Free Ministry Training at CLI in Lockdown
Greetings from Seattle, Washington. My name is Mark Donaldson, and I’m getting free ministry training in the lockdown at CLI. I grew up surrounded by the majestic mountains of the great northwest part of the United States. It’s a gorgeous place to live that desperately needs Jesus.
As a 1989 graduate of Azusa Pacific University, and someone who has walked with Jesus since 7th grade, I always knew God had a calling on my life. I survived too much self-destructive behavior not to know this.
Encounters With God
My first real encounter with God was as a child running down the hallway one night when suddenly, out of nowhere, a bright light appeared before me in the darkness of the stairwell. I was so scared I froze, even rubbing my eyes to double-check. Somehow, I began to sense it was something peaceful that had come to visit me. Still frozen at the moment, I just stared and watched when suddenly, it disappeared as fast as it had appeared.
That encounter changed me, and I began a curious journey toward God. Several divine appointments crossed my path, revealing different aspects of Christianity. A few years later, I finally made the connection. I became a Christian when my new neighbors shared the salvation of Jesus on the basketball court between our houses! Standing there with the Peace of God surrounding me, I knew in my heart, an angel of the Lord had visited me that one night, drawing me to Jesus!
As the youngest of three brothers who always flew by the seat of his pants, I often got myself into precarious situations growing up. A daredevil, full of adrenaline, I was the extreme before there were extreme sports. I wrecked, crashed, and smashed my way through childhood. I was the one who usually took the risk before really thinking about the consequences. Somewhere along the way, my lifestyle caught up to me, and I knew something was wrong with my neck. Was it the 30-foot tree I fell out of as a small boy? Who knows.
Ministry Service
As an independent contractor skilled in all phases of construction management, I have served in several church ministries through the years. I sang in a youth outreach choir traveling the United States, led church youth groups, been involved in different community outreach programs, and most notably participating in Plumb Line, a ministry birthed out of YWAM. This three-day intensive program was designed for small groups of 20 people from a congregation. They get exposed to the building blocks of God’s designed purposes for living in pure truth and pure love. They also get exposed to the consequences when they swing out of that plumb line either towards rejection or rebellion. This teaching led to time for ministry, where each person individually revealed anything the Lord brought up to be prayed over in their life.
Now, two surgeries later and a steel plate and wires holding my neck together, I’ve had a life check; a moment when my eyes opened to what really matters. In Matthew 22: 37-39, Jesus replied: “‘ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” I’ve always loved God and loved those he has surrounded me with, but not like that. This condition rocked my worldview and took me to a deeper level of faith, hope, and trust in Him. Zachariah 4:6 (NIV) says, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit; says the LORD Almighty.”
Study at CLI
Being at a crossroads, I sense a renewed call and a renewed desire to train for what’s next. I found free ministry training at CLI in the lockdown. I hope to dive in deep to the Christian Leaders Institute, pursuing ministry in a whole new light. Gifted in love, encouragement, faith, craftsmanship, and joy, I hope to bring a deep passion to my ministry call. All the while, blessing people into a marriage covenant, speaking life, and wisdom while ushering in the Holy Spirit for an empowered life together.
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
Biblical Study for Free at CLI
Hello! My name is Sara Isabel Leitão Pedroso Crespo, and I am at CLI for biblical study for free. I am Portuguese and live in the suburbs of Lisbon. I am married and have three children.
Born in a Christian home, I grew up in the ways of God. In Portugal, we usually use the phrase, “I was born on the Sunday school benches.” I attended the Pentecostal church. When I was around 17, I started working on Sunday. At first, I couldn’t go to the late service because I was tired and didn’t feel like it. However, later I dated a boy who was not a Christian.
I know that the church does not save that it is God. However, your faith comes from hearing the word of God. Therefore, to let go of my church attendance, my fall was just a matter of time. God also didn’t want this courtship for me. Soon, I found out that he was dating other girls. I broke up with him.
Struggles
For a long time, I was angry and hurt by everything and everyone. I think I got to the point of exhaustion. It was then that a co-worker started talking to me. One day, he asked me to marry him. For a long time, I said no, that I didn’t like him. However, he said he loved me enough for both of us. He kept insisting, so one day, I said yes.
After we married, I went back to church with my kids. However, I wasn’t feeling right with myself, and everything was a process. I had to forgive myself first before I felt forgiven by God.
Saved to Serve God
The years passed and I always asked God to save my husband. Then, 13 years after we married, he gave his life to Jesus at a Christmas party in the church. Two years later, he was baptized. That same year at a mission service, they asked who wanted to serve God. The Holy Spirit nudged me, and I presented my life to serve Him.
