Restored Life Minister Call

My name is Mary Warkaske, but everyone calls me Marcy. I am studying to become a Restored Life Minister through the free courses at Christian Leaders Institute. I live in North Prairie, WI, USA. Currently, I am on leave from my job due to the pandemic. I have been working in a law office for the past ten years. My bachelor’s degree is in English from U.W.-Milwaukee.

Going My Way

I can’t remember a time that I didn’t know God or believe that He was there. I received Jesus as my Savior in grade school and tried very hard to follow Him. My family was Catholic, and I even thought of becoming a nun. Unfortunately, when I got to high school, I decided to walk away from God. My home life was very chaotic, and I just wanted to have fun. I was 13 years old. That began an 18-year span of time in which I went my own way.

The story is all too common. I drank, partied, and dated until I met my future husband, Mike. Then we drank and partied together. I managed to get through college and be reasonably successful at work. We got married and bought a home. But, after many years of trying, I discovered I could not have children. This discovery was a huge turning point for me, as I realized I was not in control.

Surrender

After a time of wrestling with myself, I was driving to work one morning and feeling very hopeless and empty inside. Looking up, I said to the Lord, “Okay, I give up. I can’t do this on my own. I need You and surrender to You.” My heart felt lighter. When I got to the office, my boss fired me. However, God sent me to a new job shortly after that. On my first day, my new boss invited me to a nondenominational church. My new boss and a coworker mentored and discipled me for the next several years. After that time, Mike and I were able to adopt a little girl.

Called to be a Restored Life Minister

I have stayed close to the Lord for the last 25 years and currently attend a Pentecostal church. After the heartache of having a family member in jail, my desire is to be trained for prison ministry someday. Having witnessed firsthand the devastation of incarceration on individuals and families, God has filled me with compassion and a desire to help if I can. Restored life ministry is something I never imagined I would want to do. But God, who never wastes anything, has been calling me. I hope to complete the Restored Life Minister courses at CLI and see where He leads me. I’m so grateful to have the time and opportunity!

Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.