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Massachusetts Ordination Story
My name is Brad Henry, and I currently live in Massachusetts. I am a loving father to three biological children, two adopted children, two stepchildren, and a proud grandfather to three grandchildren.
Throughout my childhood, my younger brother and I were raised by our grandparents, who brought us up in the Lutheran Church. We attended church every Sunday, prayed before every meal, and read from the Portals of Prayer every evening before bed. While I believed in God and understood that Jesus died for our sins, I hadn’t yet fully embraced Christianity in my heart.
Later, while living with my mother, Mormon missionaries began visiting us. Out of love and respect for my mother, who was drawn to the Mormon faith for its strong emphasis on family unity, my brother and I listened to their teachings and were baptized into the Mormon faith when I was 15. However, shortly after moving to a new town, we stopped attending church. Despite these experiences, I still had not truly accepted Christ into my heart.
For the next 35 years, I was not consistently active in any church. Around 2016, inspired by a friend and in memory of my mother, I began attending the Mormon church again. However, after two years, it still didn’t “click” for me.
In the fall of 2020, a friend introduced me to an online faith-based group. After watching a few Zoom meetings, I felt drawn to join. Each week, we reviewed a Bible study, checked in on each other, and shared prayer requests. In January 2021, while helping my friend move back to his home state, we spent four days talking about God’s grace and Christ Jesus. It was during that time that my mind and heart were finally opened—I realized that God is real. The veil was lifted, and I knew I wanted to give my life to Christ. I was baptized during that trip, and I haven’t looked back since.
I began praying earnestly, seeking how best to give my life to Christ. One day, in March 2021, while walking home, I distinctly heard the word “minister” in my mind. I stopped in my tracks, looked up to the sky, and said, “Yes, as You wish.”
My friend, who had previously been enrolled in Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), had spoken to me about it from time to time. I asked him for more information, and soon after, I enrolled. I haven’t stopped taking classes since. I love studying Scripture and discussing it with others, sharing our journeys in Christ. This is what I am called to do.
God has been incredibly patient with me. Looking back, I see so many moments when He was trying to get my attention and watching over me. I am profoundly grateful that I finally listened. Some think that devoting your life to Christ means sacrificing too much, but my experience has been the opposite. Worldly things no longer hold importance, and the blessings of God’s grace and mercy far outweigh anything I left behind.
I hope to start my own Bible study group soon, whether in person, online, or as a hybrid model. I would also love to volunteer at a hospital and work alongside the chaplain someday.
Working full-time with a constantly changing schedule, CLI has been a lifeline for me. It is the only way I can receive a ministry education, and I am eternally grateful to everyone who donates to make this possible. You have changed my life forever. Thank you, and may God bless you abundantly!