Free Evangelism Education Opportunity at CLI
Hello, my name is Kenneth Thompson, and I am grateful for the free evangelism education opportunity at CLI. I grew up in a Christian home. If the doors were open, my mother and I were at the local Baptist church. My father was a nonbeliever but joined us on special occasions like Easter, Christmas, etc. I was involved in all the youth group activities. However, I never developed a relationship with God. All I learned was how to act like a good Christian boy.
The Lost Years
I joined the Army when I was 17 years old. I didn’t step into another church for 20 years. Freedom from Christian rules was what it was for me. After a failed marriage, my second wife had just been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. One would think this time would be my turning point. Not so, I was too far down the rabbit hole at this time. I didn’t even ask for God’s help. That’s how far from God I was.
My Conversion on My Journey to a Free Evangelism Education
After my wife passed away, I went a little deeper down the rabbit hole drinking and partying. I started dating an old friend of mine. We were drinking and partying a lot. Her son who was playing in a Christian rock band at that time invited us to a revival they were playing at. I was reluctant to go as it was at a Pentecostal Church. I had not been to church in 20 years. But with reluctance, I went anyway. Not a lot happened. That night they had a young evangelist and the band played, but my heart was way too tough for any of that to get to me.
However, some friends of ours invited us to another church the next morning. It was another Pentecostal church, but I survived one, I could survive another. So the next morning, we went to Oak Park Church of God. I walked in and from the time I entered the church, I could feel something changing in me. By the time of the altar call, my eyes were tearing. I went up for the altar call and accepted Jesus as my Savior. We all were standing in front of the church when the Pastor called me up to him. He told the church that God laid on his heart to anoint me to be a mighty man of God to do great things in his name.
My Calling and a Free Evangelism Education at CLI
Ever since that day, I felt that God wants me to do more. But, I didn’t know what. I struggled with my Christian walk and understanding where God was leading me. No matter how far out of wack I got, God always pulled me back. Over the years, God showed me the direction he is leading me and has given me a heart for Evangelism. So this is why I’m here at Christian Leaders Institute getting the training I need to be effective in my calling. Thank you for this free evangelism education opportunity.
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Free Bible School Studies at CLI
My name is Femmy Dethan-Bouwman and I take free Bible School Studies at Christian Leaders Institute. Together with my husband Edwer Dethan and our five children Moses, Grace, Micah, Sam, and Aizaach, we live in Kupang, Indonesia.
Early Life on My Journey to Free Bible School Studies
I was born and raised in a Christian family on a dairy farm in the Netherlands. Although I look back upon a beautiful childhood of country living, I indeed did not inherit the farm genes. From an early age, missionary work had a tender spot in my heart. When looking back, it is incredible to see how the Lord prepared me all along for His specific plan for me.
After grade 9, I decided to train to become a hairdresser. I started as an apprentice at age 16 and graduated four years later. Although I learned a lot in terms of dealing with people, hairdressing was not the life goal that God had in mind for me. In 1998, I quit my job and signed up with Operation Mobilisation for a 6-month training at the LUKE Training Centre in Birmingham, UK. It was a wonderful time of learning scripture, different ways of evangelism, and lots of opportunities to bring God’s word to others.
Changes on My Journey to Free Bible School Studies
During my time in the UK, my parents decided to immigrate to Canada. Having been away from my hometown for six months and ready for a new direction, this decision was an answer to prayer! Initially, I picked up my hairdressing skills again to save up for college. However, the Lord had a different plan.
In early 2001, I met my husband, and we were married the following year. We both shared the same vision, spreading God’s word. My husband was born and raised in Indonesia. He desired to work and minister among the people of his hometown. Sent by the Canadian Reformed Churches, Indonesia is where we have been working now for over 16 years.
Free Bible School Studies at CLI
The responsibilities of being a wife and mother primarily fill my days. That includes homeschooling our five blessings. Now that the three oldest can study independently, I have more time on hand to continue my studies as well. I am very thankful for the opportunity Christian Leaders Institute for free Bible School studies. It allows me to do this at home at my own pace. It is my hope and prayer that through these studies, I will be able to better minister to those God has put around me.
The words of Psalm 46:10 have always greatly comforted and encouraged me:
“Be still and know that I am God.”
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Journey to Free Ministry Training
My name is N-ninkon Jalan Kwesi, and I have been on a journey to free ministry training at CLI. I come from Saboba in the Northern Region of Ghana. I am a Pharmacy Technician and also participated in the 2017/2018 Community College Initiative Program. It is a US state program administered by Northern Virginia Community College supported by the Community College Consortium. There, I studied computer networks for a specialized diploma with Cisco Academy at Northampton Community College.
I grew up in a family that was not Christian. However, we all eventually became Christians at different times. We were a family of nine, but now there are seven. My brother became a pastor, but unfortunately, passed on December 11, 2018, after a short illness. That was only three years after my father died.
Saved by Grace on My Journey to Free Ministry Training
I was born again in 2010. At the time, I was preparing for high school, and things got bad for me. It was for my good. One evening, I heard a pastor in my neighborhood talking about repentance, and I could not stop listening. The next morning, I went to see him. He told me about Jesus Christ; I accepted Jesus and received baptism after a series of teaching on being born again and baptism.
I was evicted from the family house because of becoming a Christian. It was against the wish of some family members, so I left the house. With the help of my pastor, I rented a room with another brother in the church who faced similar challenges in his family. I am happy it happened because we became prayerful and dedicated to the Bible during our trials and firmly bonded.
During this time, becoming a high school dropout was inevitable since I had no support. Yet, God was so real and assured me in my heart that He has not failed us. God gave me sponsors, and He still gives me sponsorships until I believe He will continue to do it again and again. I took the opportunity to learn carpentry apprenticeship when I could not afford education after high school. It was worth learning.
A Christian Leader on a Journey to Free Ministry Training
It takes endurance, boldness, self-denial, and sacrifice to be a Christian or a Christian leader in my part of the world. In my church, I have worked as the secretary, youth leader, and coordinated some evangelism activities. Currently, I am a Sunday school teacher and also assist the pastor. Through these, I have realized the load and heart it takes to be in such leadership positions.
We have faced challenges from inside and outside of our fold, but God’s grace is enough. He has sustained and has been good to us all the time. The challenges we face strengthen and energize us to move on. They have also humbled me and caused me to rely solely on God. Here is my heart, oh Lord Jesus! I will serve Him and work in His vineyard. While growing up, my dream was to be a teacher. However, it’s clear now that God wants me in His vineyard. Though troubles may come, after a little while, there is eternal joy.
My Journey to Free Ministry Training at CLI
I always seize any opportunity that comes my way because I cannot afford tuition for training since I do not have a paid job. I know I have a calling to serve, and so I must work to provide my needs so that I am not a liability to anyone. Also, I am to study to show myself approved when I get the opportunity. Thank God, I have an excellent opportunity to study, develop, and mature at Christian Leaders Institute. I could not have afforded the education I am getting at CLI. I thank the sponsors for allowing themselves to be used by God to reach us through their resources and efforts.
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