Christian Life Ranch Students

My life growing up was very structured, fun, exciting and very loving. It was just my father, mother and my sister in a small town/ranching community in Eastern Oregon. My addiction attacked me when I was coaching professional baseball between 2020 and 2022 when COVID hit, I was let go by the Toronto BlueJays. I drank because I lost my sense of purpose as a man, as a coach and wasn’t respected anymore. I was in addiction and battling depression, anxiety and purpose and was going to begin drinking myself to death before coming to Teen Challenge. I am here to work on myself and with the Lord to become closer to him in faith and restore my worth. I also hope to get back with my baby girl and restore the relationship with my ex-wife. I hope to build a stronger faith in Jesus and regain my self-worth as a man and father.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I grew up in South East Los Angeles. Life was pretty rough growing up, gangs, drugs, etc. My addiction started in 2005. I had some things that happened in my childhood that caused me a lot of pain and regret. Drugs took that pain away. A crisis that brought me here was being in and out of jail, I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. While I’m here I hope to get closer to God, through Him anything and everything is possible. I want to maintain a close relationship with God and learn how to have faith, true faith in Jesus.

Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Growing up my childhood was good. My addiction began when I was 20 years old. I used drugs and alcohol because of a strained relationship with my mom growing up. Then I ended up becoming homeless, I was on the streets for a while but that brought me here to Teen Challenge. I hope to set things right with God while I am here.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

My parents were divorced when I was 3 years old. My mom remarried a godly man who was a good provider and he adopted me and my two brothers. I was raised Christian, and my parents were very involved in the church. I developed Adult Degenerative Scoliosis at around 40 years of age and started taking prescription pain meds which eventually lead to heroin and fentanyl. I used for pain relief. I had a DUI in 2022 and left my wife in 2023 to live with my brother and get sober. I retired in 2025 and then my wife filed for divorce which brought me here. I am here to strengthen my Christian walk and prepare for the next season. I hope to realize a ministry opportunity.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I grew up in a Christian household with good parents and attended church. I had a good childhood. My addiction began when I was 15 years old. I believe I used drugs and alcohol to mask my pain and not deal with reality. I came to a realization that I needed help and that I no longer wanted to live in the mess I had created. I am here to grow my relationship with Christ and ultimately change and be a new creation through him, to bring my family back together and find my purpose in life. I hope to accomplish becoming the man that Christ has called me to be.

Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

I had a good childhood growing up and I had a loving family even though I did grow up in a single parent family. My addiction began in my late 20’s when I became a functioning alcoholic. I believe I began abusing alcohol due to my environment and as an escape from reality and for pleasure. I recently had a strong calling to comeback to Teen Challenge to finish what God started in me. I was struggling to find purpose in my life. I am here to finish what the Lord began. I hope to find a purpose filled life.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Before coming to Teen Challenge, my life was pretty good. I started using pot and alcohol in 1972, which inevitably led to various other drug use. I used them to fit in. I reasoned, “Everyone else is doing it,” why not me?” I just took it a whole lot farther than most. Desperation led me to attempt suicide. I came to Teen Challenge to get my life straight and establish a relationship with Jesus, that is my hope.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 3:3 “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”

Growing up for me was ok, I started working at a young age in 6^th grade and was paid 25 dollars a day. It was me, my mom and step dad for a while then my mom left him and it was just us. I was turned into a mule at the age of 7. I started drinking at 10 years old, used weed at 12, and then meth at 19. I believe I used because I wanted to have friends, be social, I didn’t want to feel pain or my feelings and I wanted to forget. I recently lost my ex-wife, step kids and almost my life, which brought me to Teen Challenge. I am here because I don’t want to live that way anymore and I want the Lord in my life all the time not just when I want it. I want the Lord so far in my soul that I will never let Him go again.

Favorite Scripture: John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

I don’t know or remember my childhood or even when my addiction began. I know that I used drugs and alcohol to cope with depression. I came to Teen Challenge to break the cycle of addiction and change my life. I hope to know Jesus better and to receive the fullness of God in my life.

Favorite Scripture: Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'"

I grew up with a traditional mother and a Christian father. I was raised with strong values at home but I fell away from them. I was sent to boarding school at a young age and quickly had to learn what it meant to live without family. At just 10 years old, I started smoking weed. Not long after I turned to alcohol as well, using it to escape the emptiness I felt and to cover up the pain of feeling disconnected from the world around me. Over the years, I have been through other recovery programs, each one teaching me something but never quite reaching the core of my struggle. That’s what led me to Teen Challenge. I know I’ve been called here by God, and this time, I’m ready to surrender everything.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if you live by the spirit you will put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

I grew up in a good home. At the age of fifteen, my addiction began. I used drugs and alcohol to fit in and be rebellious. The addiction eventually broke my home and led me to Teen Challenge. I'm here to change my life for the better and to build a relationship with Jesus, and to move forward with my life and never look back!

