Christian Life Ranch Students

As a child I grew up in a Mormon house. I was always playing sports, had a lot of friends and was in school. My addiction took off when I took my first sip of alcohol. I believe I used alcohol to drown my sorrows I had to live with such as guilt and shame. I came to Teen Challenge because I was on the verge of losing my life to my addiction. While at Teen Challenge I hope to have a new and genuine relationship with God as well to have restoration with my family and children.

Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Life was good growing up for me. It was only my dad and I, but we were blessed. My addiction really took off at a young age and started with marijuana, but that was just the start before I really went down a dark path. By the time I was16 years old, I was intravenously using Heroin. The reason I would use drugs is because I honestly enjoyed the high. I became more talkative around people and it seemed almost as if I was more lively when I was high. I came to Teen Challenge so that I could really develop my relationship with Christ and live a sober life.  The only reason I came to Teen Challenge is because I had this urge that God was calling me back and I felt like it was time to take that step. While in here at Teen Challenge I hope to really find myself so that way I can walk out the calling God has on my life as well as continue to grow in my walk with the Lord.

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

In a house where I was being raised by my Dad and step Mother, I was always getting into some type of trouble. My addiction first began at eleven years old. I started off abusing substances as a means of dealing with stress. Eventually my addiction took me to the point to where I was kicked out of my parent’s house and ended up here at Teen Challenge with nowhere else to go. Being here my hope is to get as close to God as possible as well as have a life that produces fruit that can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

I had a really good childhood. My twin brother and I were very active, involved in sports such as baseball, basketball, and soccer. Camping and fishing have always been our favorites. My addiction began in high school with drinking alcohol, but I began to experiment with marijuana and my grades began to drop so I decided to drop out of school but it didn’t stop there. I ended up using Heroin and Meth. I used drugs at first to fit in with the crowd, but eventually I used to just feel happy. I came to Teen Challenge because I had just got released from jail and didn’t want to go back to my old stomping ground in fear I might relapse. I also am getting to know my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want to develop a relationship with Him and leave the old me behind. I hope while at Teen Challenge I am able to find myself, learn about myself, and learn about 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.

I grew up in a broken home with a divorced family. I dropped out of high school by the age of 16 to party, drink and smoke. My addiction began in my 20s. I abused substances to fit in and hide from the truth of my past hurt and abandonment. I came to Teen Challenge because I’ve been fighting depression, fear, suicide, and I have lost my way with Jesus. My hope now is to grow more with Jesus and fully surrender to him to be the man of God my family can trust.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

At an early age, I was taken from my biological parents and was given to my amazing aunt and uncle to be raised. My addiction began in high school. My cowboy buddies weren’t very good influences. When I turned 21 my addiction got far worse.  I thank God that my girlfriend cared about me enough to call my family and let them know how bad my addiction had become. I came to Teen Challenge to better myself and become the man and future husband that God has called me to be. I hope to become that man. 

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

Addiction for me began at an early age. I was ten years old the first time that I experimented with drugs. I grew up in a dysfunctional home with lots of alcohol, drugs, verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The use of drugs like crystal meth ended up putting me in a mental health institution. I came to Teen Challenge to get close to God, rid myself of the addiction, pain, and anger I had caused myself. I have hope and desire to become the man that God wants me to be for my son and others.  

Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 4:29 “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

As I was growing up, life was fun but was also very rough. My addiction really began to take off when my father passed away at the age of 16. I began to use drugs to fit in with the crowd and sense everyone else was already doing them. I came to Teen Challenge to find out my purpose in life. I want to get back on track because of all the trouble I continued to get in while in Tennessee. I was not getting anywhere good in life. I hope while being here that I will gain a completely renewed mind and body while growing everyday with God and developing my own personal relationship with Him.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

I led a normal lifestyle growing up with my mother, brother, and stepfather all in the home. I was introduced to church at an early age. My addiction actually didn’t begin until I was in my mid-30s. My addiction to alcohol began gradually. I was using it recreationally and then as time went on, I became more dependent on it. The recent loss of two very close family members brought me to Teen Challenge. It was my family member’s recommendation ultimately that brought me here. My hope is to build a better relationship with God, and become a better Christian, and man of God.

Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

Addiction for me began at the age of 12. I pretty much raised myself because of an addicted parent and struggled a lot with feelings of not being good enough and anxiety. Before coming to Teen Challenge I dealt with hopelessness and homelessness. I’m here to build a relationship with Christ and learn how to live life on life‘s terms. My hope is that I will find out the plan that God has for me.

