Licensed Youth Minister Dream
My name is Megan Qualls, and I have a licensed youth minister dream and call. I am from Odessa, Texas, United States of America. Being a Christian leader here is good and bad since sometimes am I met with interest and sometimes with resistance.
My childhood was decent, and my parents raised me in the church community. However, one day, my world fell apart when my dad left. His leaving led me to go down (what I did not realize at the time) a long and twisted path that would lead me away from my walk with Christ. I met the Lord the first time in my church. But then, I strayed away when I met my first husband.
My Licensed Youth Minister Dream
My spiritual dream changed from what it was a couple of years ago. Now, it is to be the best youth leader I can be. Having a fantastic youth group full of teenagers that love Jesus with everything they have is a big part of my dream.
My obstacles were similar to many others. These obstacles included people of the opposite sex, the temptation of drugs, trying to find the love I was missing from my dad in other people. It became apparent to me that I couldn’t do life on my own, and I especially needed Jesus.
Therefore, right before I married my second husband, I knew that I wanted to live life right with God at the center. When I became a parent and wanted my life to reflect Him so my children could see Him, that is when God became real to me.
Free Youth Ministry Training at CLI
I want to use my Christian Leaders Institute ministry training to become a licensed youth minister. Free training is necessary for me because where I live, the cost of living is high, and we are a one-income household at the moment. So, this free training allows me to do what I love and not have to worry about the extra costs involved. Thank you, Christian Leaders Institute!
Learn about ordination opportunities at the Christian Leaders Alliance.
Called and Trained
My name is Michael Miller, and I am from Santa Barbara, CA. Here is the testimony of my spiritual journey to Christ and free ministry training at CLI. Now, I am being called and trained for God’s army.
I am the youngest child in my family. I come from a broken home where my parents did not mention Jesus. It was not until I left home and went through troubles that I realized that something was wrong with society. It was at this time at 27 years of age that I called out to Christ Jesus. Then I came to a place where I met my real family in Christ and was baptized into Jesus. I also attended the LA International Church of Christ.
Struggles and Growth
It has not been an entirely comfortable journey since then. I have had to overcome much damage caused to me by my abusive and neglectful parents and sibling. Also, in my struggles was my deep addiction to drugs and alcohol already from my childhood. I continue going through my character flaw issues even at the age of 56. However, I have put my trust in Jesus and believe that He will see me through to my journey home to Him as I am now.
Ministry Training at CLI: Called and Trained for God’s Army
I have come to the Christian Leaders Institute to deepen my understanding of scripture. Also, I want to have the training needed to be more effective in leading others to Christ. My dream has always been from a young age to be a person who would help other people to a better life. I found my calling as a disciple of Jesus, and I understand that this is the very purpose for which God created me. Furthermore, I know that God uses all the troubles and conditions of my life to help me relate to the people He sends to me.
I thank my God that I am here today and able to take these courses. I hope that I learn to be a better witness to those whom He puts in my life. Thank you, all at CLI, and may God bless our shared mission.
Learn about ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.
Evangelism Spiritual Dream
I have an evangelism spiritual dream from the Lord. I am excited to be studying at Christian Leaders Institute to fulfill this calling on my life.
Early Years
I was born in South Dakota and my family moved to Minnesota when I was six months old. As a child, my mother and grandmother both taught me about Jesus. My mom would take us to church on Sundays, but I never really knew what a real relationship with Christ was. My dad was not a believer and grew up in a broken home with a father who was an alcoholic and quite abusive. Growing up, my dad also had some abusive tendencies. I loved my father very much but struggled with feeling close to him. He always kept me at a distance. He had no interest in going to church or knowing who God was. To live in a home with one believer and one non-believer, made it confusing.
My parents ended up divorcing when I was 12, which left me even more confused. I found myself searching for meaning in this life. Searching for love and acceptance from friends and peers. Unfortunately, those things led me to make some very destructive and unhealthy choices as a teenager. These choices carried on well into my adult life.
Salvation Story
In 2004, the movie “The Passion of the Christ” was released. I firmly believe the Holy Spirit was working in me to go and see this movie. So I did. During the movie, I was so convicted by my sins, that it brought me to my salvation with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I knew when I left the theater that night, I would never be the same person again. I was reborn of the Spirit giving myself completely to God.
Health Challenges and Spiritual Growth
In 2013, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in both my breasts. I went through a bi-lateral mastectomy, four months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. My faith was being tested! The Lord was so incredibly faithful to me and my family during this trial. I don’t know what I would have done without Him. Today, I am currently cancer-free. I give God all the Praise and Glory for my Victory!
Since knowing God, He has turned my life upside down. Growing me in ways I never thought possible. In 2014, I was still very sick from all the chemo treatments, which took a toll on my body. My dad who lived in Arizona at the time became very sick and was put on hospice. Even though I was weak and ill, God allowed me to travel to Arizona to see my dad and I was able to lead him to the Lord during that visit. My dad passed away one week later. I know I’ll see my dad again one day. What a glorious reunion that will be, to share eternity together in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.
My Marriage
When I married my husband, we were equally yoked, but after my salvation, we were not. This no doubt has led to many challenges throughout our marriage, but God has been so faithful working in and through me. I know that God loves my husband and is teaching me to love him right where he is. My husband is on his own personal journey and in God’s perfect timing, he too will know Jesus as his Savior.
1 Corinthians 7:13-14 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
Evangelism Spiritual Dream
God never gave up on me, even during some of my darkest days. He has shown himself to me through His Word and in prayer. I know that He has a plan for my life.
To be given this opportunity to study ministry through Christian Leaders Institute is so precious to me. My hope is to honor the LORD with my studies and to be trained accordingly. God has given me a heart for people far from Him, I ask that you will join me in prayer to be used to reach others for His Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 2:9 “No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Learn about ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance.