Ian Biggs

My name is Ian Biggs. I am an only child born and raised in New York City. About 12 years ago, I came to know Jesus at a time in my life when I was "broken" from the separation of my parents. Before that, all I cared about was going out, drinking, partying, and having fun. At least what I thought was fun. I would find my self often hanging out with the wrong crowds and ending up in bad situations. It was during my parent's separation that my mom and I moved out and moved further uptown. An aunt of mine introduced us to a small Pentecostal Church. 

I remember going for the first time after having a couple of drinks and feeling the presence of God. However, at the time, I did not know it was the presence of God. One night, I was sitting outside on a fire escape broken, not sober, and sad from all that was going on around me. I remember saying a prayer to God, "God, I am tired of living this way, feeling empty, with no purpose. I hear a lot of different people talk about who you are and what you do. If you are real God, show me who you are, prove yourself to me!" That was about 12 years ago. 

Since then, God has taken away my desire to drink or smoke. I have been attending a Church in Midtown Manhattan called Times Square Church for about ten years now. I met and married my lovely wife, Cathleen, who was born and raised in Michigan. Together, we lead the High School Ministry and teach the high school students from all backgrounds who God is and how good he is to us. We are also involved in the counseling ministry at our church, in the marital division. I work full time as a paralegal in a small firm, and I am a Real Estate Agent on the side.   

I found out about the Christian Leaders Institute by accident. We were visiting Michigan last year, and a friend of my wife's, along with her future husband asked me to marry them. I looked for an organization to get ordained with that aligns with my values and beliefs. I found it here with CLI! Now that I think about it, it was not an accident. There are so many classes to take at CLI that I might sign up for something else in the future once I get ordained to do our friend's wedding. I also feel that this will give me teaching and training to equip me further to lead the ministry with which I am currently entrusted.   

Finding CLI is something that only God could have done! If you took the time to read all of this, I encourage you that God is real, so real. He has a plan and a purpose for your life that you can not even imagine. My wife and I have been all over the world on Mission trips to give the lost the hope of Christ. I know there is more in store for us and you! Ask God to show himself to you and to reveal to you the plans he has your life. Put him to the test and watch what he will do. Please, take advantage of all that CLI has to offer. God Bless you!