Favorite Scripture: ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:7‬ ‭“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

I spent a good part of my childhood involved in 3 different sports.  I was raised by one parent and got good grades so my life was fairly normal.  In 1990 at the age of 13 I started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. It started out just as a means to party/socialize and have a good time.  Then it became a way for me to relax.  This dependency on substances led me down a path of sin and destruction.  I want to be delivered from all that I have been in bondage to for so many years because of drug use.  Because my life has been in crisis, I came to Teen Challenge in order to get sober and learn about God. I know the Lord has a calling on my life.  Through Teen Challenge, I’m believing the Lord will save me and carry out His perfect plan for me.

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.

I had a pretty typical childhood growing up. I experienced good times as well as not so good times. I would say my childhood was guarded by the Lord himself. My testimony is somewhat different in a sense that “life happened.” In a lot of ways, I think of myself like the prodigal son returning home. I came to Teen Challenge to renew my life in Christ and to step back into full-time ministry. I have an opportunity to renew my life with Jesus Christ and to live in the light, and as to live as the apostle Paul.

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 13:2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

Life growing up for me was good. My family and I had the Burrell Horse Auction where we had over 100 horses which required us to be constantly working hard. My addiction started when I was in high school when I began smoking marijuana. I started to use drugs because I thought it was fun to party. The drugs just seemed to come to me because of the small town I lived in, everyone knew me. I am here at Teen Challenge because I have two kids who I need to be a father to and be present in their lives because I have already missed so much while I’ve been in addiction. I ended up coming to Teen Challenge because of an overdose where I assaulted the first responders and the police. A pastor that visited me in jail told me about Teen Challenge and before you know it, I was here in Arizona. While in Teen Challenge I hope to accomplish becoming a Godly man and someone that my kids can be proud of.

Favorite Scripture: Revelations 3:20 - Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Growing up for me my youth was rough. I dealt with severe trauma, my mother was using crack-cocaine but we did go to church during the holidays. My addiction really took off when my mother passed away when I was 13, but by the age of sixteen I was using Meth intravenously. I believe I was using drugs because I felt hollow inside. I had no father figure to guide me, but I knew I had potential.  At one of my lowest points, I reached out to my sister for help and they brought me to Teen Challenge. I’m here to build that firm foundation with Christ I so desperately need. During this program I hope to build my relationship with God and know what it’s like to have a heavenly father that loves me unconditionally. I’m also trying to become the father I need to be to my 3-year-old son Dominic JR.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

Life for me growing up was good. I had a fun loving family and wouldn’t trade it. My addiction began in Detroit with Xanax and Codeine. When I moved to Arizona I began to use meth. It was a time in my life where I thought nothing bad of people using it because that was what I expected and thought that was the norm, especially in Detroit. I came to Teen Challenge because I really wanted to absorb the experience here and what it offers. I now have hope in my future and in my present.  

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 13:2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

Growing up I did not know my biological father. My biological mother committed suicide from drug addiction and depression. I was adopted by one of my uncles and his wife along with my older sister. They raised us as their own and they are mom and dad to us. My dad is a pastor and my mom is in HR. As children, we were given opportunities to do what we wanted in music, sports, church or almost whatever we wanted. It was a home filled with the presence of God, focused on loving us and teaching us how to live Biblically righteous lives. I came to Teen Challenge to strengthen my relationship with God and spend time reading His word, including prayer and being discipled. I hope to resolve relationship issues with my wife, and continually grow in my relationship with Jesus.  

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.

I had a beautiful life growing up with loving supportive parents and family. For me, addiction began as a senior in high school. I believe I used drugs and alcohol to numb the feeling of stress and also not really fitting in. My recent overdose and divorce brought me to Teen Challenge. I came to Teen Challenge to establish and cultivate a relationship with Jesus and find freedom from bondage of self. My hope is to learn how to put God first in everything I do.  

Favorite Scripture: Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As I was growing up, my parents were divorced by the time I was twelve which caused a tremendous amount of trauma for me. In high school I was selling marijuana but when my grandparents passed away is when I really started to get curious about the other drug substances out there. I began to use drugs to escape a reality I didn’t want to deal with and soon that turned into just staying ahead of withdrawals. I came to Teen Challenge so I could get closer to God and gain self-control over my fleshly desires. If it wasn’t for Teen Challenge, I would be homeless in the streets. While here at Teen Challenge I hope to conquer my drug addiction and my addictive personality as well as figure out the calling God has on my life.

Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Growing up, life was a little rough. My parents were physically abusing each other and me. My dad would leave my mother, my siblings, and me. When my Dad got drunk, I was abused. I was only three years old the first time my dad started giving me weed. In the end, drinking on my own at the age of 15. By the age of 21, I was drinking hard liquor every day. I was using and drinking to numb the pain. Over the last two years, I’ve nearly died several times from alcohol poisoning and overdosing. Before coming to Teen Challenge, I had ruined almost every relationship I ever had. I’ve come to Teen Challenge to be renewed in my mind and get to a place where I fully know God. I feel the calling to be a youth pastor and to serve God and lead others who are astray back to the cross. I have faith in God that I will be restored to my family and be the better man that I was intended to be.

