Adrian A.
I came from a good family. I have two brothers and two sisters. My parents were divorced. I lived with my mom because my dad was on meth. I started drinking when I was 14 years old. I would go to school buzzed all the time. I stole the alcohol from my mom’s liquor cabinet. I used to numb myself. I was hurt because my dad was not around. It would help me forget about the problems in my life. I had no one to help me with them. At Teen Challenge I want to change my life around and get to the root of why I feel I must drink. I want to reconnect/strengthen my relationship with God. I was at rock bottom, now I want to figure out why I use substances in the first place.
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Albert L.
I grew up in Northern Arizona on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. My mom passed away when I was 12. It forced me to grow up faster and left me feeling alone and lost. Losing my mom hurt and I started to cover that hurt with drinking and using drugs. I just wanted to be numb. Coming to Teen Challenge I’ve found just how selfish I’ve been in my ways and desires. I want a better way of living. I want to affect people positively. I want to be a good model for my nephews and nieces. I want to grow with God and into a man that my family can be proud of.
Favorite Scripture: I John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
Alex G.
Early in my life there was not much stability. We moved around a lot. My Dad got saved when I was a teen and things started to settle down. My addiction started in my late teens and it continued into my 20's. I quit for a very long time but fell back into it about 5 years ago. I have no excuse for why I did, but I know that the pressures of life and the sin I was living in pushed me that way. My wife has had enough of my downward spiral. Teen Challenge was recommended by some of our Christian friends. I want to stop my addiction. I want to get closer to the Lord for guidance and restoration.
Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Bryan O.
I had a good childhood. My mom and dad worked all the time and unfortunately they fought all the time. They divorced when I was 16 years old. I am closer to my dad and his family, but I love my mom. I started smoking weed when I was 14. It was my gateway drug. My life started to get turned upside down from my addictions. I used drugs to push the hurting inside of me down. I wanted the drugs to help me with my screw ups in life. I want to follow Christ. I want to really give my life over to Him. At Teen Challenge I can get close to the Lord, and work towards restoring my relationships with family and my children. I want God to soften my heart.
Favorite Scripture: I Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
Derek O.
I have been extremely blessed with parents that have always supported me. We were a Christian household in a small town. I spent my childhood involved in sports and academics. It all started with pain pills when I got a tooth pulled. I had more surgery and more pain pills. I am still trying to figure out why I became addicted and lived with it. I would runaway from the messes I would get myself into. I covered my guilt, I guess. I want to rebuild my relationship with Christ. I want to be the man He created me to be. God has been working on me through my family, they never give up on me. I see the opportunity here at Teen Challenge to grow in His word.
Favorite Scripture: Zechariah 3:2 The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”
Ethan E.
Growing up my life was okay but in my home, there was a lot of yelling and arguing. I would always try to find ways to escape. I was very depressed, self-harming, and suicidal. At the age of seventeen, I started to escape through drugs and alcohol. I wanted it to help me with my problems. I’m tired of going in circles I want to beat my addiction and better myself through a relationship with Jesus. Teen Challenge is giving me an alternative to drugs. I’ve been at my breaking point and I’m ready to build myself up and change my ways. I know a strong relationship with Jesus will help me be a productive member of society.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Harley U.
I had the privilege of being raised by both my mother and father in a drug-free home. I was blessed with athletic talent that took me where I wanted to be in life. My addiction began when I broke up with the love of my life. I fell into the party scene which turned me into a monster. I thought partying would help me get over someone, but it only made it worse physically and mentally. I came to Teen Challenge at first just to get sober, go back to college and play the game I love. Now it’s about growing my relationship with the man above. I want to grow more in my character, endure wisdom and walk close to God. I will be patient for what He has in store for my future!
Favorite Scripture -
2 Corinthians 12:9
Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Jordan C.
I grew up in a Christian home. My grandpa was a pastor, and my mom and dad were missionaries. I started using drugs in my early teens. I was a musician and would sometimes get payed in drugs. I fell fully into that lifestyle, destroying everything in my life. I am here at Teen Challenge because I want to gain freedom from addiction. I know I can get that through a relationship with God. It is an everyday struggle that I am ready to take on. With Jesus I hope to be able to use my musical gift for Gods Kingdom.
Favorite Scripture - Ephesians 5:5
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Joshua W.
I had a decent upbringing, but I was always one to rebel. Life was usually boring to me. I was always looking for excitement. In looking for excitement I found drugs. It started with weed and led to heroin. I had some traumatic events that happened in my life and I used drugs, I thought, to help me through them. The drug life had the excitement I thought I was looking for. I want to be healed. I want to be free from addiction. Teen Challenge is giving me that chance. I came here from prison and I am looking for a relationship with Christ.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Mael B.
I was adopted by my aunt who had drug and alcohol addictions. It was awfully hard living with her. I became addicted to substances in my early teens. I just wanted to be like my friends, but eventually I was using to numb all the pains in my life. My desire now is to have a full recovery from my past. I want to regain my stability and sound mind. I came to Teen Challenge homeless and in need of help. I’ve found that Jesus can help me. He has given me a new outlook in life.
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.
Michael B.
I had a good life growing up. It wasn’t perfect or easy but I was blessed to have a good close and loving family. I was influenced a lot by the kids in my neighborhood. I started drinking and using it at 16. I went through high school hanging out with the wrong crowd. Here at Teen Challenge, I’ve challenged myself to start being a productive part of society. I’m desiring a relationship with Jesus. I’m looking for restoration with my daughter and mother. I’d like to find my self-worth in Christ.
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Philip A.
As a child, my mother and father were always working. They did the best they could to spend time with us. I was raised in church. My addiction began early on with cigarettes and marijuana, and eventually it led to harder drugs. I believe that I used drugs and alcohol because I was a lonely person and didn’t experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. I am here at Teen Challenge to find the joy of salvation and discover God’s plan for my life. I hope to build a better relationship with Christ while I am here.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Richard R.
My life was easy going while I was growing up. I played sports and was around my family a lot. I started using cocaine and drinking in my 20’s and eventually that led to methamphetamine use. I was engaging in sinful activities and behaviors without being aware of the damage I was causing others and myself. My addictions blocked out my past hurts and caused me to be emotionally destructive. Now, I want to be discipled, increase my spiritual awareness and walk a righteous walk with God and Christ.
Favorite Scripture: I Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.
Tahj H.
I grew up without a father in the house. I was raised by just my mom. I had no discipline or ethics. I had problems learning in school and abiding by the rules. When I was 19 years old, I started smoking weed. By 23 I was doing meth. I had no self-control, and I was acting from impulse. I would try to numb my mind and thoughts to escape myself. I had disappointments, depression, misery, loneliness, and failures. At Teen Challenge I want to obtain a peace of mind and learn about God and His ways. I want to be disciplined and have good morals. Becoming a faithful Christian is my desire.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 28:9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
Zain K.
My life growing up was rather good. I had a great childhood riding dirt bikes, camping, hunting and lots of sports. I was popular in high school because of my athleticism. My addiction began when I was 14 years old. My father sent my brother to the military and that caused me to start acting out and I ended up moving out at the age of 15. I started using because I was hurt, angry, confused and alone. I tried to numb myself and hurt myself. I was suicidal when I came to Teen Challenge. I couldn’t take living anymore. I seek freedom, restoration and purpose here. I need God to help me with my character and integrity.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 16:11 Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
