Eagle Award

The PraiseMoves CPI Eagle Award for Excellence in Ministry and Leadership

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31

2012-2013 Recipient:

Leslie Marshall, CPI, CMI, CPGI California

First instituted in 2008, and given every two years, the CPI Eagle Award goes to the CPI (Certified PraiseMoves Instructor) who exemplifies qualities of selflessness and servant-leadership in ministry, initiative and creativity in class structure and presentation; plus enthusiasm and encouragement of students and fellow CPIs.

Leslie Marshall became a CPI in 2006. Since then she has been inspired by the Lord to write articles about the dangers of yoga and New Age religion, adding greatly to the body of knowledge from which all CPIs and followers of PraiseMoves can benefit.

Leslie was also in the first class of CPIs to become a CMI (Certified MIRA! Instructor – “Christian Fitness with a Latin Beat”) and CPGI (Certified PraiseMoves Gold Instructor – certified to teach seniors and those with limited mobility).

“I love God's Word,” Leslie says. “I have compassion for non-believers — especially those trapped in a New Age lifestyle.”

A former yogi and “New Ager,” Leslie was a Transcendental Meditation student and follower of “The Maharishi.” She is now a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and has a special gift for sharing the love of Jesus with followers of TM, New Age and yoga.

“My parents raised me in the Church. However, when I was a teenager I searched for God outside of the Bible. I loved studying other religions, became enthralled with Eastern thought, and was initiated into ‘Transcendental Meditation' when I was a senior in high school.”

Leslie went on to become a follower of “Maharishi Maheseh Yogi,” and graduated from Maharishi International University in 1980 with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art.

“Surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ”

“In the fall of 1998 I finally surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ and admitted my sin to Him,” Leslie says. “Because of His all-merciful grace and my tiny faith, I became born-again and reconciled with Him for eternity. I quit practicing TM and yoga.”

Leslie is a gifted PraiseMoves instructor and pray-er. She exemplifies a great love for the Lord, her fellow CPIs and her PraiseMoves students (who love her, too!).

Leslie's PraiseMoves classes are held at SEACOAST Community Church in Encinitas, CA. She also offers Group and Individual Instruction, Seminars and Retreats in the North San Diego County area.

Leslie was the recipient of the 2010 PraiseMoves “CPI of the Year Award for Excellence in Christian Fitness Ministry.”

While eagles may seem to fly alone, they do fly with other eagles. They fly above the storm instead of hiding in a cave — and they can always see where they are going (the eye of the eagle — vision oriented and mission-minded).

Leslie Marshall, like our previous Eagle Award Winners MaryAnn Haslett (2008-2009) and Nola Jeanne Baird (2010-2011) is an Eagle whose eye is on the Lord Jesus Christ. She waits on the Lord. Leslie will run and not grow weary. She will walk and not faint.

Leslie will always fly above the storm because as she flies, she also resides in the secret place of the Most High.

Congratulations, Leslie, you inspire us to soar, and to believe.

Previous Eagle Award Recipients:

.

MaryAnn Haslett, CPI Trainer, CMI, CPGI – PA

Eagle Award Recipient 2008-2009.

.

.

.

.

Nola Jeanne Baird, CPI Trainer, CMI, CPGI – OK

Eagle Award Recipient 2010-2011

.

Special Congratulations to 2 more CPIs are in order:

Jennifer Scheidt, CPI Trainer, CA

is CPI of the Year 2012 – a member of the first graduating class of February 2005, Jennifer is the Owner of PowerUP Fitness in Valley Springs, CA where she glorifies the Lord in PraiseMoves and a variety of fitness classes. Her students have found a safe, supportive space to not only work out, but to find healing and restoration in body, mind and spirit in Jennifer's classes.

.

Kim Todd, CPI, CMI, CPGI

is CPI Rookie of the Year 2012 – Kim teaches PraiseMoves “in the marketplace,” including classes for cancer patients and staff at the prestigious Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey .

Both CPIs exhibit Outstanding Service to the Lord in Fitness Ministry.

.

Hear what some of Leslie's fellow CPIs say about this soaring Eagle!

1. From 1st Eagle Award recipient, MaryAnn Haslett, CPIT

Congratulations, Leslie, On being presented the Eagle Award for 2012-2014.  I was thrilled to hear that you had been chosen for this special honor.  How often I have been blessed by your posts to the forum and the knowledge you possess and so willingly share from your own personal experience with yoga. The honest, humble way you present the facts about the dangers of yoga, and your loving, servant heart for the Lord, are so befitting of the Eagle that you are!

Keep soaring above the storms of life in the light of the Savior.  I was so looking forward to meeting you at the PraiseMoves conference this year, and even more so now, that I can see you receive this honor and give you a big congratulatory hug!

Dear Leslie, I wish I could sing… I would sing to you the words of the beautiful song – On Eagles' Wings (cf Psalm 91).  I see the Lord raising you up on eagles’ wings, bearing you on the breath of dawn and making  you shine like the sun, holding you in the palm of His hand.

On Eagles' Wings

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord who abide in His shadow for life,
say to the Lord: ‘My refuge, my God in whom I trust!'

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings, bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear:
under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings…

You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day;
though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings…

For to His angels He's given a command to guard you in all of your ways'
upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings.., and hold you in the palm of His hand.

May God bless you always & surround You with His love, peace & protection!

-MaryAnn Haslett, CPI Trainer, Pennsylvania

2. From 2nd Eagle Award recipient Nola Jeanne Baird, CPIT

Every time Leslie writes on the CPI Forum or in her emails, she is so informative in a simple, concise yet powerful way.  I very much benefit from and enjoy hearing Leslie's testimony about how she was delivered from  the New Age, Yoga and TM movements.  Leslie has a true heart for the PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry and sees the BIG PICTURE of where we are going and she is an awesome prayer warrior and has a servant's heart.  I'm so glad she is receiving the Eagle Award!

-Nola Jeanne Baird, CPI Trainer, Oklahoma

3. From CPI in Arkansas – Author of the book “Authentic Enlightenment”

Leslie Marshall and I are great friends. I admire her in so many ways. She is very creative and understands how to reach spiritual seekers with the Truth of Christ.

We were both involved in eastern meditation (TM) before our conversion, and we have helped and prayed with each other for those we desire to reach. I am so happy that Leslie is being honored for her contributions and insights into “WHY a Christian alternative to yoga.”

-Vail Carruth, CPI, CPGI, Arkansas (Vail's story, as well as Laurette Willis' appear in the Sid Roth/Mike Shreve book “Truth Seekers”)

4. From a close friend of Leslie's

I am a former CPI and close friend of Leslie Marshall.  She is such an inspiration and dedicated teacher.  Leslie has a heart of gold. She paid for my entire training as a gift offering. She said she sets money aside for such times as this. Leslie supports all CPIs in this area and encourages their growth.  Her classes are touching hearts and lives.

I don't know what San Diego would do without her.  I am blessed to be called Leslie's friend.

-Linda A. Smith, CA