Hi, I am Mrs. Geanine Lynn Rees from the USA. I am taking tuition-free biblical courses for ministry online at the Christian Leaders Institute.
My Story Begins
Born into a very strict Catholic family, I went to church and CCD every week in the city. I was baptized and received my Holy Communion as a child. I just loved going to church with my grandpop because of his smiling eyes and soul. My grandmother was Lutheran and read the Bible every morning until she finished and started right over. They were my role models. I lived with them at age four while my mom was in rehab and jail. I even remained with them and volunteered at the Catholic church in Philadelphia during high school and college.
In 2001, I graduated high school with the “Technical Honor Society” focusing on Videography and Graphic Arts. Right after I got my diploma, I moved to Florida with my mom and sister. I got a job as a Videographer at my new church, which lasted for a year. Then, I started college at the “International Academy of Design and Technology in Orlando.” However, I moved back to Philadelphia on July 4, 2002. I was so overwhelmed by college and by my family’s mental sickness that I wanted to be home with my grandparents and great-grandmother to care for them. In 2006 I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from the “Art Institute of Philadelphia” with a 4.0 GPA.
My Story Continues
I now see that God was always my inspiration in school and work. I’m so thankful because I could have easily turned to jail, meth, and alcohol like my parents. After college is when I found out about Non-Denominational Christians. In 2007, my coworker brought me to my first Christian concert and service. She saw how depressed and overwhelmed I was when buying a duplex alone. The church had all kinds of instruments. I was in shock by all the music and joy. I continued there for a year until my depression spiraled due to my overloaded life as a single business owner and student.
All I wanted was to be a wife. After my grandparents and great-grandmother passed, I looked for love and support in all the wrong places. I lost my way with God after losing them. I wasn’t able to pass my Master in Education program at Holy Family University in Philadelphia. My father committed suicide when I was in 8th grade, so I started thinking of suicide too. Then, I partied in the neighborhood for a few years until I heard my best friend’s mother preach. She finally reached me!
Salvation and Service
I started attending the church’s weekly services and prayer services and got baptized in 2012! I was the youth leader along with my best friend’s mom at the local rec center. We went on Apostolic retreats and sang loud with joy for all the neighbors to hear. We also traveled to prayer conferences and laid hands until we were on the floor!
Throughout the past two decades, I served other churches at the same time. That’s because I enjoy seeing God everywhere! I taught bible school and attended young adults conferences, bible studies, and prayer groups at Calvary Chapel in Philadelphia. I attended there faithfully until 1.5 years after I married.
My Marriage Story
So, my husband and I married within a month of meeting online! We made a promise together that we would always seek God first. We eloped at the town hall in Center City, Philadelphia. Then, we sold my duplex and moved into a quiet suburban neighborhood outside of Philadelphia. We attended the church down the street from us, “New Life Community Church,” for years until my infertility made me hide. I hurt and didn’t want anyone to feel my pain. So I didn’t go to church for a few years and then got diagnosed with PTSD and Adult Autism because of spiritual warfare.
Then COVID happened in 2020, so I was in isolation for years writing my memoir, all for God. In 2022, I accepted that we were not having nor trying for kids after extensive trauma therapy and hospitalization. I’ve always focused on God, even when I wasn’t inside a church building.
In early 2023, I earned a certificate online after four months of training. I then traveled to and was spiritually restored in Florida through Lake Mary Church. My eldest sister recently started evangelizing there. It was also near the house I used to live in. I’ve been doing a lot of spiritual and self-care. I finally published my book online and in paperback on 2/14/2023. My darling husband and I recently had our 10-year wedding anniversary, and we are rooted in Jesus. Therefore, after ten years of marriage, I am still amazed by how God’s plan was always written for my good.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Biblical Courses in Ministry at CLI
As of 2023, I remain a faithful member of the “City Church of Philadelphia.” Plus, I attend Sunday service at my local Lutheran church, where I serve as the Girl Scout Leader. Occasionally, I visit and chat with the pastors at New Life Church since 2014. I love my neighborhood and am the School Crossing Guard and Admin to the town’s Buy Nothing recycling and regifting program. I want to continue to focus and learn more about Jesus. He has always been so good to me through the hills and valleys and never forsaken me.
My pastor at New Life Church referred me to Christian Leaders Institute for biblical courses in ministry. He is a graduate of CLI! So in 2019, I signed up for CLI and finished my first course. Sadly, I abruptly stopped when my infertility struggles and the devil worked together to fill me with panic, fear, and self-doubt as a woman. As a Christian wife, I wanted to be fruitful and multiply. I was humbled when Pastor at New Life Church said my community is my baby, the child I never had. He saw my countless acts of service in my neighborhood.
My spiritual dream has always been to tend to the spiritually sick because I know what it’s like from experience. I will no longer believe or live in shame and suffering because that is not of my Almighty God. All my time in hiding, the enemy tried to dim my light. However, I heard God clearly call me. I am a Job, as I have never swayed from His love, and a Jeremiah, for I have fervently and endlessly preached His truth and light. The biblical courses in ministry at CLI are grounding me and preparing me for further service.
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, 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.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
