Women’s Ministry Journey: A Call to Walk with Women
Hello. My name is Bethany Lock, and I am from the United States. My women’s ministry journey led me to study at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online Bible courses, Click Here).
Women’s Ministry Journey Began
As a child, my family went to church every Sunday until something changed. I do not know the reasons for this change seeing as I was a kid at the time. But, suddenly, we went from going to church every Sunday to going only on holidays and then to not going at all. My parents had been one of the first families to help plant a church in our community, but, for whatever reason, we eventually stopped going.
As I went through school, mainly during my high school days, I felt something was missing. I envied my friends and fellow students who talked about a youth event on the weekend. I longed for those times, but they would not come while I was a student.
Now, grown-up and having walked through many, many storms, I followed that longing and calling. God reignited that flame that burned for Christ and turned it into a full-on fire. It has not been an easy walk for me, and I have had to fight to have my faith. However, it’s worth every single scar that I now have.
Women’s Ministry Journey Led to CLI
I am a survivor of domestic violence. I fought for my faith the whole time in that marriage. Now that I am on the other side of that relationship, I have a huge desire to help women and their families find a walk with God. Then they can find a new beginning during and after leaving an abusive relationship. Also, I want to serve in general women’s ministry. I really enjoy walking alongside women in their walk with God and seeing them grow in their faith.
Before realizing the call to get a ministry degree, I wrote and worked as an online Bible study leader. Along with that, I co-authored a Bible study about women in the Bible that heard Jesus calling to them and answered that call. Currently, I work as a co-facilitator for one of the women’s Bible study groups at my church. I also am excited to be studying for women’s ministry at the Christian Leaders Institute.
God Helps Us Rise Above Our Circumstances
Good day to the ecclesia of God! My name is Danver Engelbrecht, and I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute to get equipped and trained for ministry (Learn more about online Bible courses, Click Here). I married Verona Engelbrecht 11 years ago. We have two children, Azariah, my 8-year-old boy, and Zerah, my 1-year-old girl. I live in South Africa in Cape Town in a suburb called Mitchells Plain.
I have a diploma in Operations Management, but my occupation is a Sales Executive at Bidvest Waltons for 18 years. My goal is to remain a beacon of hope in the secular environment, so my light shines for God’s glory. I am a person with integrity, honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness.
My Spiritual Journey
My passion or hobbies as a youth were mostly sports like soccer, table tennis, snooker, volleyball, and athletics. The majority of my peers growing up were unsaved and are still unsaved today. Our community is known for criminal activity, gangsters, drug and alcohol abuse. However, I never let peers or community influence me to go down a negative path.
Just before I turned 21, I lost my best friend through a dispute at a nightclub. I vowed never to set foot in any nightclub again. But three months after that event, I found myself in a nightclub again. A strange happening occurred. I heard a voice saying, “Didn’t you say never to set foot in a nightclub again?” Everything went blurry, and I became anxious and wanted to leave. I left, and that night I wrestled with the Spirit, surrendered my life to God, and never looked back.
I dedicated or devoted my time to serve in the kingdom from day one. First, I became the youth leader, then the regional leader, and even ran the married couples. Also, I had intensive leadership training to equip myself to be relevant and on the cutting edge.
Equipped and Trained for Ministry Through CLI
I love the Word of God, and I desire to exegete scriptures accurately. So, with the help of the Christian Leaders Institute, I will be better equipped and trained for ministry. I love reading commentaries and listening to podcasts and videos of the great men of faith of our time. I am a servant of the Kingdom of God.
My name is Sherri Tidwell, and the Christian Leaders Institute is giving me the continued education in ministry I need (Learn more about online Bible courses, Click Here). Originally from Saginaw, Texas, I moved a lot throughout my childhood and adult life. I am presently living in Ruston, Louisiana. Currently, I serve as Children’s Minister at First Baptist in West Monroe, Louisiana, at the Calhoun Louisiana Campus. I have previously served in many ways and several churches with children, youth, and adults.
Rejection and Salvation
I was not raised in a Christian home. Upon completing my high school graduation, I married and had two amazing sons. I entered cosmetology school and now see God used that career to tear down walls and open doors. Soon followed my divorce. I was rejected, and the devastation led me to make some horrible choices. However, I soon met a wonderful man whom God used to water seeds that I did not even realize had been planted in my life. Over time, those seeds grew and changed me. I was 27 years old, having “never been enough,” rejected, and replaced by others. Now, I learned that GOD loved me, accepted me, and forgave me. I accepted God as Lord and Savior of my life, and nothing has been the same since!
However, life did not get easy following salvation. In 2012, after 20 years of marriage to my second husband, he committed adultery. It devasted me because I thought we had a strong family unit. We had been serving God as a family. My husband turned from God, rejected my two boys and me. Once again, I was rejected. This only epitomized it.
My Ministry Journey
During these various seasons, I have sat under some amazing preachers and teachers of the Word of God. They mentored, trained, and led me in my journey of becoming all God created me for. I read many books, took in-depth studies with small groups, attended conferences, and completed online classes. I sought every way to grow in my walk with God and what He has for me. While on this journey, I was strengthened, empowered, encouraged, and even tested enough to learn that GOD alone is enough!
Continued Education in Ministry at CLI
Now, as I continue to learn to fully rely on God, with grown kids and precious grandchildren, I find myself right where He wants me for this season. I am fully and completely committed to what God has called me to do. I have never been at such peace. Although it is “the windy path,” as Professor Henry Reyenga says, it the most amazing journey I have ever been on. Over the last year and a half, while serving as a children’s minister, I began seeking a way to really learn and grow in my ministry and achieve my spiritual dream.
Since graduating high school in 1986, I have taken many courses, classes, and certifications. Each one has helped to prepare me for the path that God has led me to.
Therefore, I am so excited about this new journey in continued education with the Christian Leaders Institute. I now have hope as an older, single female with limited income. I can continue to grow in the ministry God has given me. There is no doubt in my mind that CLI is an answered prayer for my continued educational path. I am very blessed to have this ability to grow in ministry. Thank you, CLI!