I was born in the United States and have lived here all my life. God called me to a restorative justice ministry and I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute for further ministry and Bible training (Learn more about free online Bible courses, Click Here).
My Journey
I was born out of wedlock in St Paul, MN, at the Catholic unwed mothers’ home. I was supposed to be adopted out. However, my mother changed her mind. I was adopted by a man my mother met when I was a year old. He became my earthly father. I have two siblings from my parents. I grew up in the Catholic faith until about 8 years old when my parents divorced. The experience I had during this time in my life formed my religious beliefs. I did not understand religion, and my view of the subject was of disdain.
My life became filled with self-serving pursuits of pleasure. And with that life came spiritual destruction. Through my own marriage and the births of my daughters, I remained selfish, self-centered, and served only myself. I had no moral compass or direction in life. I became an addict to alcohol and drugs and anger. According to my beliefs, I was a victim, and everyone owed me. I knew not the Love God has for me. I did not understand what had been done for me. The truth of His light started to be revealed to me through his Word as I was seeking a way to ease the pain I felt. I later learned that the pain is called the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Praise be to Him!
Finding Jesus
I became sober in 2010 and was introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ thru a recovery ministry called the Way Out. This time is when I was called to work. In 2012, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My faith was tested at this time. God revealed himself in my life at that time through other members of the body. I had no option but to follow whatever his plan was for me, and I recovered.
Struggles
I remained in the ministry until 2015. At that time, I chose to leave it to pursue a secular career and a domestic life as I was engaged to a woman. I realized my falling away at this time in my life. I no longer put God as the center of my life and went back to being miserable and dying spiritually.
In Nov of 2017, I was struck by a car while going to work. Both my legs were broken requiring surgery and months of recovery. During this time, I was in a spiritual battle where once again God revealed himself. I was given the time to reconnect with Him, and I refused to believe I could be worthy of His love for me.
I continued to live this way until February of 2021 when the pain of the piercing of my heart became unbearable, and I turned back to Him. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 “And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.”
Called to Restorative Justice Ministry
I then went to a men’s restoration ministry. There, I spent several months in intensive study and prayer and fellowship with other men seeking the Lord. I accepted His love and accepted what has been done for me despite my brokenness and rebelliousness. I am loved and wanted the revelation I was given. Now, I share this testimony with other men on a daily basis as part of my vocation. I am amazed at the Lord’s patience and love for me.
In September of 2021, I was placed in the position of director of a men’s recovery program. The classes I have taken at the Christian Leaders Institute are the foundation of my education. The Restorative Justice Ministry Program has been invaluable to the work I am involved in here. I plan to continue my education with CLI. Perhaps at some point, I will join CLI’s Leadership Excellence School and earn a degree.
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
