Servant Leader for Christ
My name is Serawit Woldemariam, and I am a servant leader for Christ. I am studying tuition-free online courses at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here).
My Story
I live on the beautiful island of Whidbey about 30 miles north of Seattle, WA. I first came to the United States as a 13-year-old boy escaping war-ravaged Ethiopia. First, I lived with a cousin in Atlanta, but she found a family to take me through another cousin who lived in Seattle. The family that took me in had 20 adopted kids, and they lived on Whidbey Island. A couple of years later, my new family had some law issues. So, I had to find a new home because I was not officially adopted yet. At 15 years old, no one wanted a teen boy. So, that left me to ponder my future.
Even though the family went to church, I was not interested at all. Going to church was mandatory, we did everything but pay attention to the teachings. However, when I faced homelessness and an uncertain future, I started to ask and wonder, if there is a God. If there is a God, does He care about me? Fortunately for me, in a last-ditch effort, my host mom asked the pastor of the church we went to if he would like to take me in so I could go to school. That’s how I found the family that became more than a host but a true family. Through this experience I found God. God made Himself real to me. Going to church became a joy! I served as a youth leader, soundman, and other services in the church.
Moving to Ethiopia
After finishing high school, I went to Northwest Nazarene University on a soccer scholarship to study international business. When I was in college, the Lord spoke to me to go back to Ethiopia. I was to start a farm that would teach people how to nourish their physical and spiritual lives. In 2000, I moved back to Ethiopia and started Dove ranch, a farm to teach about sustainable farming and God. I was involved with Farming God’s way (Zimbabwe) a no-till farming method for poor farmers to increase yield with little input.
After starting the farm, I became involved in the local church in different capacities. One of my favorites was to start a soccer team and witness to the local young people. Also, I helped start an all-city church soccer tournament. There, young people could hear the gospel and fellowship with young people in other churches.
Called to Be a Servant
After running the farm for 13 years, my wife, our two daughters, and I moved back to the United States. My wife loves the Lord and is amazing at ministering to others in different ways. We both feel called to ministry. Children’s ministry is her calling. The Lord is calling me back to serve the poor in farming.
Finding the Christian Leaders Institute with tuition-free online courses is a blessing! Now we can prepare for our ministry callings without financial burden. Thank you for this ministry study opportunity!
Register for a Study Account
Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls 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:
- Minister 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.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