Favorite Scripture: 1Corinthians 4:20 "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."

My life has been both good and bad. My father made a lot of money but was not present much and was also an abuser and womanizer. My addiction to sex began at 11 years old with adult websites and then at 18 with escorts. At age 38 I fell into meth use. This addiction fueled the Jezebel spirit causing me to fall into impurity and immorality. I ended up homeless because of  addiction, lack of self-control, anger, depression, and a family who did not want anything to do with me. I received confirmation from God about coming here. I’m working to break addictions, build healthy habits, and get into ministry as the Lord has called and confirmed me to. I know the Lord will open doors for my future.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When I was growing up, life was pretty simple. I grew up with a single mom and was the oldest of 3. My addiction began well over 20 years ago. I originally used to numb the pain of failed relationships. I lost my wife and my kids and with that brought continued fear of future failures. I had a crisis recently which made me fearful of falling back into addiction. So I am here in Teen Challenge now because I had prayed and God answered me. I met a man named Russ Coffey who had spoken to my lawyer and got me into the Teen Challenge out here from Tennessee. I am here to accomplish sobriety, stability, and spiritual growth.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Growing up I had a pretty decent childhood. I was blessed to have good parenting. I started smoking marijuana right after high school, but my real addiction of alcohol started around the age of 23. At first it was boredom that I used, but once I became dependent on alcohol my life started to spiral and I started avoiding my responsibilities. Failure and depression due to drinking brought me here to Teen Challenge. I am here to stay sober and to better my relationship with Christ. I didn’t know this was a faith based program but quickly realized it what exactly what I was looking for. I hope to be a devout Christian the best way I can and to hopefully disciple others.

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 139: 1-2 “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

Growing up was confusing being shuffled back and forth between parents. I was isolated and had some mental issues. I began smoking, drinking and doing drugs at 15 to cope with mental, physical and spiritual pain. I was stranded and homeless when I found Teen Challenge. I want to become a better person and figure out how to move forward in life. I want a relationship with Jesus Christ, learn the gospel and have peace in my heart and learn how to live!

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. I had a very strict upbringing. Children were to be seen, not heard, and were expected to speak only when spoken to. My parents argued all the time, and they were alcoholics. My addiction began at a very young age. I abused substances because it was the cure for me. Everything I felt like being, I was able to be. I was no longer awkward, and I didn’t care what people thought. I came to Teen Challenge because I’m on probation and need to complete a program. I’ve gone as far as I can go on my own. It’s time to let God take me the rest of the way. I am here to find my purpose, and to become comfortable with it.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.”

My siblings and I had a good life while we were growing up.  Unfortunately, at the age of 16 my uncle gave me my first drink and that started it all. By age 28 I was addicted. I used alcohol to cope with stress and escape my problems. My addiction escalated to greater lengths while I was in recovery from an injury. I’m at Teen Challenge to get my life back on track with the Lord and live a sober life. I hope to get healthy and strong minded by getting closer to the God and change my way of living.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

While I was growing up my life was very good. I was fortunate to grow up in a Christian home. My addiction began after college, when real life began. I believe I abused substances because at first I was just relaxing, then it became a habit to cover things up. I am here to grow closer to God and prayerfully experience some change from home. I hope to accomplish finding another brotherhood in Christ.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I grew up in a loving family. Sports were a big part of my life, with my father being a college football player. We attended church with my grandparents often. After I tore my ACL, my addiction began. I used drugs to escape my reality. I didn’t want to accept that I wouldn’t be able to follow my dream of playing football. I was living from hotel to hotel and ran out of money, and I ended up here in Teen Challenge. I came to break the addiction, but quickly realized that it was a relationship with the Lord that I really needed. I want the Lord to use me for his will and allow my testimony to inspire others to seek the Him and His ways.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 131:2 "But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content."

I grew up in a loving and respectful family. They encouraged me and disciplined me when I acted up. My addiction started at age 8. It made me feel good, but my addiction led me to homelessness; that is how I ended up here. I am here to get back on the narrow path and find freedom. My hope is to live the life God had intended for me to live.  

