In this inspiring testimony, Erin writes “I thank God every day for my pain and the trials I endured. Not because they were fun; but because He trusted me to see the purpose in my pain.” Relying on God and His promises she is now experiencing a fulfilling and growing season in her life.
Growing Season: Out Of Pain Came Promise
Ever since I was a little girl I knew, or so I thought, what I wanted to be. While growing and changing, I remained an active society girl in high school and throughout my community. I went to Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, all the while keeping my spirituality on the back burner. For a short period, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. Then, I had my mind set on being a teacher. And then I knew for sure that I was set to be a publicist. I never realized that God was chuckling at my plans while He was divinely merging my desires, interests, and passions with HIS ultimate plan. I find myself being happier now than ever before.
While at Bowie, I found myself falling into the world and not focusing on who God called me to be. I was drinking, smoking, failing my classes, battling with promiscuity, and everything in between. It was during this time I disconnected myself from people I loved. There was even a pregnancy scare, sexually contracted illness, and being taken advantage of sexually. I tried to commit suicide.
One night, when everything seemed like it was going wrong, I looked over on my nightstand, and there was my Bible. It was that night when I was at a dark place that I began to see God in another light. Since then, I have continued to grow in stature with GOD! I recently aligned my educational and spiritual goals. I am attending Regent University pursuing a degree in Christian Ministry.
Spiritual Growing Season
My belief in the theological principles of God’s existence shapes my worldview and my spirituality. Moreover, I see the proof that God exists through my experiences and seeing God’s hand at work. Biblically, I rely on the promises made to me because I see the manifestation daily.
Growing up in church notably streamlined my current belief systems in the Trinity. My past in the world allowed me to see the necessity for God in my life. He is continually shaping who I am in Christ and how I look at the world. Through my Biblical worldview lenses, I can see things on a spiritual level and beyond the worldly realm, further allowing me to not rely upon myself, but instead, “cast[ing my] burden[s] on the Lord, and He will sustain [me]; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken” (Psalm 55:22 HCSB).
Out of my season of pain came a promise, and I began a ministry called “A Touch of Glitter, Inc.” (ATOG). I organized ATOG ministry to help young women grow in God, develop self-esteem and fulfill their God-given call. Prayer and scripture grow my faith as Romans 8:28-31 says, “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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Continuing Education
I plan on teaching at a Christian Day School after college and then getting a Master’s in Curriculum Development. From there, I want to write the curriculum for Christian School programs, women’s Bible Studies, Vacation Bible Schools, and everything in between. I plan on preaching The Gospel to nations and bringing souls to Christ to build the Kingdom. Eventually, I want to get a Doctorate degree. One of my ultimate goals in life is to become a Godly wife and mother.
There are more areas in which I need to grow. Coming from a place of such low self-esteem, I find myself being a little self-conscious at times. I quickly snap out of it and say a prayer. God is continually working on my heart and making me new every day. Knowing I am secure in Him is a reason I will continue to experience this spiritual growing season. I thank God every day for my pain and the trials I endured. Not because they were fun; but because He trusted me to see the purpose in my pain. He trusts me to turn it around and be the best me I can be.
I am also excited to be a student here at Christian Leaders Institute. In this growing season, CLI is helping me reach my ministry goals and to grow in the wisdom of God and His Word.
Learn about Ecuministry Ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.
Michael’s spiritual journey began at the age of 10 when he first stepped into a church and joined the children’s choir. Follow his inspiring testimony and see how he intends to use his unique skills to promote Christian Ministries through the media and mentorship.
MICHAEL WESONGA ODHIAMBO’S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
My name is Michael Wesonga Odhiambo. I was born in Kenya’s Capital Nairobi. But we moved to the western part of the country in my father’s homeland of Busia County when I was 14 years old. I currently live in Kitale Town Trans Nzoia County.
The first step of my spiritual journey is when I joined the Sunday School class of Rhema Fellowship International. I was ten years old. I didn’t have much experience with the church before that. Immediately, I enrolled in the Sunday school choir. Occasionally, we did radio shows for Sunday School children at the Transworld radio studios at Hurlingham. We also did missions and even performed at outdoor meetings like crusades.
