My name is Yolanda Smith, born in Oklahoma, and I am studying Bible classes at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online Bible classes, Click Here). I received my associate’s in Business Administration in December of 2016. I am a single mother of three and have two grandchildren, Britain and Auden. Being a retiree, after many years, I decided to go back out into the workforce arena.
Being a Christian Leaders Institute student here in Oklahoma is great. As a little girl, I was always going to church with my mother. She was a Sunday School Teacher, and I had to go to church every Sunday. I grew up in the church and always knew that there was much more to life than just living and dying. I was baptized at the age of twelve. Discovering what the shouting and the tears meant piqued my curiosity. As I grew older, I realized that the tears were tears of joy, and the shouting was releasing what you could not hold back, the joy of knowing Christ! I accepted Christ into my life at an early age. I admit that I was on and off-track for many years.
Studying Bible Classes at CLI
Not long ago, I started reading my Bible daily. I have read it front to back about four times now. Every time, I get something different from it. I often pray for guidance and instruction because I don’t ever want to do anything that the Lord has not called me to do. The Bible says, “Do not lean to your own understanding.” I have trouble with that. However, I want what God wants for me.
My ministry goal is to spread God’s Word around the world boldly. When I saw Joyce Meyer on television, I would say, “That’s what I want to do.” I would also like to start counseling women who have had an abortion and experienced trauma and regret. I myself know exactly what that feels like. I had to ask the Lord for forgiveness. When I did, there was a feeling of being set free! God led me to want to share this experience with other women going through the same thing.
The CLI free ministry training has changed my life for the better. I am so free to do what God calls me to do, which is to minister. It has given me the opportunity and establishes the credentials needed to make this spiritual dream happen. A ministry scholarship is something that anyone can benefit from. If you have a dream in ministry, you can achieve it at CLI! I encourage any and everyone to take advantage of this wonderful gift!
