Teen Challenge

Teen Challenge is an evangelical Christian recovery program and a network of Christian social and evangelizing work centers. It is a 12- 18 month program that serves drug addicts, alcoholics, gang members, prostitutes, and people with life-controlling problems  (from  Wikipedia).

November 2006     "Jacob's" Baptism

 

            Pure Victory in Christ!

 

Louisiana Teen Challenge provides youth, adults, and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems so that they may become productive members of society. By applying biblical principles, Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive. Through committed staff and effective programs, Teen Challenge seeks to produce graduates who function responsibly and productively in society, and who have healthy relationships in the work place, family, church, and community.

There is no required monthly cost to the students. Although a few of our students' families are able to contribute financially on a monthly basis, many cannot. We greatly rely on the help of concerned individuals, churches, businesses, and civic organizations. Teen Challenge does not receive any type of local, state or federal government funding.

* Taken from site of Louisiana Teen Challenge

* For locations outside the state of Louisiana, additional information  may be found at Teen Challenge USA.

Never Give Up!

June 2006

Papers had been signed. Suitcases had been inspected. Rules had been discussed. It was time, but I felt rooted to the spot.  

“You guys can go ahead and go. We’ve got it from here.” The staff member doing our son’s intake into the Teen Challenge program spoke with a gentle firmness, compassion in his eyes.

We stood, and the sob escaped me before I could stifle it. He moved to hug me. “It’s okay, Mom. We’re here to help him learn to say no to the world and yes to Jesus.”

In a moment, the five of us—our son, his two sisters, my husband, and I—stood outside the door of the Teen Challenge Induction Center to say our good-byes.

Four pairs of eyes brimmed with tears, as we struggled to act like this was any other parting. Pain, anger, and cold indifference battled for victory in our son’s eyes. There was also the barest hint of unshed tears. He stood with his jaw clenched, and it was clear he felt betrayed.

“So,” he muttered, “when I’m done here, what do I do… catch the bus home?”

The verbal barb was right on its mark. My heart felt like it was split in two.  

Minutes later, my husband pulled slowly away, and all bravado dissolved. The dams burst. We drove for twenty minutes, the silence punctuated only by the sobs and sniffles of four broken-hearted people.

May 2008

Mom,

Words cannot describe how awesome you are! I have put you (and Dad) through so much the past couple of years. It’s a shame it took me “getting sober” to actually realize it! And now I realize that you were actually just doing your job and allowing God to work the whole situation out… AND HE DID!

I just want to thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me! Continue to follow God’s will, and never stop having faith!

I love you,

Happy Mother’s Day

*Shared with “Jacob’s” permission