My name is Elizabeth Noel Young, aka Noel. I’m 38 years old and live in Amarillo, Texas, USA. I’m also a student at the Christian Leaders Institute. The free ministry and college courses are what I need to be equipped for my calling.
My Story
Born in South Carolina, East Texas became home when I was a teenager through most of my adult life. I graduated high school in 2004. My maternal grandparents raised me. I’ve been through all kinds of trials and tribulations and abusive relationships (verbal, mental, emotional, physical, and sexual). It doesn’t matter if you’re in a relationship or married, or not. No means no!
I always thought molestation involved penetration. However, I discovered later in life, as an adult in prison, that it can be inappropriate touching. Therefore, I was molested when I was a child by a family member. In my early 20s, I was an alcoholic until someone introduced me to methamphetamine. I spent six years in each addiction. I did things I’m not proud of during that time in my life.
New Beginning in Christ
God sat me down in time out for three years on a ten year prison sentence. I got clean and sober during my time out. Further, I got back into Bible studies and reading my Bible. I paroled to Amarillo, and it quickly became home. Through the grace and help of God, I am almost eight years clean and sober!
I am on the worship team, singing backup, at my home church. My church family has been with me through a lot of this journey in recovery and staying on track with the Lord’s plan for my life! They are excited for my journey with Christian Leaders Institute!
I originally came to know the Lord when I was a child. However, I became lost again later in life. I came to know the Lord again while I was on my time out. God has been there with me through every moment even when it didn’t seem like it at times. I now know He wast there! He was there while I was homeless, in and out of the Salvation Army, and in a tent in the woods, for two years.
Free Ministry and College Courses at CLI
The free training at the Christian Leaders Institute, as well as scholarships and financial aid for ministry training and college courses, are crucial for me. Right now, I live in a motel and work full time. I can’t even save up for a vehicle after paying rent and getting groceries. The motel I live at is within walking distance to the hotel I work at. It offers weekly rates on kitchenette rooms, so that’s a plus!
My ministry calling is for two things: the homeless and addiction recovery. I’ve been homeless, technically still am by the definition of the word homeless, and I’ve been through two substance addictions. I hope to get a degree in substance abuse counseling to help with my ministry!
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.