I kept a low profile for quite some time while in Busia where I joined Deliverance Church in 1999. This church is where I was attending until after the Holy Ghost filled me at a youth meeting in 2003. Then, I was encouraged to take an active role in our churches. I had been attending choir practice, but I never actually participated in active ministry on Sundays.
The Holy Spirit’s infilling in my spiritual journey completely revolutionized my life. I have never looked back to date. God is real to me, and I now serve Him whole-heartedly based on faith and trust in Him. I am a trained journalism and communication expert and work in the media, evangelism, music, instruments, and interpretation departments.
Next Steps on my Spiritual Journey
Kenya is a predominantly Christian state and therefore Christian leaders are highly regarded. I find it a privilege to serve under such circumstances and strive to render acceptable and pleasing service to the Lord Jesus Christ. My desire is promoting Christian Ministries through media, mentoring true worshippers and worship leaders, and promoting prayer in the Body of Christ.
The greatest challenge I have encountered in my spiritual journey as a Christian has been lack of mentorship. The death of my spiritual father in 2010 created a gap in my life that has taken too long to refill. But thank God, that happened in 2019. Otherwise, my steady spiritual growth can be attributed to listening to numerous preachers online and reading books.
I hope to use the training I at Christian Leaders Institute to sharpen my skills as a Christian Leader and help my ministry projects be fruitful. The free training could not come at a better time than this on my spiritual journey. First of all, I am going through significant challenges, key among them being finances. This fact means it would take me quite a while if I were to progress in ministerial training anywhere else as it would have to wait until I am financially stable. I don’t know when that will be. Secondly, as a bi-vocational leader, I report to work five days a week. That makes Saturday the only relatively available day. So, this is where CLI’s system of training becomes handy as I can progress with studies at my own pace.
Learn about Ecuministry Ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.
Service Education
My name is Paulina. I am receiving Christian service education with Christian Leaders Institute. The Treasure Coast of Florida in the USA is where I live. I am grateful for Christian Leaders Institute to help further God’s plan for the disabled, homebound, retired, and seniors. To be a Christian life coach who spreads the Good News is my hope. I love to write and blog for family-friendly websites. To add a stronger Christian touch to this through CLI training is fantastic!
My mother raised me, my sisters, and my brother in a small town in the Catholic church. I felt God’s Holy Spirit in my youth and helped others through Youth ministry and into adult life. It was a blessing for my family to have Christian roots planted in our lives with a genuine love for our church and community.
Technology makes it possible to further our studies and help others throughout the world. I am blessed to be a part of strengthening this online ministry with CLI. This work is appropriate for everyone including volunteer retirees, homebound disabled, or those new to Christ to become competent through high-quality education at CLI. There is a need for educated ministers online and in the church today to rise above the dark side of the internet. There is a need for Christian writers, bloggers, and English teachers online.
CLI has well-educated, humble, and relatable professors. I could feel the Holy Spirit speak through them. I felt engaged and blessed listening to their testimonies while learning the Bible. They remind us they are merely humans tested along with us on God’s journey. They do this while giving us the spiritual armor needed to deal with the enemy in our lives on a daily basis.
Small Group Ministry
I identify with Small Group Leader both in church and online. I want to serve the less fortunate, disabled, retired, and elderly. To help them to connect with their family and friends, old and new.
My life’s direction has turned toward using my computer education to serve others online. I do this service through church administration and online ministry to the disabled, retired, and elderly. There are ways to brighten an older person’s day by connecting them with family and friends using webcams, smartphones, and new technology. I have a way to help the homebound have their church at home through internet broadcasts.
The challenges are making technology available to them. And then, educating them, being there for them, and helping them be a part of the church. Local churches teach others about the resources made available to them in public places such as libraries, employment workforce offices, and free, open mental health peer mentor centers.
This opportunity to study at CLI for my service education is an integral part of my life now. CLI has caring, educated professors who help others find Jesus Christ through high-quality Bible teaching. I needed this Christian devotion added to my daily studies. It provides meaning and purpose for my calling which will then spread to my workplace. I can share the Good News and a love for all those serving in God’s kingdom.
Learn about ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.