Joyliz Mburu’s Christian Coaching Ministry Story

Growing Up in Rural Kenya

I grew up in rural Kenya, East Africa, during the late 1980s. I am the youngest of five children, with two brothers and two sisters.

Both of my parents were elementary school educators. The school where they taught was approximately five kilometers from our home, so our family walked to school together with the other children from the neighborhood, whether it was raining or sunny.

There was no school bus transportation, and very few people in our community could afford a car. My father also served as a local pastor. During the week, he taught at the school, and on Sundays, he preached and served the church.

People in our community considered my father wealthy because he owned a Suzuki motorbike. He rode it for many years. The motorbike was actually a few years older than I was and became so familiar that it almost felt like another member of the family.

A Happy and Humble Childhood

Ours was a happy childhood. We were blessed to have balanced meals and a secure roof over our heads, even though some of our classmates lived with far fewer resources.

I remember that my late mother often reminded me to wear my shoes. Many of the children at school came barefoot, so as a child, I could not understand why wearing shoes seemed so important.

Some children came to school wearing torn uniforms and were occasionally teased by other students. Years later, I remembered those experiences when I saw people wearing torn jeans as a fashion trend.

Growing up in that environment helped me understand the differences in people’s circumstances. It also taught me to appreciate what my family had and to recognize the dignity and value of people regardless of their possessions.

Accepting Jesus Christ

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 12. That decision began a personal relationship with God that would continue shaping every part of my life.

A few years later, while attending high school, I served as the chairlady of the Christian Union leadership. This was a meaningful and joyful season in my life.

During that time, I experienced the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord for myself rather than relying only on the faith and testimony of my parents.

I continued fellowshipping with other believers, participating in missions, and spending time with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, we encouraged one another and grew in faith.

Entering Journalism and Modeling

When I enrolled in a journalism course, I was introduced to the modeling industry.

I began appearing in leading publications throughout the region and was featured on the covers of several of Kenya’s most prominent magazines.

I participated in fashion shows on weekends while continuing to attend church services. During this early period, I believed that my faith remained strong and unchanged.

The modeling world brought new experiences, opportunities, relationships, and social environments into my life. Over time, however, those influences began pulling me away from the close relationship with God I had once enjoyed.

Wandering Away from God

A few years later, I found myself deeply involved in sin. My lifestyle had changed, and I was spending time in places that did not reflect the faith I professed.

I would be in a nightclub at two o’clock in the morning when a still, small voice within me would ask, “What are you doing here? Are you really having fun?”

When that conviction became strong, I would tell my friends that I was leaving and going home. They were often confused and wondered what was wrong with me.

Although I continued following the same pattern for a time, I could not escape the voice of God calling me back to Him.

Like the prodigal son, I eventually reached a point where I could no longer continue living that way. Beneath the outward activity, I felt unhappy, spiritually empty, and deeply unfulfilled.

Even my dating life left me feeling disappointed and disconnected from the person God had created me to be.

Returning to the Lord

One night, while alone in my apartment, I knelt down and cried out to God.

I rededicated my life to Him and asked Him to forgive me, restore me, and lead me back into a faithful relationship with Him.

God welcomed me back into His fold. He did not reject me or define me by the years I had wandered away. Instead, He restored me with mercy and grace.

My life has never been the same since that night. Returning to Christ gave me renewed peace, spiritual direction, and a desire to build my future around His purpose.

Meeting My Husband

Soon after returning to the Lord, I met an amazing, God-fearing man.

He lived in the United States while I remained in Kenya. Despite the distance, we developed a relationship and dated for several months.

Together, we planned our wedding, which became a beautiful celebration of our faith and commitment.

After our marriage, I joined him in the United States. This transition opened a completely new chapter in my life.

Building a Family in the United States

My husband and I have been blessed with two children, Myles and Zara. They are a constant reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness in my life.

Moving from Kenya to the United States brought significant cultural adjustment. I experienced culture shock while learning to live in a different country and adapt to a new way of life.