Favorite Scripture: "Matthew 6:3-4 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

I was born into a Christ loving family on my mom’s side. I grew up with both parents but my mom mainly played both roles of mother and father. My father loved his kids but at the same time did not take care of his responsibilities as a husband and father, though he has improved now. My struggles weren’t with substances but with lust and pornography, it started at 11 or 12 years old when I was exposed to an adult film. That lust created a gateway to promiscuity for years. My lead pastor and spiritual father knew about my struggles and advised I enter into Teen Challenge. I am here to move, to be in tune with, and to be led by the Holy Spirit. I hope that my relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy spirit is intimate and better.

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 37:4 “Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Life growing up was good until my mother and dad split up. My addiction began when I started smoking around 12 years old and got into harder drugs and was dealing them around 18. I believe I used because I split up with a girl I was with and needed them so I couldn’t feel my emotions while I did things. I got into the street life, but I was looking for peace. A recent thing that brought me here was a shooting that got me arrested. I am here to find God before it’s too late. I hope to find faith and become a holy man.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell”

For the most part growing up was great, I had everything necessary pretty much. It got hard once my parents split. My addiction began once my dad passed when I was 18. I believe I used drugs and alcohol to cope. I didn’t know what else to do. It felt like it was the only thing to do. A recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge of Arizona was when I thought I was going to overdose on cocaine. I am here to be sober, but most of all to get closer to God. I hope to find sobriety and to find my purpose and calling.

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear for I am with you; do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you’ I will hold onto you with my righteous right hand.”

I was raised in a rough neighborhood and had to be tough to fit in. I struggled in school and grew up in a biker family. I didn’t get high till I was in high school and I struggled with addiction for a long time till my health took a dive and God rescued me. I was in high school and about 16 years old when my addiction began, I was surrounded by drugs throughout my childhood. I believe I used because it was a family tradition and I struggled with attention disorder. I am here because of my fear I wasn’t going to go to heaven and I want to keep my sobriety. I had a lot of idle time and didn’t want to make bad decisions and wanted a better future with God. I hope to gain a better relationship with the Lord.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me.”

I grew up with a single mom who raised three kids on her own. We were very poor but the house was always clean and there was always food in the fridge. My addiction began as a teenager with the neighborhood kids. I believe I used because I liked the taste and the buzz that came with it. Unfortunately, drinking became a crisis in my life and was ultimately what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I hope to accomplish being free from drinking.

Favorite Scripture: John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Growing up for me was lonely, my parents were never around. My addiction began around 8 years ago. I believe that I used drugs and alcohol because I was a victim of the pharmaceutical industry. I ended up getting blessed to come here to Teen Challenge instead of going to prison. I got the option of coming here and I took it. I am here to be in God and to become a productive member of society. I hope to stay sober and to grow in Christ.

Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Growing up, my abusive father used to yell and beat me up. In the 90s, my addiction started after a few years of sobriety picked up again in 2020. I used drugs and alcohol to take my mind off the stresses and ease pain. Due to homelessness and drug use, my pastor and a mentor told me about Teen Challenge. I'm here to clean up and get close to the Lord, and to break free from the chains of addiction. I need a better future! My goal here is to love the Lord, learn to cook, and to be a better, happier person.

Favorite Scripture: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Growing up for me was very hectic, I moved from Maine to Arizona to Texas. My father passed away when I was 18 months old, my mother remarried 5 times after he died. My addiction began at the early age of 13 to 14 years old. At first I believe I used just to fit in until it became a serious addiction. Also to mask my pain, shame, guilt, fear and anger. A recent crisis that brought me here was being an addict, I was living in a homeless situation and I was a truly lost soul. I am here at Teen Challenge to learn to live again mentally, physically and spiritually. To learn to love myself again and put Jesus first in my life. I hope to let God my Lord Jesus Christ back in my life.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I grew up with a loving and respectful family. They encouraged me and disciplined me when I acted up. My addiction started at age 8. It made me feel good, but my addiction led me to rebellion. I'm tired of walking with the world now, and I'm back at Teen Challenge to get it right. It's time to walk with Jesus. I am here to get back on the narrow path and find the freedom I'm destined for. I hope to live the life God had intended for me to live.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:12-13 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Growing up I was abused in every way until I was adopted around the age of seven. My father committed suicide by train when I was one and my mother was killed by my step-father when I was around five years old. Then my addiction started when I began smoking tobacco around ten years old. I moved on to weed, drinking and meth around fifteen. I wanted to try it because others were doing it and it was an escape and new way of life for me. I am here at Teen Challenge because I lost control of my life by drinking and using cocaine, I lost my apartment, new car and my job. I am here to attain sobriety and a relationship with God, to be Christ-like. I’ve never had the chance or the opportunity for an experience like getting to know God or go through something like Teen Challenge until now.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”