Posts in Singles
How innovative ministries are bringing millennials back to church
Here is a great article about faith among young adults. For many teens and young adults, they only have a limited amount of experience in their walk with Jesus. The article points out that young adults are in need of mentorship from those in their congregation who have decades of experience as devout Christians.
The Christian Training Center’s young adult program is focused on personal and spiritual development for young adults. While immersed in a way of life that emphasizes the Word of God, prayer, relationships, family, servanthood and personal discipline, you will be renewed, trained, and challenged to walk with God in a deeper way. Learn More and Register.
Despite belonging to a church-attending family, 24-year-old Danielle De Guzman is among the many American millennials who struggled throughout adolescence to find relevance and trust in the church or Christianity.
After high school, she would at times still attend her parents’ large church in Collin County, Texas, but admits that she would just sit in the lobby and wait for the service to end because she just didn’t see the point of going into the service.
Although she spent years going to the church, she struggled to get plugged in or even develop personal relationships with others in her congregation.
Eventually, she began telling her parents that she had to work on Sundays so she could get out of going to church. Her parents respected her freedom and De Guzman stopped going to church for a period of time. Going to college locally, she spent a lot of time — like many other college students — partying.
The experience had by De Guzman is not unique among millennial adults who grew up in the church.
Read More Here:
How innovative ministries are bringing millennials back to church – The Christian Post
If you would like to donate to the Christian Training Center, please click here.
Check out our upcoming ministry programs for young adults and families. Please click here.
Heroes Semester is a 10-week residential, “family style” living experience like no other! | — Sept 2 – Nov 9, 2019 | Participants ages 18-26 come with one purpose – to go deeper with the Lord. ow.ly/Nhag30oRYRK
Strengthening & Restoring Family Relationships — Train to Reign Program — Oct 20 – Nov 2 | Family is the most vital relationship and the one under the most pressure and attack. Come strengthen your family in a strong relationship with God. http://ow.ly/l5SU30oS5pQ
Giving Tuesday
Dear Friends,
As a great reminder to all year-end contributions, Giving Tuesday was designed to ease the strain of last minute donations during the Christmas season. What is exciting for CTCI is your donation this year will be twice the value. That’s right! Every dollar we receive will be matched up to $100,000.00.
Now is the time to give. Not only are you helping to restore families from around the globe, but hundreds of young people are also being transformed through our Heroes of Today challenge programs.
This is the season of Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for the many faithful donors who help enable us to continue this work.
Would you prayerfully consider donating to the ministry of CTCI? Every dollar counts, and this year, twice as much!
God bless you and your family during this time of thanking our Lord for His many blessings.
Most Sincerely,
Larry F. Pons, CTCI Executive Director
To donate now and find more information about the lives affected by your giving at CTCI click here. God Bless!
2018 Summer Intern Testimonies: Faith Morton
Faith Morton’s family moved to Franklin from Port St. Lucie in 2017 after her sister’s family, Madison and Dustin Ortiz, joined our staff. She shares about the importance of duty vs intimacy, obedience vs sacrifice, seeing the monuments of the Lord’s goodness in our lives, and how much her Heavenly Father truly loves her.
If you would like more information about the summer internship or our upcoming spring semester you can go to:
Summer Internship – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroesinternship
Spring Semester – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroessemmester
2018 Summer Intern Testimonies: Daniel Ricks
Daniel Ricks came to join the 2018 Summer Internship in order to serve and strengthen his relationship with the Lord prior to leaving for Army Basic Training in September. During his time here his relationship with the Lord was made even more personal with the revelation that he always “has his Father’s ear.”
If you would like more information about the summer internship or our upcoming spring semester you can go to:
Summer Internship – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroesinternship
Spring Semester – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroessemmester
2018 Summer Intern Testimonies: Sydney Giaquinto
Sydney has been a part of the church fellowship at CTCI since she was young but stepping into the roll of an intern this summer was a completely new world for her. Throughout her time here she was able to find a release from fears and anxieties and experience life with a new confidence as a daughter of the One True King.
If you would like more information about the summer internship or our upcoming spring semester you can go to:
Summer Internship – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroesinternship
Spring Semester – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroessemmester
2018 Summer Intern Testimonies: Micah Whitehouse
Micah joined us as a 2018 Summer Intern and came all the way from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Micah shares about the biggest area of change in his life was his ability to communicate as he opened up throughout his time here. As the Lord worked in him and increased Micah’s communication skills He also increased Micah’s desire to share the Gospel and to evangelize.
If you would like more information about the summer internship or our upcoming spring semester you can go to:
Summer Internship – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroesinternship
Spring Semester – http://www.lifeisrelationships.com/heroessemmester
Happy Father’s Day!
This Father’s Day we asked our summer interns to describe a godly father in one word. Check out this video to their answers!
Nikki Corbin’s CTCI Update: Heroes of Today Week
Check out Nikki’s video with Heroes of Today participant, Lydia Morel as she shares why she is returning for a 2nd year!
Nikki’s CTCI Update: The Best Is Yet To Come!
Come join us for the Christian Training Center International’s upcoming fundraising events. Nikki gives a brief description about what will be taking place at the Christian Training Center International in the near future.
Testimonies From Our Young People at CTCI
Check out these brief testimonies of how God is changing young lives here at CTCI. If you are wanting to meet God in a new way, check us out!
Kitchen, Food & Volunteers at CTCI
Take a brief look at answered prayers that take place here at CTCI through families and our kitchen!
2015 Summer Wrap Up
THIS SUMMER IS OVER… almost!
Apart from a wedding this weekend (congrats Gordy’s) among the staff and half the interns sticking around to keep us busy, we have successfully sent our summer interns off to new journeys and the works that the Lord has prepared for them. It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of the lives and activities that took place this summer. If you have never spent a summer at CTCI, it might be time!
