Christian Life Ranch Students

My childhood was good, until I got to my teenage years, everything changed, I changed. My addiction began when I was 14 years old, I was probably thinking that I was cool. My girlfriend’s mother was drinking so I decided to try it and never put it down. The recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge was losing my dad, and being homeless for the first time in my life. The devil was there to steal, kill, and destroy my life. I was brought here by a good friend who is in ministry. Now since I have been here my life is changing, I know I’m safe, I’ve accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and I’m still learning. I hope to find a new way of living, walking with Christ and to complete this 13 month program and continue my faith in Jesus.

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

I got along with my family well, obeyed orders and respected authority. My parents were divorced but got along, and all of them worked for a living. I was around 13 when I picked up alcohol from my father and that was my gateway drug. I couch surfed all throughout my teenage years. I liked to relieve stress by means of weekend parties and events. This gave me a boost in confidence that helped me socialize. In the meantime, I was getting hooked on this false sense of confidence because I believed myself to be socially awkward. I committed crimes by chasing an adrenaline rush. I dishonored my own mother, which was displeasing to the Lord God, who brought me here to deliver me out of sentencing. I am probated here and want to learn more about  God’s Word. I want to commit to graduating as well as learn God’s will for my life.

Favorite Scripture: James 1:19 “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

My childhood was very chaotic as my father was an alcoholic. My addiction began when I was thirteen years old as I sought to cope with the pain of a dysfunctional family. After 3 ½ years of sobriety, I relapsed which led me to seek help at Teen Challenge to reconnect with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the opportunity to turn my life around from the struggles I experienced with an abusive father who was a violent alcoholic. I have forgiven my father and have complete peace in my heart as I look forward to the future God has in store for me.

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Growing up, life was fairly easy, and good. I was raised in a Christian household and was supported by my family. My addiction began at the age of 21. I used alcohol to forget about the pain I caused when I was younger. A recent crisis that brought me here to Teen Challenge of Arizona was me drinking daily, constantly, with no regard to myself or others. I am here at Teen Challenge of Arizona to reconnect with the Lord and overcome my addiction.

Favorite Scripture: Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

My life growing up was pretty calm and normal. However, I began messing around with drugs at the age of thirteen. I feel that the biggest reason I enjoyed using drugs was the temporary feeling of masking internal voids and because I didn’t want to face emotions. Right before coming into Teen Challenge, I was faced with multiple legal complications and issues. While I am here, I am striving to get closer to the Lord and receive complete healing so that I can live out the calling that he has on my life. I am looking forward to learning more about the word of God while here in the program and am excited about a new chance at life.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Life growing up was pretty family-oriented and I grew up in and around the church. My addiction began around the time that I moved to Tucson my senior year in high school. I began smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol on a regular basis. I believe that I used drugs and alcohol because of the environment that I was in and the people that I chose to surround myself with. Right before coming into Teen Challenge, I picked up a DUI and found myself in legal trouble. I realized that my drinking was something that needed to be addressed. I am here to seek the Lord and have my relationship with him restored. I am looking forward to what he has for me. 

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 10:39 “But we are not those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

Growing up I was constantly playing sports and living a normal life. My addiction began at 19 years old to avoid my problems that were forming. The recent crisis that ended up with bringing me to Teen Challenge was my girlfriend leaving me, that left me without purpose and I am here to find it again. I hope to learn how to deal with my emotions and further my faith in God.

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.”

It was pretty difficult growing up with an alcoholic father throughout my childhood. My addiction began during my Uncle’s passing away. My addiction helped me forget my Uncle’s passing and my father’s actions. My father is doing much better today. I am here at Teen Challenge because I was sad and distant towards my family. I hope to find ways to help other people in need and ways to make other people happy.

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

Growing up, I always felt as if I was alone. I bounced around from foster home to group home and that is the main reason that I felt that way. My addiction began when I was in my early teens and knew that I was not going to college. It started with alcohol and marijuana, and then became more severe after my family members passed away. I began doing drugs like cocaine and crystal meth. The drugs made me feel numb and allowed me not to have to deal with the deaths that occurred within my family. Right before coming into Teen Challenge, I almost died and heard about the program while I was in a detox facility. I am here at Teen Challenge to rededicate my life to Christ and become more serious about taking care of my kids.

Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

My life growing up was great thanks to my dear strong, hard working mom. Unfortunately I just chose to party at a young age. I was 15 years old when I realized that my addiction had developed. It felt like a temporary get away from reality. I ended up in the ICU for 9 days due to my drug use. When my mom went to visit me on the 7th day in the hospital, she made me promise her that she wouldn’t have to bury me. I’m at Teen Challenge because I needed God to make a dramatic change in my life. I pray to accomplish becoming the man God intended me to be.

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

Growing up, life was pretty difficult for me. I was bullied throughout middle school and felt as if I did not belong. My addiction initially began when I was introduced to smoking marijuana. This lasted for some time, but I eventually started smoking crack-cocaine. This is where my drug addiction seemed to really spiral out of control. I found that drugs and alcohol allowed me to temporarily forget about the pain of my childhood and past, as well as take away any fear or anxiety I had for the time being. Just prior to coming into Teen Challenge, I was baptized at a local church. I was coming down from an intense high, but felt as if the Lord had a plan for my life. A few days later, I found myself as a student in the program. I am here to establish a firm connection with my heavenly Father, as well as find a new identity. I hope to learn to view life’s problems through a new perspective and forgive myself and others for what has been done. I look forward to the new life that awaits me in Christ!

Favorite Scripture: Psalms 139:14 “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. marvelous are your works, my soul knows it very well.”

My life growing up was actually really good. I had loving parents that were supportive and provided for me in every way possible. However, my addiction to drugs began my senior year of high school due to a sports injury and followed me for the next 15 years. I initially used drugs to alleviate physical pain, but then I began surrounding myself with the wrong crowd. This behavior eventually became a lifestyle. Right before entering Teen Challenge, I was using fentanyl and it took over my life. It got to the point where it was interfering with the relationships I had with my children and I knew something had to change. I am at Teen Challenge to seize the opportunity for a new life and a closer relationship with God.

Favorite Scripture: Mark 8:36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

I grew up in the rougher parts of LA (South Central) with a single mother trying her hardest to raise us. My addiction began when I was 16 and I started selling marijuana at school. I believe I had an issue with loving myself so I used drugs as a way to numb my feelings and hide away. My father kicked me out to the streets after he saw I was drinking and smoking marijuana. I am here at Teen Challenge because I feel that God has led me to this place to find a higher calling than to just do drugs. I hope to become spiritually connected to God and to use my gifts and talents with music for good.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 16:27 “Idle hands are the devils workshop, idle lips are his mouthpiece”

Growing up was life on the White Mountain Apache Tribe. I started drinking when I was young because life moved quickly and it helped numb me through the trials. I had been here at Teen Challenge before and left but came back after another relapse. I hope to complete this time and leave as a man understanding the Word of God and to be a good father to my three kids.

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.

I had a great family growing up, with great parents. I had guidance and I  grew up in church. When I was 12 I began to drink and use drugs. I used to fit in, then I became addicted and it got out of control fast. I had a recent close encounter with death and that is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I hope to become closer to God and to start my walk with Him. I want to change my life in every area possible for myself, but mostly for God. 

Favorite Scripture: 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is, Jesus laid down his life for us so we ought to lay ours down for our brothers and sisters.”

Life growing up was overall very good, thanks mostly to parents who held it together for my sister and I very well. After my parents divorced my addiction began, and then the harmful behaviors intensified after my dad passed away. The drugs provided an escape from uncomfortable things and a tumultuous life. A recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge was being homeless on the streets. It’s God’s will that I be here. I hope to find the healing of my mind, body and soul, and acquire healthy relationships.

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 54:11 “O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest, and not comforted, Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, And lay your foundations with sapphires.

Growing up I was in a strong catholic family, my mother and father were involved with drugs and alcohol. My addiction began at 13 years old and I used because the environment I was growing up in was all I knew which involved drugs and alcohol. Recently I went on probation and experienced homelessness, which is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I wanted to better my life with Christ and with Him I pray for early probation and to stay clean off drugs. I hope to accomplish a better lifestyle while being fluent with the Bible and have financial stability.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 118:17 “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done”

I was raised wealthy, home-schooled, and healthy. I loved life and my family. I was raised Christian, and I really enjoyed being a part of the church. I started heavily drinking when I started college and I quickly dropped out because of it. I drank to “level myself out.” If I was too bored, I drank and if I was too stressed, I drank. My father died in October of 23’ and I was the one that found him. I proceeded to drink even heavier than I already had been, and I tried to kill myself via overdose twice. I came to Teen Challenge because my drinking led to me losing everything I owned and almost my whole life. I hope that this program will lead me to live an overall healthy life, that would be spiritually, physically and mentally healthy.

