My name is Bernard W. Deslandes and I currently reside on the beautiful Island of Jamaica. I am married for over ten years and have two sons. Having grown up in church, the love for God was planted in me at an early age. The decision to fully commit my life to Christ came in August 1994.
At a very tender age, the call of God was upon my life. Although not an easy thing to submit to, I did so in January 2005 and entered in full-time ministry. Since that time, I have had the unique opportunity to serve and develop practical ministry experience in various capacities ranging from Media Coordinator, Intercessor, Deliverance Minister, Bible Teacher, Youth Pastor, Camp Director as well as Lead Pastor of a congregation.
Being introduced to Christian Leaders Institute in August 2014 by a good friend was like a dream come true as I was never able to ascertain formal theological training due to the enormous costs associated with attending a theological college. Having found Christian Leaders Institute, the 'tears were wiped away from my eyes' and joy brought to my heart as I was finally able to get the training desired at a very high standard and free of cost. This has greatly impacted me and I am greatly enthusiastic about training at CLI as I know it will enhance my academic effectiveness in ministry.
Having been involved in ministry in Jamaica for the past ten (10) years, the challenges have been varied. Jamaica is saturated with the gospel and as such many persons have become familiar and hardened in their hearts in response to the gospel message. Other issues such as financial constraints to carry out effective ministry work in various areas also prove to be a great challenge. New churches and ministries are formed but not many are effective and last long due to the various challenges they are facing. It is sometimes difficult to establish new churches due to the overwhelming traditional impact of 'mainstream' churches and other organizations.
The opportunity to serve in ministry has caused me to see clearly my calling locally and also allowed me to fine-tune my international call as a missionary and prophet. Various ministry opportunities both locally and overseas has caused the pastoral as well as the prophetic gifts to be tremendously developed in me. Currently, I am embarking upon the establishment of a new work in my island home.
Having been previously ordained into ministry, I have sought ordination from CLI as it will certainly enhance my overall calling as a minister and add the much needed academic credentials and value to the work God has called me to do both locally and internationally as not many churches and ministries want to accept you as called by God if there is no proof of 'formal' theological training.
Training at CLI has opened up new ideas and methodologies of establishing the unfolding vision that God has communicated to my spirit. Having been commissioned by God to establish something new, this training at CLI will help me to be more effective in soul winning and transformation of lives through Jesus Christ. This training will help me to carefully cast the vision that God has given to me.
Training at Christian Leaders Institute has certainly exposed me to the much needed theological training that I craved for a long time. This scholarship at Christian Leaders Institute has proven to be divinely orchestrated as I cannot currently afford the tuition for traditional modes of schooling. By the grace of God, I am determined to give back to CLI so that others like me will be trained and equipped to establish what God has called them to do. It is my prayer that I will continue to improve upon the theological academic foundation that CLI has given to me.
Thanks to CLI and your Partners all over the world; you are indeed Kingdom Builders!