I helped in the church to organize Christmas parties and Easter gatherings. Later, they asked me to help with youth retreats to cook for them. It was very gratifying. However, God wanted something more from me. So I talked to the Leader. She told me to be a missionary here where I live. I agreed, not knowing if this was what God wanted. I prayed to God to show me what He wanted from me.
Finding Biblical Study for Free at CLI
A while later, I was invited to teach at a public school for classes in evangelical moral religion. It was then that the problem started. One cannot teach young people and children if one does not have a well-structured foundation.
I tried to study at a biblical institute, but due to la ack of financial funds, I had to leave. In desperation, I went to the internet to search for where to find biblical study for free. I found the leading site, the Christian Leaders Institute.
It is a great challenge for me. In addition to understanding spoken English, my written and spoken English is very weak. I am taking three more courses at CLI to be able to teach at school. Also, I would like to complete my master’s in management. However, first, I ask God. God has been teaching me to wait, that it is not in my time but in His time. So, God’s will be done and not mine.
May God continue to work in my “desert” as he shows me what God wants most of me. I pray for open doors from Him and that He gives me wisdom. God bless you and your work!
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
My Journey to Free Training for Ministry
My name is Jerry Margiotta, and the following is my journey to free training for ministry at CLI. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York (USA), in some of the toughest neighborhoods. I am presently living in Long Island, Suffolk County, New York. God had his hand on my life. Guiding and directing my path. Although I made some bad choices, His hand and His calling on my life were always there.
When He promises never to leave me nor forsake me, He never went back on His word. He never breaks his covenant. One of my favorite scripture verses is in Philippians 1:6 “be confident in this very thing that He who began a good work will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” I will stand on that promise and claim it over my life.
Early Life
I am the youngest of three children from both of my parents. Growing up as a child was extremely difficult. There was depression in my household. I was molested as a child and had my struggles with addictions. Cheated death more times than I can count on one hand, I give God all the glory! If it were not for His hand on my life, I would’ve died a long time ago.
At the age of eight years old, I had my first encounter with my Lord Jesus. Growing up as a Catholic, going to church on Sunday was just a ritual. I never understood what was going on due to the fact the mass was said in Latin. I remember as a child walking into the Catholic church when it was empty, I sat in the back of the church, asking, “God, where are you?” Then, I felt the overwhelming presence of God’s peace flooding over me, and tears filled my eyes. My desire, even at that young age, was to know more of the Lord.
Growing up as a teenager, I did not know why God was always on my mind. I remember hearing those taking the Lord’s name in vain. It offended me and made me defensive. I never knew or was involved with any Christians or that I needed to receive Christ as my Savior.
Marriage and Salvation in Christ
I remember dating my wife and having frequent conversations about the Lord. Then, when we got married, we planned to raise our family in a Godly home. My wife, Lori, had a similar experience as a child of three years old when the Lord revealed himself to Her. God certainly matched us together to serve as a team, and we have.
We both received Christ together. In January of 1977, my wife’s cousin, a born again Christian, was dying in the ICU unit in the hospital. As he was close to passing into eternity, the pastor of his church approached my wife and I. He shared the salvation and the redemption story of Jesus. I have never heard it explained to me that way. Quickly, I said yes and accepted Jesus into my heart. I realized it’s a relationship, not a religion.
My Spiritual Dreams and Free Training for Ministry at CLI
My spiritual dream and passion are to teach, start a home church, lead the lost to our Savior, and do men’s ministry, especially to those with addictions. The Lord also used me several times in healing. It is a desire of mine to be used for the hurting and those who need healing. God will use all of my failures in the past for those with similar struggles and circumstances. I am new, breaking through, and rising up for God’s call on my life. Here I am, Lord, send me!
Christian Leaders Institute will further my abilities, education, and growth in God’s word. At first, I was somewhat suspicious of this ministry because I had bad experiences with internet ministries. However, after taking the connection course at CLI, I saw that they have a firm foundation and a real love for serving in ministry. I hope to absorb as much as I can and to do more and more for God’s glory through CLI as I become more involved here.
Free training for ministry was a game-changer for me. Unable to pay expensive tuition fees, it was a confirmation of how I could advance and expand my knowledge of the word of God and not be unhindered by the cost. I will be one who gives back and not one who just takes. I support this ministry and help those who cannot afford legitimate Bible training. Blessings to you all! Thank you, CLI, for your obedience to our Father God and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Learn about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.