Hello, my name is Sibyl Gibson. I am a student at the Christian Leaders Institute on my Chaplain ministry journey (Learn more about studying the Bible online, Click Here).
My Spiritual Journey
Born and raised in a small town called Beaumont, Texas, I grew up with two brothers and one sister. Introduced to Christ at an early age, I was surrounded by a lot of family members who were ministers. My grandfather was a leading pastor at West Tabernacle Baptist Church. I served in his church as a doorkeeper and a choir member. We attended church every Sunday all day and some days during the week.
My siblings and I sometimes pretended that we were having church at home. One particular day, I was jumping up and shouting about Jesus. It is when Jesus came into my life. I had a feeling I couldn’t explain and was receiving the Holy Spirit. I tried to stop praising and shouting thank you, Jesus, but I couldn’t! The Holy Ghost took over. When it all was over, I was one tired sister. This was when I knew God was real.
My Family and Some Obstacles
I moved to Houston, Texas, in April of 89. My loving husband and best friend, Michael, and I have three adult children. One son, Michael, and two daughters, Kairon and Ambra. In April 2010, my youngest daughter was paralyzed during surgery at 17. She was a junior in high school. Our whole lifestyle changed. I couldn’t understand why God would let this happen. I became angry with God for a while when everything didn’t run smoothly.
However, when I spoke with my pastor, he directed me to the scripture John 16:33 NIV. It reads, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” After reading that verse repeatedly, I asked God to give me strength through this because the doctors and hospital were not blamed for the incident. We also had to make our home handicap accessible and pay for everything on our own.
Education
During our journey with our new life, even though my daughter is wheelchair-bound, she didn’t give up on her education. She graduated with honors from high school. Then, she attended Texas Southern University and achieved her bachelor’s degree in education Magna Cum Laude. I had to change my shift from days to nights so I could take her to school and wheel her to class every day.
I also did my online courses outside each classroom she attended. Every day we did this from the time she started college until she graduated. I attended Liberty University, earning my bachelor’s degree in business administration and graduating in 2015. She graduated in 2016. Throughout this ordeal, God gave me the strength to work full time, attend online classes, and take my daughter to school, doctor visits, and physical therapy. It wasn’t easy. We had obstacles, but God was always by our side.
Serving in Ministry on My Chaplain Ministry Journey
I worked in the Medical Field and have been employed for over 30 years. I have a passion for the sick and the family members who have lost loved ones. When I moved to Houston, I joined Crossroads Community Church and served in different areas. I am part of the missionary team that visits nursing homes, takes gifts, and holds church and Bible studies once a month.
I took a class at Crossroads for about 11 months called Master Life, where I achieved my diploma. This class taught me how to be a disciple of Christ. I am also a deaconess. God told me my calling was to comfort the sick, but I was disobedient and kept ignoring it until now. I finally accepted that my calling is to be a Chaplain.
That is how I ended up at the Christian Leaders Institute on my Chaplain ministry journey. When I found Christian Leaders Institute with its tuition-free online classes, I thanked God for leading me here because of my financial situation and making sure my daughter has the things she needs. Sadly, even though she has a college degree in education and applied numerous times, no one offered her a position because of her disabilities. However, I am not giving up. I know God has a plan for her. Isaiah 60:22 NLT reads, “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” So, my goal is to achieve my associate degree as a chaplain from CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
My Chaplain Ministry Journey: Spiritual Dream
My spiritual dream is to continue building a closer relationship with God. I want to put God first and be obedient to His calling for me. I enjoy lifting people’s spirits who feel depressed and alone. There have been times when I felt sad, alone, and had no one to go to. But reading the Bible daily taught me that I can always depend on God. He loves me! Romans 5:8 reads, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
I don’t know what plan God has for me, but I’ve learned that God never makes mistakes. He knows me better than I know myself. So, I will trust Him for what I see in my life right now and for the unseen, what I don’t see, and what lies ahead. I will continue my chaplain ministry journey until God says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
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.