Favorite Scripture: Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

I grew up with a fairly normal family but we lived in an area that was known for gangs and drugs. For me addiction began after the passing of my mother and depression from my career in law enforcement. Alcohol for me was a way to fill the void in my heart. Recent separation lead me to binge drinking and because of this I had to turn down a new job offer in a different state. My hope at Teen Challenge is to allow Jesus to fill my heart with relationship and to grow as a Christian leader.  

Favorite Scripture: Daniel 3:18 “But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” ‭

Growing up I was constantly getting suspended and kicked out of school for acting out. I was adopted by my biological aunt from my father's side and was in foster care from the age of 3 1/2 to 7. I began drinking and smoking weed at the age of 13 and began using harder drugs in my late teen years. I used drugs to relieve the pain in my heart and to fight off the depression. Before coming to Teen Challenge, I was hospitalized for cardiac complications as a result of my drug use. Teen Challenge is giving me a place to seek God, restore my faith, humble myself and to make my family proud while finding purpose in my life. I hope to find discipline, sobriety and a firm foundation in my faith.  

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."

My parents were very hard-working and I came from a good home. My father was going to college and my mother worked graveyards growing up, so I was alone a lot of the time. I went into the Marine Corps and was married and music was a big part of my life. As part of a local band I would smoke pot to fill the boring spots in my life. When my band started to get popular, I started using meth to be able to keep up. A woman I fell in love with took me down a crazy path. Drugs eventually took me to homelessness. I came to Teen Challenge to develop a relationship with Jesus. My hope is to become a worship leader in my church and realize the call that God has put on my life.

Favorite Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

I grew up in Seattle Washington in a family of four, with one brother. At the age of 14 my parents divorced. When I was 17 years old, I had seven people that were close to me die in over a year and a half period.  I was running from the call of God on my life and I was very angry. After a recent separation from a longtime girlfriend I came to my breaking point, finally coming to Teen Challenge. I know I’m where God has called me to be and I’m looking to grow my relationship with Him and to be who he created me to be. My hope is to have the identity in God that he has called me too and to give back to his kingdom here on earth.  

Favorite Scripture: John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

I grew up in a very loving and privileged home with both parents. I attended private Christian schools from kindergarten to high school. Growing up I had all of my wants and needs satisfied by both my parents. In my freshman year of college, I began to experiment with drugs. I came to Teen Challenge to set my life back on track and improve my overall mental and physical health. I hope to achieve personal inner peace and a better understanding of my goals.

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 12:1 “In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not anymore. Now you comfort me.”

I was fortunate to have a really good childhood. I was homeschooled and was always in attendance of church services. My addiction first began when I was in high school. I began using drugs because I wanted to rebel from authority while having fun with my friends. My parents and a pastor we know encouraged me to go to Teen Challenge. I’m here in this program so that I can get spiritual help and have a relationship with God as well as get clean and stay clean from my meth addiction. I hope while being here I can help myself and fellow brothers become aware of the life that Gods has planned for us all.

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

I grew up on the reservation in a home with my Mom and Dad. My Dad was an alcoholic. I had my first drink at the age of 14. Abusing alcohol seemed like a hereditary thing in my family.  Now I am 55 years old and I’m still drinking. I started binge drinking badly and started to lose my family in the process, so I knew I needed to find a place. So now I’m here in Teen Challenge to get myself right with the Lord while getting myself sober from alcoholism. My hope now is to get to know Jesus on a deeper level so I never go back to drinking.

Favorite Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares upon him because he cares for you.

I was born into a broken home. I never knew my father until I was 13 years old. My addiction began when I was a freshman in high school. The promise of false love, respect and friendships, and fitting in is why I started using. I found nothing but trouble later in life. DCS involvement with my niece and nephews is the wakeup call I needed to come to Teen Challenge. I’m here to get myself right with God, myself, and my family. My hope is to grow and come closer to God.  

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

I was raised in a Christian home and come from a family of preachers. My addiction began in high school. I started using mostly because of peer pressure and it felt good.  In recent years my addiction to crystal meth and alcohol and the devious games that are associated with that type of life brought me to my breaking point. I came to Teen Challenge to get right with Jesus and to become the person that God wants me to be.  A recent cancer diagnosis has given me even more courage to trust in the Lord.

Favorite Scripture: John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

I grew up in a good household with caring parents. As I got older, I started to rebel. I began smoking weed for the first time at fourteen years old. I abused drugs and alcohol to mask the pain I had of feeling never good enough or that I would never amount to anything in life. I came to Teen Challenge to finally break free from the chains and torment of addiction I have been under for so many years. I hope to break free from all of the lies being told to me, and become a Godly man of Christ who can walk in integrity.

