My name is Samuel Sunday Mbek. I’m blessed to receive ministry education for my call at the Christian Leaders Institute. I’m from Nsit Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. I’m a diploma holder in audio technology and music theory. I reside in Lagos state.
My Early Church Experience
I had an unstable childhood, which limited my knowledge of God. I hated attending church so much that even when my father tried to force me to go, I went to play football on those Sunday mornings. This behavior went on for years. Why? Possibly because I first stayed with my grandmother, who was not a church person but did attend occasionally. However, I moved to stay with my dad in another town, and he was the church type. It was difficult for me to adjust to this new way of life. My father forced me to go to church. Then, finally, I made up my mind to obey my father.
When I started going to the house of God, I discovered that I found peace. My interest developed more by the day. It made me want to know who God is because the whole thing was strange to me. I decided to serve God as a worker in the church in the music department. This decision prompted me to learn the piano, so I could play and find fulfillment.
Persecution and Salvation
After I made my commitment to the work of God, I was tormented and denied by the same person who forced me to attend church. But why? I realized then that there was a purpose for me in ministry. I love music, and playing the piano in the house of God fulfilled me. First, I had to take extra steps to learn and develop my skills amid the persecution I received from my father and stepmother. It went on for years until I made up my mind to serve God for the rest of my life. Then, in 2003, I gave my life to Christ in my local assembly.
Fighting My Calling to Ministry
After my surrender to Christ, I realized that I have a calling on my life. The ministers of God in the ministries I served in also confirmed it. Was I ready to go into ministry? No! I fought it since I didn’t want to be a Pastor. I wanted to play the piano, and that was all for me.
The battle continued. Though it kept coming, questions arose in my mind. Finally, my fiancé asked me, “Why don’t you answer your call?” She also said, “All you need to do is accept it and then go to a Bible school where you can acquire more knowledge about God. The Holy Spirit will lead you.” That activated the inner peace in me, and I was ready to go for it.
Ministry Education for My Call at CLI
God used her to compel me to answer my call. She also registered me at the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) for ministry education for my call. I was excited when she told me about it, and fulfillment came from within me. I know that CLI is the place I want to be. I’m glad that this training will improve my personal, spiritual, and ministry life going forward. With hard work and prayers, success is possible.
Furthermore, CLI, being a free ministry school, will give me an edge to be able to attain my Bachelor Certification. CLI will also help me build my ministry, lead people, and aid growth and development for my local assembly. I appreciate everyone putting efforts together to make this a success. God bless you all.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Making Spiritual Dreams a Reality
Hello to every one of you! My name is Tina Frankl, and I am a child of the Most High King! I am also called to leadership training at the Christian Leaders Institute. Living in Franklin, Indiana, I am a fifth-grade math and science teacher and a mom of two wonderfully created young men. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Christian Leaders Institute and their mission to offer free ministry training to those who love God, love others and desire more knowledge of His Word through professional training.
Calling to Ministry
Aren’t we all called to do something? Whether it is to preach the gospel behind a podium, travel the world as an evangelist, or be a shining example of Christ through our daily work and communication with people, we are all called. We are to love God, love others, and offer eternity in Heaven through Christ Jesus. I have always felt a “calling” to do my part. I’ve always felt that there is something bigger around the corner that God is calling me to do.
However, I’m not sure what that might be. What I do know is that I am blessed to be a part of the public school education system that has tried to shut God out. Yet, they hire men and women of faith like myself. We then go through those doors each day, where we are on the front lines of battle. We minister in our way the Gospel of Christ through our kindness, compassion, empathy, and love. They will know we are Christians by our love!
With all of that, I know that there is even more work for me to do. My life has been quite the story, much like yours, and I believe that God never wastes a hurt.
God Never Wastes a Hurt
Here is my story in a nutshell. My husband went to be with the Lord at the age of 36 after battling malignant melanoma. I was left to rear our two young boys without their father. Our oldest son was born prematurely due to complications from an amniocentesis. It resulted in a life long battle with kidney failure for him. In his 27 years on this planet, our son has been through several years on and off dialysis. He has been blessed with three kidney transplants with the newest one struggling at only 9% function. Our youngest son, at the age of 16, was diagnosed with pre-cancer cells found in a mole that looked like a simple freckle. He is currently a fifth-year student at Ball State University studying to become an elementary teacher with a minor in Spanish and Computer Science.
