Toms River, New Jersey – Barbara Kraemer

Flag Bearer Profile Barbara Kraemer

I'm a Christian woman. In June this year (2020), I'll celebrate 41 years as a Spirit-filled believer. These forty years have been one amazing journey after another with God, who has led me through adventures, mysteries, dangers, intrigues, excitement, and sometimes hopeless-looking situations. With God, I've always received victory in Jesus; every time. That is not to say some endings haven't been what I would have liked them to be. But still, I could write books on the "Adventures of God and Barbara". You just can't make this stuff up, and life is rich when you're in the Lord.

I used to hear things like, "You'll know if God's calling you to ministry," and "If God isn't calling you to ministry, you'll screw up and know you're not called." I've always been most enthusiastic for Jesus and really "wanted to be called" to ministry. I wasn't sure what being called to ministry would feel like, and since I didn't feel anything in particular, and opportunities weren't falling at my feet, I was not sure at all that I actually "was" called to ministry. I didn't want to "screw up," so I concluded I wasn't called. But still, I never believed that was possible or true.

This New Year (2019) has ushered in tragedy since New Year's Day for many families, friends, and everyone I speak with, it seems. It is frightening, and the world needs to hear of the hope of Jesus. I have tried my best to comfort those I know, but I've felt so inadequate to comfort the hurting and truly reach their souls with God's word or touch. Searching online Bible education programs has been a long-time practice, but up until now, none was right for me. I continued praying about this, my frustration mounting with all the tragedies and difficulties people are facing.

Late one night, while researching endangered species of sea turtles around the world, listings for free online Bible programs popped up in my browser. My eyes fell upon Christian Leaders Institute Online Christian Ministry Training. I started reading. Impressive! Moving! Serious! Free! (What? Really? No way. Really?) Obviously, the rest is history. God does have His time and His ways! (Awesome!)

Historically, I know many will say "...she's too old." I say not! "Too old" is no more a factor than "too young." I am what I am by the grace of God, and this is what God has for my life right now. Think of it this way: with age comes wisdom, experience, talents of a mature, older person are God-given and fruits of the Spirit. And He wants to see what we will do with what He has given us. So, I believe God is going to use me in great ways, and He's preparing me through Christian Leaders Institute and those of you I'll meet along the way. I am blessed and fortunate and look forward to this latest undertaking in the book called life in Christian Living.