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.

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?”

Growing up my childhood was normal besides the brutal beatings me and my  mother received from my step father, and every type of abuse from different men in my life. My addiction began when I was 16 years old. I believe I used because it made me feel grown up, I didn’t have friends so drugs gave me a friend group that I felt seen by. A recent crisis that brought me here was the ending of a relationship. I am here at Teen Challenge to die in Christ, I hope to be a servant for the king of kings.  

Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:8 “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.”

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 grew up with a solid childhood, but when my father passed away at the age of 25, I spent the next 34 years using my addiction to try to fill the hole he left behind. My drinking progressively worsened, and my mentor introduced me to Teen Challenge, for which I am deeply grateful. While I am here, I desire to grow closer in my relationship with the Lord, complete the program, and help others find freedom.

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

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.

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.

Life growing up was normal, I grew up without my father from middle school to high school. It was just me and my mom and sister bouncing around Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico. I graduated high school and started working. My addiction began after my divorce in 2025. I believe I used to forget and get rid of the things that were going on due to the divorce. I had no one to turn to, so I came to Teen Challenge to get my life together and grow closer to God. I am here to find a new direction in my life, and to be an example to others of what Christ has done for me and my life. I hope to become better equipped with the Word of God and be able to apply Christ’s wisdom on a daily basis.

Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child, when I became a man, I put aside childish things.”

I had a good yet unfulfilling childhood growing up. My addiction started at 15years old, and by 17, it was worse. I needed to feel in control of something in this world full of hardships. I was arrested and sentenced to Teen Challenge. I'm here to fulfill my obligation to the courts, but above that, to get closer to the Lord. I hope to become a new creation, redeemed and set free.

Favorite Scripture: Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

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.

My life was very chaotic while I was growing up.  My addiction began when I was 17 years old. I believe I was using in order to look for a quick fix. I was lost and empty spiritually, I came here to look for purpose. I am here to become more intimate with the Lord. I hope to find hope and discipline while I’m here.

Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23 “This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’

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 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.”

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.”

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 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.”

Life growing up for me was unstable, my addiction began when I was 19 years old. I believe I used drugs and alcohol as form of stress relief. Recently I found myself in crisis due to drinking. That crisis ended up bringing me to Teen Challenge. I am here in Teen Challenge now because my family asked that I come to get treatment. Now that I am here, I hope to accomplish having peace in my life.

Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 6:18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.