Aaron W.
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.”
Alfonso C.
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 three and a half years of sobriety, I relapsed which led me to seek help at Teen Challenge to reconnect with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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."
Anthony L.
Growing up, my parents worked in the fields and at the age of 2, I was molested by family friends. At the ages 4-6 I was raped by my uncle and became extremely violent and hateful. Growing up in Southern California, I wanted to be like the “gangsters”. At 10 years old I became affiliated with multiple gangs in CA and AZ. I participated in my first robbery at 12 and by 14 I was drinking alcohol and selling cocaine and marijuana. Jumping forward at 25 years old I was facing 25 years in prison, because of being addicted to fentanyl, meth, and crack. I burned every bridge with the people I loved the most. Now God is restoring what the locust has eaten. I was recently homeless and addicted to multiple drugs, which is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I am here to deny myself and to decrease in my life so He can increase in my life. I hope to help set others free in Jesus mighty name!
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 6: 7-8 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
Arron R.
I grew up in a pretty broken home where there were lots of issues. This eventually led me to making risky choices and looking for a way to escape the pain that I was feeling. Looking back, I was tossed into full-blown addiction by the time that I was twenty years old. I liked the way that drugs temporarily filled the void within my heart, even though it would have huge consequences. Before deciding to come into the program, I experienced the death of my two brothers. I am here at Teen Challenge to receive healing from the Lord and to change my life for the better. I desire long-term sobriety and a rekindled relationship with Jesus Christ.
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.”
Blake L.
Life growing up for me was informative, I learned everything the hard way. My childhood was a military structure, it wasn’t really a childhood. My parents got divorced when I was eight years old. We moved a lot, and I moved out for good when I was a junior in high school. My addiction began at age eighteen. I used to dull the pain of stress and being mistreated. The recent crisis that brought me to Teen Challenge was my divorce after twenty years of marriage and living in my car. I am here at Teen Challenge because my mother recommended it to me, and I hope to grow closer to God and stay sober.
Favorite Scripture: Job 14:13 If only you would hide me in the grave and conceal me till your anger has passed! If only you would set a time and then remember me.
Brent S.
I did not have a positive male figure in my life growing up, which led me to develop deep trust issues. I was left feeling abandoned, scared, unloved, helpless, and alone. I first used drugs at the age of 10. I was forced to smoke marijuana with someone who abused me and my addiction began there. I used drugs for over 30 years to cover up and mask the pain from my childhood and from being mentally, emotionally, and sexually abused. Before coming into the program, I was caught with a large amount of methamphetamine and was court ordered to go to Teen Challenge. I am here to grow closer to God and I see this as a blessing in my life. I hope to find the purpose that God has for my life and to graduate from the program. I am so excited to have a new found future in Christ!
Favorite Scripture: Jeramiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, to give you a hope and a future.”
Caleb M.
Life growing up was great for me. I had a loving mother and father who were always around and tried to teach me the best. I pretty much played every sport as well. I did not start drinking until high school and managed to get multiple degrees in college even while drinking and using substances. I liked drinking because all of my friends were doing it and I found it to be fun. Eventually I began relying on alcohol to cope with disappointments, stresses, and life’s problems. I received multiple DUI’s prior to coming into the program and needed to check myself in somewhere. I am looking to get close with God again while I’m here. Without a relationship with God, I am going to revert back to my old ways and habits. I need another chance.
Favorite Scripture: Isiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.”
Daniel B.
My life growing up was rough, when I was five years old, I was sexually abused. My father had 3 ex-wives, and I moved back and forth from Salt Lake City and Baltimore. I went from being Mormon to Atheist. My addiction began when I was eighteen. I believe I used drugs because life was fun as someone in the crowd. I was shooting meth even when I was a “true believer” and grieving God at the same time. I believe I am here at Teen Challenge because God brought me here. I hope to stay in God’s will.
Favorite Scripture: John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Donnie L.
