Ministry Women
My name is Christina, and I am from the state of Florida in the USA. The Lord called my name in 2012 and since that day of sweet surrender, my life has not been the same. I would love to say that it has all been roses and mountain top experiences but that would be dishonest. Truth is, I have experienced many trying times spiritually since saying “yes” to our Lord. However, the trying times have built me up stronger than ever before. In fact, it has been the time in the valley that has led me to know God for who He truly is; which is a defender, comfort, peace, and Father, among other characteristics. The valley times have also left me with a greater sense of purpose and calling for His kingdom as I join the army of ministry women serving Him. My past now has reason and design. And the freedom that I’ve experienced and continue to live in can be used by God to aid me in my ministry call to inspire and propel other women on their journey forward! This is my ministry women dream to reach out to other hurting women and families who don’t know God’s great gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Finishing the Getting Started class and the Christian Basics class with Christian Leaders Institute has opened a pathway for me to receive structure and knowledge useful to deepening my relationship with the Lord. It has also given me a firm foundation for the family ministry vision I have received. I am excited to continue on in this journey of learning and preparation for my ministry in God’s kingdom. Christian Leaders Institute is a great blessing; truly a gift that will keep on giving.
Learn more about ordained minister study programs at Christian Leaders Alliance.
Deacon Calling – Ready to Serve
My name is Michelle Hopwood. I currently live in Pennsylvania in the United States. I am so thankful for finding CLI as I have followed my deacon calling! The word deacon translated from “diakonos” means “one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, as a servant, attendant, minister”. I am called to love and serve others for God.
I was raised in a Christian home and went to church every Sunday and Wednesday night. I had heard all of the Bible stories and went on all of the youth group trips. The problem was everything I had heard and been exposed to didn’t penetrate my heart and soul. I never questioned God’s love for me or the ultimate sacrifice of his Son to save me, but I had always thought to be a Christian meant all rules and no fun.
I ended up as a single mom, married and then divorced. I was not living the life I was called to live. God had a greater purpose for me but I fought back. I went on to a successful career in sales and remarried and now have another daughter. Despite my rebellion, God never gave up on me. After my youngest daughter was born, I started to struggle with the life I was leading. I wasn’t doing anything “bad” really, but I was not teaching my daughter enough about God’s love. Not only was I not teaching her, but I was not being the example I should have been. I decided to change all of that. My husband and I found a church, I started homeschooling my daughter, but most importantly, I got back into God’s Word!
Several months later, I felt led to quit my job and focus on Matthew 25:40. “The King will answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” I felt a deacon calling to start an outreach ministry and I know I cannot serve God without serving others. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves and that is my ministry dream.
The Getting Started class and the Christian Basics class have reminded me of the need to have priorities in line with God always at the top of that list. We get so busy in life that sometimes, we go through the motions without paying attention to the whys and the hows.
Learn more about Deacon Minister Ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.
Evangelism Journey
My name is Eleanor Renee’ Ramey but my family and friends call me Renee’ and I am on an evangelism journey. I am the youngest of six children, five brothers and me the only girl. I was raised in Columbus, GA. I moved to Atlanta when I was twenty-five and have lived here ever since. I met my wonderful husband of twelve years here. After marrying him, I became an instant mom. We have five children and ten grandkids, in which seven are boys and three are girls. My family and I enjoy spending time together when we can.
I came to know Christ at an early age. I attended this community church and every Sunday they would come by and pick up the neighborhood kids for church. It was an experience on my evangelism journey that I will never forget. Every Sunday we would play games, sing songs, and learn about Jesus. That church is where I gave my life to Christ at the age of twelve. I grew to love Christ, but I strayed away as a teenager. It wasn’t until I was a young adult at the age of twenty-one that I came back on my evangelism journey to Christ. I was working at McDonald’s and my manager was a Christian and she invited me to her Bible study. I hadn’t been to a Bible study ever in my life; it was very different. I was embarrassed that night because I realized I didn’t know much about the Bible. That embarrassment made me read my Bible to learn more about God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The next Bible study, I was ready. I rededicated my life to Christ and I have been living for God ever since.
My husband and I are in charge of the Evangelism Ministry at our church. We love telling people about Christ and leading them to salvation. I plan on this training at CLI to help me to be educated in the things of God. With this training, I can advance the kingdom of God. The training will advance my skills in leadership to teach and train others and to be effective in my witnessing to others.
Learn more about Minister Ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.