Favorite Scripture: John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you, let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid.”

I would describe my childhood as great. I lived on a ship in the ocean until I was about 3 and then moved to Morocco until I was around 13. I was 17 when I moved to the United States, where I started using drugs to try and fit in with the crowd. I felt different because I was from a foreign country. After years of using and damage to family, friends and relationships, I decided it was time for a change. I know the Holy Spirit brought me into Teen Challenge of Arizona. I aim to complete the program and be renewed. I hope to one day become the Kitchen Coordinator at the Tucson Men’s Induction Center.

Favorite Scripture: Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

I was born with a cleft palate and cleft lip, so I had a lot of medical issues and was extremely self-conscious as a result. In high school I noticed I was less self-conscious when I was drinking or using drugs, so I was liked more. The drugs and drinking allowed me to open up and not be so socially awkward. A recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge was a failed marriage of twenty years. I believe it’s God’s will that I am here, and after working all over the country, I believe Arizona is one of my favorite places. I came for the simple purpose of getting sober. Since being here I’ve found a new relationship with Christ and learned how to love again.

Favorite Scripture: Joshua 7:10 “The Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?”

I had lots of friends in high school, I got married and had two kids and eventually split up with my wife. I went on a party spree and got addicted to drugs. My addiction began when I left my wife. I believe I used drugs because of the pain that was caused from me being married and separated young. I came to Teen Challenge because I couldn’t hold a job and I was always chasing my next high. I am here to get sober, but most importantly to get closer and connect to our Father God amen. I hope to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 20:2 “Those who anger him forfeit their lives, a kings wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion.”

My dad and my mother went to prison when I was young. Me and my sisters bounced around from shelter to shelter until our Uncle and Aunt adopted us. I was in the 7th grade when I started using drugs and alcohol. I used drugs and alcohol because I wanted to feel good, but as I grew up it was just loneliness that I felt after my loss of time with my parents. Coming out of prison I was still addicted and continued to push people away. I am here to grow into the man that God says I am. I’m just trying to please Christ each day by being loving to others and allowing His healing in my heart. 

Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 1:18-19 “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

Growing up I had loving and married parents, I was raised Lutheran. We were financially free and blessed. I started abusing alcohol and hiding/lying about it 5 years ago. At first, I used to get drunk and have fun with friends. Then boredom, then to cover up pain and hurt. I was in the 4th cycle of destructive drinking, I was losing jobs, and now I was married and had a kid on the way. I had a child 3 weeks into the program. I am here to rebuild my relationship with Christ. If it's within God’s plan for my life, I want to continue my role as a husband and father to my baby daughter.

Favorite Scripture: James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for when he has withstood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Life for me growing up was actually pretty great. I feel that I had a normal childhood for the most part. When I became a little older, I began prioritizing things that I wanted to do over things that needed to get done, like responsibilities and life’s demands. I never struggled with substance abuse, but I found myself looking for love and acceptance in all of the wrong places. I developed unhealthy spending habits, as well as lived for the approval of others. This addiction mainly served the purpose of receiving the love that I felt I did not receive from my parents and family members. Right before entering Teen Challenge, I left another program that I did not see helping me in the same way Teen Challenge could. I hope to acquire a strong and foundational relationship with Christ, and live a completely different life. 

Favorite Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:18 “The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.”

I was adopted when I was nine months old but grew up in a really nice and loving family. However, I always felt as if I was striving for perfection and not measuring up. My problems began around the time that I was in middle school. Drugs helped me control my stress because of the health condition that I was facing and numbed stress and anxiety. Just before coming into Teen Challenge, I was arrested for an altercation with a family member. I am here to better myself and become a better father and husband through the refinement of Christ. I am searching for a deeper relationship with Christ and a solid and foundational identity in him. 