What happened this summer ?
Summer at CTCI is packed full of practical training that is quickly lived out through unique experiences. Week to week, we receive different guests and hold different programs for all ages. As an INNtern, you get the privilege of working tirelessly, laughing hard, and walking out the lessons you are being taught.
“As an intern at CTCI, I was able to grow closer to God on a whole new level. I was put in an environment that was completely out of my comfort zone. I was doing things I have never done before and it was very challenging. But through it all, I was able to grow. I have learned many valuable life lessons and trusted God through it all. I am more flexible and willing to step out of my comfort zone to experience God. With God’s help and the help and support of the staff, I was able to defeat fear. Every challenge that I faced as an intern at CTCI has allowed me to grow closer to God by putting all my trust in Him. I wouldn’t change this summer for anything. I am so thankful and blessed for this amazing opportunity.”
– Quishona (Summer Intern)
2015 SUMMER SCHEDULE
Orientation & Intern Training
INNvision Family Program
HLOL Conference
Reunion & 4th of July Outreach
INNcounter Teen Week
INNcounter Teen Week – Gateway Church in Asheville, NC
Xtra Mile Challenge – Young adults
Throughout the INNcounter teen weeks, we walked participants through the grand narrative of the bible: CREATION – FALL – REDEMPTION – RESTORATION
With this lens on life and scripture we were able to learn who God is, what man has done to bring about such darkness, the work of Jesus, and the empowered life of a Christian. Throughout challenges, hikes, group forums, intercession over the city, and creek walks we taught about God’s perfect creation, the fall of man, the divine exchange of the Cross, and the Spirit-filled life of a Christian.
Letters from INNcounter Teen Camp
“The Lord worked in many ways last week and I am glad to say that I am forever changed. He (GOD) put so many good people in my life that spoke just the right words into me. Those people are you.Without you; I would still be sitting at home not filled with the Holy Spirit, I would have no desire to go and share the Good News with strangers, and I would not be constantly thinking about ways to make other lives better.”
– Micah (INNcounter)“They burst out of the cars, eager to be reunited with their families, then to share story after story of how God touched them. When asked about their favorite activities, it wasn’t the fun ones that they chose, but the deep spiritual lessons they learned; walking the creek, laying their burdens at the Cross, worshipping, hiking – not because it was fun, but because it was hard! Wow! Some of the students have obviously changed & challenged their parents (us)!
– Parent of Teenager (INNcounter)
Though the summer is over, the lessons God taught us have just begun to be lived out. Through your prayers and the work of the Holy Spirit, God has trained many people, young and old, to live as lights in the midst of these dark days. INNterns have been sent all over the world to live as obedient sons and daughters because of the faith that is within them. It was our hope to give them a biblically rich experience, to impart an attitude that is intolerant of sin, and train them in a work ethic that is needed for God’s future challenges.
It has been an amazing summer at CTCI. The seeds planted and the fruit that we all watched come forth is all to the Glory of Jesus.
To the families that came – Vision for the future
To the conference guests – Keep praying, God is listening
To the teens – RISE UP!
To the XMile participants – Follow Jesus
To the INNterns – You are to be Instruments of Righteousness
Testimonies from the INNterns
“This summer with the Christian Training Center has meant a lot to me. Growing up in a non-christian household and not coming to the Lord until college, I felt like I missed out on many core lessons and struggled a little with my faith.I grew up with a father who was often absent, and unpredictable even when he was present. So grasping the unconditional and consistent love of the heavenly Father was very difficult for me. I had a lot of negativity and resentment in me that I was holding on to as part of my identity. Being here at the INN has helped me to understand the Father’s love and let go of some my insecurities and defenses. I am becoming more trusting of God and the plans that He has for me. I can now be vulnerable and let people in because I know that God has people in my life for a reason, no matter what He has for me. God still has work to do in me, but I am on a path with a strong foundation now and I can’t wait to see where it leads me.”
– Victoria (Summer Intern)“…I was not prepared to handle what was in the these mountains. Was it the crazy midnight hikes in blind folds? Proclaiming the Word of God through the night into the darkness with 50 other young people?
Maybe it was the identity I discovered in Christ that made it more than anything I could have dreamed of. All I know is that two years ago when I first came here I asked God to challenge my beliefs. He in turn shattered them and rebuilt them on His own terms. He reintroduced Himself as my father, savior, redeemer, and my dearest friend. He told me that I am not rejected, shameful, or unforgiven, but accepted, forgiven, loved, and sharing in His glory. I can now walk without fear, knowing who I am in my Fathers eyes – and who my God is.”
– Debroah (Summer Intern)“This internship challenged me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to not only become a stronger Christian, but a stronger person in general.
In the last month, I and a few others started building a wall on the property and God just kept speaking to me about my life through this project. In building a wall, the foundation must be level and sturdy, and God told me that He wants my foundation in Him to be extremely strong, so I can stand firm and not waver. Through this, God confirmed that I should come back to CTCI for their Fall semester program, INNsight. With this program, I will further build my foundation in Christ so I can be the unwavering Christian God wants me to be.”
–Hendrix (Summer Intern)
GUEST POST: The 77 Qualities I Thought My Future Husband Had to Have | Libby Nicholas
He’s tall, dark and handsome. Witty. Intellectual. Smart. Well-read. Spontaneous. Motivated. Masculine. Good hair, good dresser. Musically talented. Organized. Creative. Responsible. Strong handshake.
He also hates cats, but loves chocolate and talking about feelings. He spends most Saturdays volunteering at the homeless shelter or rescuing stray kittens. He’s working toward his MBA.