I am Larry Armour, from Canada. Currently, I am studying ministry classes and Bible courses free online at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about free ministry and Bible courses online, Click Here).
Challenges and God’s Provision
Born a different name within the family, I was adopted within my family, by the cousin of my mother. Challenged by mental health and her circumstances, my mother gave me up for adoption. However, by the grace of God, I was placed back into a branch of the family to be raised as their own. I had a relatively normal upbringing and childhood until early in my teen years. That was when I found out about my origin story. After that, I rebelled and also distanced myself from God. I made poor choices as an early adult from a suicide attempt to divorce to not understanding how harmful my words could be to another person.
Then, God placed me in a career where there was much loss and death and grief counseling was needed. I didn’t understand “why me” for this? About eight years ago, the doctor diagnosed me with cancer. Therefore, I went through the fearful anxious period of treatments that all patients travel. With God’s strength to carry me through, I am a survivor to be a witness to others.
Recently, my wife and I felt a sense of loss with the removal of our entire core family. These included: a young disabled person we looked after and loved for a dozen years; my wife’s brother from drug and alcohol addiction who we were nurturing and also supporting; and my wife’s mother from sudden death in a fire. All of these occurred within the space of nine months. They rocked us to our core. We again laid our weakness and grief of the situations on the Lord. He brought us peace in our fears and strength in our weakness.
Learning
Looking back on my life, I see a pattern of control and rebellion on my part. Some of us seem to learn the hard way by default. Many folks talk of their struggles on their paths. I’ve always found this for me to be somewhat limiting. It focuses on the negative or positive labels as we define ourselves. God made each and every one of us perfect for His purposes. My life events were for learning and instruction whether I realized it at the time or not. Many were fearful and unpleasant. Some were joyous and rewarding. All of them are also in the past at this point and time.
My wife and I are active members of the “serve” team in our church. Service is something I have come to appreciate more and more in my life. My life and career have me blessed with empathy, ears to listen, and patience. However, I don’t have them to the level of Job). Recently at work, someone reintroduced me to Mathew 18:21. (70 x 7). It changed my perspective of where I thought my patience was and humbled me greatly as a reminder. He has given me gifts to enjoy the outdoors and nature, art, carving, and cooking. I have discovered many talents I did not know I had. I will always be a work in progress. And I will love every minute of this journey walking towards God.
The classes at the Christian Leaders Institute will strengthen my knowledge and my understanding. The online free ministry classes and Bible courses are what I need. Thank you, Lord, for CLI!
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course. Then you can enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
