Full-Time Training - Testimonies

Finally, I came to the Full-Time Training, Alma Herrera

Every summer in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, we have a national conference for young people from all over the country. In one of these conferences, a brother in Christ talked about the apostle Paul. He told us that the apostle studied hard from his youth, and in this way he was prepared by God to become a proper vessel to write and carry out the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:11). In that conference we were encouraged to study as Paul did to obtain a high education level to become useful to the Lord in the future. The brother talked about the Full-Time Training in Anaheim (FTTA). He told us that the Lord has a great need of prepared and trained people who have a heart to serve the Lord for the rest of their lives. These words penetrated my heart and I felt something strongly move within me to follow what this brother shared with us. At the same time, there was a doubt in my heart. I thought, “I am a sister; Paul was a brother. The Lord needs prepared and trained men, not sisters.” Even with this thought, something inside of me urged me in a strong way to reach that goal.

Eight years later, in 1997, after obtaining three college degrees and a Master's degree, finally I came to the FTTA. These two years of my life are unforgettable and precious. I want to describe every semester with a key word.

First Semester: Difficult

This semester was difficult because of the language. It was not easy to understand some practical things. This caused me to develop an intimate and personal relationship with the Lord. I felt vulnerable and that He was the only Person who was able to understand what I was experiencing. So, through much prayer and fellowship with the Lord, in two months I was able to understand and speak enough English to enjoy the Training environment.

Second Semester: Precious

My intimate, personal, and affectionate relationship with the Lord was intensified. During that time of fellowship, He gave me a precious promise that I keep in my heart. The truth shines forth in every line of the ministry books used; and the Bible was opened to me from Genesis to Revelation.

Third Semester: Painful

During this time I experienced denying my self and taking up the cross as spoken about in Luke 9:23. I discovered that the greatest enemy of God is my soul-life with its desires and lusts (Matthew 16:21-26). I came to know my self and I learned to flee to where the Lord is in my spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17). It was in my spirit where I found freedom, rest, peace, and a great satisfaction.

Fourth Semester: Sweet

During this semester I enjoyed God's faithfulness, the Spirit's intensified working, and the superabundant supply of life.

Every petition that I made through prayer to the Lord in the last three semesters according to His purpose was responded to in my last term.

The best years of my life have been these two years of training of my character and in service. In the Training I also was cared for with tender love, grace, and mercy. Thank You Lord for the FTTA. Thank You for letting me come and know You more.... Hallelujah!

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