Favorite Scripture: Romans 2:10 “But glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

While I was growing up, my mom and stepdad were hardworking. Beside the typical teenager problems, life was good. My addiction began around 14 years of age. I wanted to numb myself basically after my grandmom died, that’s when my drinking and drug use got worse. I was homeless on the streets the last two years while being addicted before I came to Phoenix Teen Challenge. I am here to heal and come out a better man for my kids and family and to be an example for others of what Jesus can do. My thoughts are ever changing, but I do know that I want to make Christ proud and do what He wants me to do.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I’ve spent most of my life going in and out of jail. My addiction began when I was 17, and I used alcohol and drugs because of a bad relationship with my mother and father who were bad influences. A recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge was a binge that I barely survived and I knew I needed help. I am here at Teen Challenge to get away from addiction and I hope to learn to read and write while I am here.

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 it was a struggle in wanting to hustle to support my family, but the deeper I went the further into the pit I fell. My addiction began in the 2nd grade on the school football field. It was just a part of my environment, a place to fit in. My struggle in getting to know God and to understand Him truthfully is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. By the Grace of God, He led me here. I hope to accomplish having a stronger faith and not doubt His love.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 25:25 “Like a city whose wall is broken-through, is a person who lacks self control”

I would describe my childhood as difficult, I had a tough time making friends since I was mainly homeschooled growing up. I started smoking weed at the age of 15 and by 19 I was already in a full blown heroin addiction. I used drugs because I liked the feeling that heroin gave me. I came to Teen Challenge because I had nowhere to turn and I heard the program offers hope. I do enjoy the bed and roof that’s over my head while in the program, but also the opportunities that are offered throughout the program. I hope to continue living a life for Christ long after I complete.

Favorite Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:11 “Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.”

My parents separated when I was a child, my mom worked and my dad was a drug dealer. My addiction began when I was 15 years old. I started drinking and using lots of different drugs, mainly pills and opioids. I didn’t have value in my own life or really love myself so I was in the habit of not feeling anything and even overdosing. I came to Teen Challenge due to relapse. I was drinking and snorting my paychecks, and I was just miserable and thinking of suicide. I'm here because Teen Challenge has helped me to find peace and joy in the Lord and not in some bottle or baggie. I hope to have long term peace, to develop my relationship with the Lord and build a strong foundation as to know how to handle and overcome struggles and hardships.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:9-10 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Growing up was worldly good but not fulfilling. My addiction began at the age of 13, it made me feel like I was all that and a bag of chips. The crisis that brought me here to Teen Challenge was my wife and I being hooked on heroin. I am here to let God get the Egyptian mentality out of me. I’m tired of running back to my sin. I want to let God get glory out of my life.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

I’m the youngest of seven. I had a strong bond in my family, my dad was strict, and my parents worked all day. After 8th grade in high school is when my addiction began. Being around cousins and always wanting to be the first at everything pushed me to try things. I used drugs because of peer pressure and curiosity with alcohol and some coke and marijuana. Thoughts of suicide and being alone and feeling hopeless brought me to Teen Challenge, I was on the streets before I got here. I am here to find better communication with God and to tell and show my family that everything is possible with God.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Growing up was good, I had good parents. My brother had leukemia. I had cancer 8 years ago, but God healed me from that. I was 14 years old when my addiction began. I used everything at the start just to have fun and then I realized I was trapped and couldn’t get out. I recently had a crisis in my marriage and that brought me here to Teen Challenge. I am here because I want to be a new father, husband, son, and brother. I want to completely surrender to God and let Him heal my heart.

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

My father passed away when I was 10 years old. My mom sacrificed so much to provide a stable and loving home for me, my brother and my sister. We had a loving home, but it was difficult at times. My addiction began at the age of 22 while living in Minnesota. I used drugs as a way to cope with loneliness and depression. I always excelled in my job, but that was my only joy in life that I had. I allowed my job to define who I was as an individual. I hit rock bottom, completely losing everything. My family was at the point that they refused to enable me any longer. I am here to transform my life and to have a life with Jesus Christ. My sister always told me that my addicted life would not be changed until I found Jesus and asked him to help me change my life. She was 100% correct.

Favorite Scripture: Revelations 4:1 “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”