At the same time, I stayed home to raise our children. Although this season brought challenges and major changes to my identity and routine, it also became exactly what I needed.

Staying home gave me more time to seek the Lord, study, reflect, and consider the direction He wanted my life to take.

God used the quietness of that season to deepen my relationship with Him and reveal gifts and desires that had been within me for many years.

Discovering My Coaching Calling

Over time, I realized how much I enjoyed seeing other people recognize and use their full potential.

I found joy in encouraging people, listening to their goals, helping them see possibilities, and reminding them of the gifts God had placed within them.

I began searching for a career and ministry path that would align with this calling.

I did not simply want a profession. I wanted work that reflected my faith, used my abilities, supported my family, and allowed me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Finding Christian Leaders Institute

During this search, I discovered Christian Leaders Institute.

Finding CLI was a tremendous blessing. The accessible online training gave me the opportunity to study Scripture, ministry, and Christian coaching while continuing to care for my family.

I was grateful to receive quality education that strengthened both my biblical knowledge and my practical ministry skills.

The courses helped me better understand how God could use my personal story, communication abilities, life experience, and desire to empower others as part of a Christian coaching ministry.

Prepared for Christian Coaching Ministry

Through my studies, I completed preparation related to Life Coach Ministry. This training gave me practical tools for encouraging people while remaining grounded in biblical truth.

Christian coaching ministry is not about controlling people or making decisions for them. It is about listening carefully, asking meaningful questions, encouraging faithful growth, and helping people recognize the next steps God may be placing before them.

My education has helped me become more intentional about how I communicate, how I support people, and how I create a space where others feel respected, heard, and encouraged.

I believe many lives can be transformed as I faithfully respond to God’s calling to serve through coaching.

Those who sense a similar calling to encourage and guide others can explore the Life Coach Ordination pathway through the Christian Leaders Alliance.

Pursuing Ordained Ministry

In addition to my Christian coaching preparation, I pursued the ordination course through Christian Leaders Institute.

I am excited to receive Deacon Minister ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance. This recognition strengthens my ability to serve as both a Christian coach and a minister of the gospel.

Ordination represents more than a title. It reflects ministry training, accountability, local recognition, and a commitment to serve Christ and His people faithfully.

I look forward to bringing together coaching conversations, biblical encouragement, prayer, ministry leadership, and gospel service.

Looking Toward the Future

I can only imagine what the future holds as I continue serving through Christian coaching and ordained ministry.

God has already taken me through many different seasons—from a humble childhood in rural Kenya to modeling, spiritual wandering, restoration, marriage, motherhood, immigration, and ministry education.

Every part of that journey has shaped me. My childhood taught me gratitude and compassion. My years in Christian Union leadership taught me the joy of serving God.

My time in modeling introduced me to diverse people and environments. My season away from God taught me the emptiness of life without close fellowship with Him.

My restoration taught me the depth of His grace. Marriage and motherhood taught me patience, faithfulness, and sacrificial love. Moving to the United States gave me time to seek the Lord and discover a new direction.

Christian Leaders Institute has now helped equip me for the great task ahead.

Grateful for Accessible Ministry Training

I am deeply thankful to Christian Leaders Institute for providing accessible, high-quality Bible and ministry education.

This training is impacting lives around the world, including mine. It allows people from many different backgrounds and circumstances to prepare for ministry without being limited by location or traditional educational barriers.

I am also grateful for every partner who supports this mission and for President Henry Reyenga’s obedience to God’s call to begin Christian Leaders Institute.

Their faithfulness has made it possible for me and many others to receive training, discover our calling, and become more effectively equipped to serve.

Ready to Serve Others

My desire is to help people identify their God-given gifts, overcome barriers, and move forward with greater faith, confidence, and purpose.

I want to encourage people who feel uncertain about their future and remind them that God can redeem every part of their story.

I also want to help believers recognize that their experiences, abilities, and passions can become part of how they serve God and bless others.

I move into this next season with humility, excitement, and trust in the Lord. My life belongs to Him, and I am ready to use my voice, testimony, training, and gifts for His glory.