Some of you may be thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot. Poor girl!” Yes, I often fall victim to that mentality when things come crashing down on me all at once. However, then I realize it is a blessing to still have my two sons with me. I have a job that affords me a roof over my head, food on my table, and my bills are all paid. My oldest son has won the kidney transplant lottery three times, and my youngest son had his mole removed before it could cause harm. God BLESSED me!
Called to Leadership Training at CLI
My story is not unlike yours. We all have our struggles and hurts. It is what we do with them that matters. I know there is more God wants me to do. He has put so many desires in my heart. Several times in my adult life, people asked me to testify, write a book, lead a group, create a social media outlet, create a non-profit, and the list goes on. Crazy enough, all of those things I desire to do.
However, I am called first to leadership training to be fully equipped for the chaotic world that we are now living in. As a teacher and mother of sons with extensive medical needs, the finances are tight. Paying for education for myself is not an option. Plus, I have always felt that God’s Word and training for His work should never have a price tag. God freely gives, and so should we.
Therefore, finding the Christian Leaders Institute has been an answer to prayer as I am called to leadership training. I didn’t just stumble upon them; God led me to them. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication to the cause. I believe that as Christian Leaders Institute freely gives to the Kingdom, so should we with our time, talents, and treasures.
Spiritual Dreams
How shall I use my time, talents, and treasure, you ask? My time is mine now that I am an empty nester. Having a heart for theatre and film, I own a small performing arts theatre, produced and script supervised several independent films, and worked in Hollywood as a General Manager for the world-famous Graumann’s Theatre. Having seen Hollywood in all of its “not-so-glorious” state, I want to make a positive Christ-like impact in the entertainment world.
I love entertaining and making people laugh, helping others, giving God all the glory, and sharing my story. I pray that God will make my path clear and my opportunities plentiful. As I progress in my journey for knowledge and wisdom through my training here at CLI, I hope to retire soon from my current career.
Therefore, I look forward to embarking on a whole new adventure of loving God, loving others, and using my God-given desires and talents creatively and engagingly!
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Answering the Call to be a Chaplain from Heaven’s Dispatch Center
Hello! My name is Joseph D’Amico, and I am from Wisconsin in the United States. I am called to be a chaplain in the fire service field. Free ministry and chaplain classes at CLI are what I need to answer this call.
I grew up Catholic, attended CFC classes to prepare for my First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Honestly, I hated going to these classes. As a child with ADD, it was difficult for me to have to go to classes after school once a week. All I wanted to do what play with my friends. As I grew older, I still attended these classes until I made my Confirmation.
During that time, I was struggling with Anxiety and Depression. Although I still didn’t particularly appreciate going to the classes, I found more meaning in them. I also began to open myself up more to God. It is where my relationship with Christ truly began. Up until this point, my parents told me I had to go to them. However, as a young adult making my Confirmation, I decided to give myself to Christ.
Struggles
Over time, my depression and anxiety worsened. Ultimately, it led to my hospitalization on three separate occasions, all within one year. It was a trying time as I was on the brink of giving up and not trying anymore. During one of my hospitalizations, I asked my doctor for my Rosary. He agreed to allow me to have it, and I began to pray as much as I could.
At the hospital, we also had group sessions that allowed us to speak about our experiences and do activities. I tried meditation and yoga, but they resulted in an anxiety attack. The only form of meditation that kept me grounded was praying that Rosary. It was God’s way of saying, “Come with me.” To this day, I struggle with my anxiety and depression, but having the Lord as a fantastic resource has gotten me through many difficult situations.
Called to Serve as a Chaplain
Many years after, I wanted to be an avenue of spiritual and emotional healing to my brothers and sister in the fire service by becoming a Chaplain. I served on a fire department previously for five and a half years. To this day, I can clearly remember some of the calls I answered. The mental and emotional stress of the job can take a significant toll on those called to respond in these situations. While I was not subject to a significant incident that left a long-lasting negative impression on me, there are many of my brothers and sister that have been. Many of them, which I know personally, have either sought help and were able to manage their struggles, or some have given in to theirs, ultimately taking their lives.
It is my goal and my passion to help those who are struggling to find the light to overcome and to show them their real strength found in Christ. The Christian Leaders Institute is the only place where I can take the courses needed to serve in that capacity comfortably. While I have only gone through a few introductory courses, I already feel that CLI is the perfect ministry school to train and educate me on effective ministry properly.
I am excited to be a student at CLI! I cannot wait to see what opportunities my CLI training will bring for me as I serve the Lord and people! God Bless!
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.