I was raised with my two siblings and both of my parents. I developed disruptive behaviors throughout middle and high school and dropped out. My addiction began after serving six years in prison at 19 years old. I began to have drinking issues which led to the bondages of addiction to drugs. I used drugs to isolate myself from my shame and guilt. I was committing crimes to support my habit. The law and consequences soon caught up to me, my family bonded me out and we found Teen Challenge. I am here to honor God’s restoration process and hopefully gain His favor for my obedience to His will. I hope to find endless blessing as evidence of God’s work within me.
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 2:8 For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of my own doing, it is the Gift of God.
Dylan C.
Life for me went reasonably well until around the time I was in first grade. During this time, my family lost our house and we were forced to move in with my grandmother. Both of my parents battled drug addiction and it spiraled more and more out of control after this. My addiction began around the age of 12. I found a sense of identity in using drugs. I felt that it was a means of escape from the emotions and traumas I did not want to confront. My parents actually graduated from Teen Challenge and it changed their lives! I decided that I wanted a better life for myself as well. I am here to identify both traumas and thought patterns that led me down the dark road of addiction, and allow the Lord to correct them. I am trusting the Lord for peace and healing for my inner child.
Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Earl S.
I grew up in a home with no father and an alcoholic, drug addicted mother and was sexually assaulted starting at the age of 4. At the age of 13, I started smoking cigarettes, pot and drinking alcohol which progressed to other drugs by age 15. I believe it was to medicate my hostile childhood trauma. I had a mental breakdown and lost my job and home which brought me to Teen Challenge. I am here to be restored in my mind and family relationships. I hope to find my purpose and develop lifelong accountable relationships.
Favorite Scripture: Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, those whom have been called according to His purpose.”
Hector S.
Growing up, I lost both of my parents to drug addiction. My nana and a few other family members ended up taking care of me after that. Needless to say, life was rough for me. My addiction began around the age of 16 and pretty much just snow-balled after that. I just wanted to numb the pain that I was feeling with opiates. I liked the way I would forget about my worries and trauma for the time-being, even though it was not permanent. Before coming into the program, I had nothing. I was homeless and had no source of hope. I am searching for sobriety and to be the man that God created me to be through an interpersonal relationship with Jesus. I hope to be forever changed and to really get to know myself and what makes me, me.
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Isaac A.
I grew up Christian and was raised by a great Christian father. I first drank alcohol at 13, I was habitually using heroin at 17. I used drugs and alcohol for a number of reasons at different times. It ranges from boredom to depression to anxiety to simply loving pleasure. I came to Teen Challenge wanting to be more obedient to God. I want to meet the requirements of an overseer or deacon because I want to be involved in ministry with my dad in the Philippines. I hope to have a deeper relationship with God. I hope to walk more in the Spirit. I want to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit of God.
Favorite Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
John G.
Life was actually pretty great growing up. I had loving parents and I grew up in a supportive home. When I was in high school I began using drugs. However, my dad passed away around eight years ago and things changed. My mother also recently passed away. I initially began using drugs because that was the type of thing that my friends were doing. I was also involved in a car wreck that increased the amount of drugs that I was doing. I decided to make a change and come into Teen Challenge after losing both of my parents, my house, car, and all other possessions. I am searching for my God-given purpose and direction. I aspire to graduate from the program and start a new life.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 18:12 “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Jonah G.
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.”
Keith H.
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.”
Kevin L.
I had a pretty normal life growing up. I do not feel that I had a bad upbringing. I am not exactly sure the age I was when I realized that I was an addict, but I was drinking heavily which ultimately led to an addiction to methamphetamine. Looking back, I felt that these substances were actually helping me. I now understand that was not the case at all. Right before coming into Teen Challenge, the people that I thought were my “friends” all seemed to turn on me. I am here in the program because I knew that I needed something different in my life. I needed to make a positive change and I felt like Teen Challenge provided me with that opportunity. I hope that God will restore me while I am here and help me to live life as a completely different man.
Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Lance S.
I grew up in a rodeo and ranching family, it's been a part of my life since I can remember. My addiction began a few years ago in 2021 to alcohol. I used it to party and let loose, but I also used it to forget painful experiences. I didn't come to Teen Challenge on a winning streak. I came here because of a car accident I had while drunk. Thank God I didn't hurt anyone in the process. I came here to find a relationship with Jesus Christ and step up into the man God is calling me to be. I hope to find out the purpose and the plan God has for my life.
Favorite Scripture: Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Michael N.
I grew up in church, my parents were pastors. We moved several times, I had to change schools over 10 times. My addiction began at the age of 12. I used to fill a void, and it was how I dealt with emotional pain whenever I experienced it. I relapsed and ended up in the hospital with a bad infection in my leg, which ended up bringing me to Teen Challenge. I am here to grow in my relationship with Jesus, and to discover His will and calling is for my life. I hope to accomplish freedom that only comes from Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit.
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.”
Philip S.
I had a good family life for the most part growing up. I remember being picked on a lot as a child for the color of my skin. My addiction began around 6th to 7th grade, which was my first-time smoking marijuana and drinking. At first, I used drugs and alcohol to fit in, to feel accepted. It quickly turned into a lifestyle, and spiraled out of control when I was introduced to methamphetamine and heroin. Five years ago, I left Teen Challenge New Mexico but really had a seed planted in my heart there. Since then, I drank alcohol almost every day. I could provide for myself physically, but I was dying inside. I had a hole in my heart that I knew only Jesus could fill. So finally, I came back to Teen Challenge to start living for Jesus. I’m here to save my life and start anew serving the Lord. I’m going to finish the program and see what Jesus has for me next.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Sam D.
I grew up in a lower middle-class home. Both parents worked and both followed God. I was always taken care of, but I was a goofy little kid. Drinking and parties were a part of high school but hopes of college and playing football took priority. That was all until my first hit of meth. Before I could even exhale, all my dreams, aspirations, morals and integrity disappeared. The chase for the next hit consumed my life. I used it as an escape, in a world where pleasure was the goal. Meth gave me that pleasure, then I needed alcohol to nurse away the shame, pain and guilt that came from the lifestyle seeking that pleasure. After 4 months in Teen Challenge in Alaska, my home state, then a short stay at another program, I found myself needing a place of grace, support and love. That’s what brought me to Teen Challenge of AZ. I am here to find a life worth living, not just for myself, but for God and His greater purpose for me. I hope to make amends with people in my life I have hurt, and to make myself into a man of God who feels worthy of love. I want to be a son my mom can be proud of.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me oh God and know my heart. Test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me. Lead me in the way everlasting.”
Sam M.
I grew up in a household where my dad was an alcoholic, and towards my teenage years my mom always had to keep the household together. My addiction began at the age of 5 with alcohol. Around 18 to 28 years old I developed my addiction further with cocaine and meth. I abused drugs to numb my feelings. During a recent crisis I relapsed back into using meth and alcohol and that’s what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I came here to strengthen my relationship with Jesus. I hope to be set free from the chains of addiction, idolatry, and sexual immorality.
Favorite Scripture: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Scott H.
I had a good Christian life growing up. Amen! My addiction began in 2009 when my mother passed away. I believe that I used drugs because I fell prey to the deception that they offer. I was arrested which led to me coming to Teen Challenge. I am here to build a stronger relationship with God. I hope to finish what God started in me as an ordained bishop.
Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
Wesley D.
Growing up there was a lot of trauma and emotional abuse in my life. My addiction began at the age of 13 years old. I used drugs and alcohol to fit in and relieve the pain from being mistreated. I came to Teen Challenge to get help for my drug addiction and to work on having a closer relationship with Jesus. I hope to accomplish a true Christian walk and honor God.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
