Victory in the Lord
Greetings in Jesus’ name. I am Belle Fuentes. My husband and I and our two children reside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The ministry and Bible knowledge classes at the Christian Leaders Institute help me to grow and learn to be a better small group leader.
I came to Canada as an independent immigrant in 1997. After 3 ½ years, I became a Canadian citizen. I was a very devoted Catholic, following the rituals religiously. I knew that was the right way to please God and feel good. However, the truth is that I was a prideful, critical, and introverted person. My faith and trust in the Lord were zero.
My Encounters with Jesus Christ
One day, my sister, a Christian, visited me at my place after her regular Bible study. She shared with me about Jesus, His love, and salvation. However, it felt vague, and I didn’t understand how this man, Jesus, loved me and died for my sin. She shared John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” As I was open, my sister regularly shared time with me.
Therefore, one day, I got the news about the war between Iran and Iraq. Any sea vessels crossing the Persian Gulf would be destroyed by bombs. My husband worked as a marine engineer on a cargo ship. There was no other way to reach their prescribed destination except by crossing the Persian Gulf. Panicked, I cried, not knowing what to do. Fear crept into my heart as we had a three-month-old baby.
I was crying and praying simultaneously, “Lord help me.” I called on God and poured out my heart to Him. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.” I experienced, for the first time in my life, the peace and the love of Jesus. Furthermore, in August of 1983, I totally surrendered my life to Jesus (Romans 10:9), which began my relationship with Jesus. After three months, I got a letter from my husband! They were safe! They crossed the Persian Gulf, miraculously undetected.
Ministry and Bible Knowledge Courses at CLI
As of now, I attend Jesus Rock of Ages Ministries in Calgary, AB. Serving the Lord is a joy, but it’s not always easy. There are thorns that need to be removed, and it’s painful. However, I have overcome those challenges by the grace of God. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.”
As a small group leader, I thank God for the ministry and Bible knowledge classes at the Christian Leaders Institute. They have further equipped me for my ministry service. Thank you, and God bless you all.
Register a Study Account
Register for a free study account, automatically enrolling you in the Getting Started Class at the Christian Leaders Learning Platform. The Getting Started class will take you less than an hour to complete.
When you log in to the Learning Platform, you will notice that the Getting Started Class automatically appears on your dashboard.
The Getting Started Class will orientate you to the Christian Leaders Learning Platform and the Programs offered, including:
- Ministry Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees with the Christian Leaders Institute.
- Minister Credentialling (Ordination) with the Christian Leaders Alliance, including local Soul Center registration possibilities.
Note: You can enroll in tuition-free courses or mini-courses immediately without finishing the getting started class.
Find out more about women in ministry here.