Favorite Scripture: Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

I was adopted at the age of 6 and was happy with my family. Addiction for me began at the age of 12. I used drugs to numb the pain and the thoughts of suicide. Before coming to Teen Challenge I was homeless and hopeless. My hope now is to be clear minded, and have a relationship with Christ.

Favorite Scripture: Romans 6:6 Know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

I was raised by my grandmother, my mother was in prison and I never really knew my dad. My addiction for me began at the age of 14 smoking weed. Later in life by the age of 17, I started using harder drugs. I used drugs to numb the pain of heartbreak and feeling abandoned by my parents. My addiction cost me everything including my job and relationships. I knew I was going nowhere in life. If I kept it up, I would be dead or in prison. I came to Teen Challenge seeking a relationship with the Lord, I know through God is the only way I can get to the root problem and overcome my addiction. I hope to strengthen my relationship with my creator and truly build a firm foundation with God that I can apply to the rest of my life.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Life for me was pretty good growing up. I was raised by my grandparents. My grandpa passed away at the age of 12.  My addiction began at the age of 18.  I used drugs and alcohol to make myself happy when I was feeling depressed. Recently I was released from prison and I came to Teen Challenge to change who I used to be. I hope to become a brand new man.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs‬ ‭16:32 “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

I spent a lot of time as a youth sad and angry. My addiction began at the age of 15 years old.  I started using drugs to fit in. Recently in my life, I had some very difficult tragedies to deal with and it led me to use meth again. The meth I used was laced with a hallucinogenic drug. Knowing God, I was oppressed by a legion of demons. I saw what my life would be like if I didn’t come back to God. I came to Teen Challenge to deepen my relationship with Christ and become his light in the dark.  I hope to continue to sacrifice my flesh every day so I can live as Christ's righteousness and love everyone the way Christ first loved me.  

Favorite Scripture: ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:8 “That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”

For me, addiction began in high school. I grew up in a divorced household. I used drugs and alcohol to mask the pain and bad memories in my life and to forget about everything. Recently I found myself homeless and my life became unmanageable. I came to Teen Challenge to learn structure and the tools I need to have a stable life. My hope is to finish this program and to learn how to make meaningful relationships with others.

Favorite Scripture: Revelation 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Growing up for me my life was a struggle. My addiction to drugs began when I lost my mother.  I began using drugs to numb my pain and cope with my loss. Recently I lost all my relationships with my family and I came to Teen Challenge to get right with Christ and myself. My hope while at Teen Challenge is to learn to grow in the Lord.  

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews‬ ‭6:7-8‬ ‭“When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.”

Life growing up for me was decent, but always trying to meet my dad’s expectations put a weight on my shoulders. My addiction began when I had suffered a torn LCL in my left ankle. I was prescribed pain medication to help ease the pain, but that soon turned into an addiction because I had no way to stop using the pain pills without getting sick. I chose to come to this Teen Challenge because of the high success rate it has but also to develop a relationship with Christ and face my addiction head on so I didn’t have to worry about it anymore. While here at Teen challenge I hope that I can learn to stay sober and talk about issues that are bothering me instead of bottling them up. Ultimately I want to have a better relationship with 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.

I grew up in a multicultural family in Romania. My parents divorced when I was 10 years old. I felt God did not care, so my heart grew cold towards him. My addiction began in my 30’s. I was a professional athlete, swimming and playing basketball until my late 20’s. Due to so much partying, alcoholism became prevalent. I drank for recreational purposes, then I drank because of anxiety and loneliness. Eventually it became an addiction to cover my fears and bitterness in life. In June 2021, I turned myself into Banner Health ER with severe suicidal thoughts. I underwent 9 days of detox followed by 30 days of rehab at the Native American Center. Now I am at Teen Challenge in pursuit of God restoring my relationship to Jesus. I want to be healed and restored to the calling God has planned for me. I hope to become a better servant and revive my prayer life. I would like to release the gifts I have of writing music, healing, prophecy and teaching. 

Favorite Scripture: Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I grew up in Chicago. My mother had me at 16. My mother married my stepfather at the age of 18, he was very mean to me. Growing up I was closer to my grandparents. As a teenager, my addiction began with marijuana the gateway drug and that led me into drinking. I was in my thirties after a separation from my wife of 11years when I began to use methamphetamine and crack cocaine. The divorce put me into overwhelming depression. Growing up I felt unwanted like an accident. I tried to go to another Teen Challenge, God closed doors and only opened the ones at Teen Challenge of Arizona. I can feel the high calling of God in my life and I’m here to bring myself into the will of God and the high calling he has placed on me.

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!