ministry is not limited to clergy or professionals but is a calling for every believer. CLI’s training helps individuals discover and develop their gifts, talents, and calling, empowering them to serve and positively impact their spheres of influence.
Christian Leaders Institute’s free ministry training addresses the need for affordable, accessible, and quality education for individuals called to ministry. By removing financial barriers and providing flexible, practical, and community-oriented training, CLI equips and empowers servant leaders to fulfill their God-given purpose and contribute to advancing the Kingdom of God.
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 name is De’Laine, and I am a Bible Bookworm. What is that, you may ask? Webster’s Dictionary defines a “bookworm” as a person devoted to reading. Although I enjoy reading books, I am devoted to reading and studying God’s Word. Therefore, I am a “Bible Bookworm.” I am also at the Christian Leaders Institute, taking ministry courses and biblical training online.
My Journey to a Relationship with God
I have been a member of the Lord’s church since the day of my birth. Growing up in the church, my parents followed God’s designed roles as my parents. They taught me about the gospel of Christ. They raised me to know who God is and what He did for us. Growing up, I always knew I loved God and wanted to follow Him.
However, it wasn’t until I turned 35 that the Holy Spirit moved me to take my relationship with God to a higher level. It was then that I learned about Bible Journaling. It took my relationship with God to a much deeper and greater place. I want to share my passion for Bible Journaling with others and help them find that same relationship with God.
My Journey to Surrender Control
Like others, my life has been filled with trials and adversities. I have not always handled these situations by acknowledging that God has control. I am a person that likes to have a strong handle on my circumstances. If I don’t, then who will? Well, in my living room one day, feeling as though I was losing control and didn’t know how to get it back, I saw a YouTube video on Bible Journaling. That day began my journey.
It’s been a journey of realizing that although I knew I loved God and followed Him, I had not completely surrendered myself to Him. I discovered what that meant through Bible Journaling and making that deeper relationship with God. Now, I will tell you I still struggle with wanting to jump in and take control. However, Bible Journaling helps me every day to recognize that God is the one in control. Who am I to think I could do better than Him? What an amazing gift Christ has given us to take that burden away from us!
Ministry Courses and Biblical Training at CLI
The ministry courses and biblical training at Christian Leaders Institute will help me with this spiritual calling. I want to share my love of Bible Journaling, studying God’s Word, and helping others find what a relationship with God can do for them!
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.