by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Eli @ the Dorms in Hamilton, Alabama
✨Eli’s Leap of Faith: Committing to The Ramp at the Last Moment ✨
Caiden “Eli” Sanders, a young man from Chester, Georgia, who has been praying about his future for quite some time, made the life-altering decision to attend The Ramp School of Ministry at the very last moment⏳. He was to make an eleventh-hour decision. Jesus refers to an eleventh-hour decision in Matthew 20:6, and it’s part of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard:
Matthew 20:6-7 (NIV):
“About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, [b]and whatever is right you will receive.'”
This verse highlights how, even at the last possible moment, God can call us to work in His vineyard, symbolizing His grace and generosity at any point in our lives to fulfil the great commission to reach people for Jesus.
For Eli Sanders, his eleventh-hour decision came on that Sunday in August, just four days before his dorm move-in date. Eli was still wrestling with the decision. Work commitments and other obligations weighed heavily on his mind, making it difficult to fully commit. Ultimately, in a moment of clarity, after years of prayer and discernment, he felt God leading him to take the leap 🙏.
Eli’s Testimony: The Eleventh-Hour Decision
“Before I can go into my eleventh-hour decision, you first need to know what exactly the eleventh hour is. The Eleventh Hour is the last hour of the day, which ultimately determines what you are going to be doing the following day. [The phrase “eleventh hour” has a Biblical origin and means to do something at the last possible moment, right before it’s too late (Matthew 20: 6-7).]
The decision you make in the eleventh hour is crucial in our walk with God. Many times, we struggle to get still enough to hear God’s voice. If we get still, devote some time and energy into God, and actually get quiet and listen, He will communicate to you.”
“I knew I was called to go to Ramp School of Ministry in 2019 when God opened my eyes to the spiritual aspect of being a follower of Christ. Before this time, I knew of the spiritual aspects, but I wasn’t partaking in them. Although I had grown up in church, my spiritual life was ultimately dead.”
“It was February of my senior year, and I knew that I was supposed to go to The Ramp. But at this point, I started to backtrack. I let the small voices around me talk me out of going. I ended up getting a good job as a maintenance tech in my hometown, and I started getting further from the call that God had on my life. But I’m thankful that He has mercy on us.”
Last-Minute Decision, Bold Faith 🙌
Eli’s testimony highlights his personal struggle, especially as he began working a good-paying job at a construction company. As he shares, “I wanted to stay home and make money. But God kept tugging on me until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I broke down and started crying, realizing I was running from God again. My wants didn’t line up with what He wanted for my life.”
Four days before the move-in date, Eli had a radical encounter with God, which gave him the courage to step out in faith. Even though he was terrified of leaving his family, especially his baby sister, he made the decision to follow God.
“I moved to Hamilton, and I’m so happy. I’ve learned so much in the short time I’ve been here, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. Some of the things I’ve been able to do include morning prayer, participating in intercessory prayer, and meeting great brothers in Christ who help me every day.”
What is The Ramp School of Ministry? 🎓
The Ramp School of Ministry (RSM) is part of The Ramp, a ministry founded by Karen Wheaton in Hamilton, Alabama 🌟. RSM’s mission is simple yet powerful: awaken, equip, and send believers into the world 🌍. With a focus on spiritual formation, theological education, and practical ministry experience, RSM students are immersed in an environment that fosters both personal growth and leadership development.
Eli on Move-in Day
At The Ramp, young men and women are not just taught biblical truths; they are equipped to live out their God-given purposes in the world. Daily worship, prayer rooms, and hands-on ministry experience create an atmosphere where students like Eli can thrive and grow spiritually 🙌. The goal is to raise up leaders who carry God’s presence into every sphere of life.
For more information, visit their website here 💻.
Trusting God in Uncertainty 💫
Eli’s story reminds us of all that sometimes, the best decisions are made when we trust God despite the uncertainty 🌱. He could have chosen the comfortable path and stayed with his work commitments, but God had been preparing his heart for something greater. Ultimately, what has Eli learned from this experience with trust and faith?
✨“If God tells you to do something, have faith and do it. Your life will turn out so much better in the end.”✨
Eli’s Reflections: A Day at The Ramp 🌿
Eli shares his excitement about the things he gets to do each day at The Ramp:
“Every morning, I start with prayer, which sets the tone for my entire day. One of the highlights has been participating in intercessory prayer with others who are so passionate about seeking God. I’ve also built strong relationships with my brothers in Christ, especially Tre. He’s been an amazing friend and mentor, and I learn from him daily. It’s these moments—growing in prayer, fellowship, and ministry—that make my experience at The Ramp so special. I know I’m where God wants me to be, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
If the Lord places it on your heart to support Eli’s journey financially, we would be incredibly grateful. Your support will help him grow in his calling and make a lasting impact in God’s kingdom. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as Eli continues this exciting path at The Ramp School of Ministry 🙏.
The Aging English Major 