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."

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.”

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.”

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: Isaiah 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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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 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.”

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 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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

My childhood was filled with confusion and I was frustrated, tired and annoyed. I had two lives because my parents were divorced when I was 2 years old. They lived over 1,000 miles apart. My addiction began when I was 12. My rage started when my oldest brother left our dad without saying anything. At 15 years old, I began using drugs and alcohol after my second brother left our dad. I was then left all alone with him. I used drugs and alcohol to feel numb, experience pleasure and to forget. I came here because I had no faith in anything, lost my car, got kicked out, and my daughter saw me drunk. I am here because my drinking got out of control and I stopped going to church. I hope to reconnect with my family and Lord.

Favorite Scripture: Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

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: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

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.

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.”

Growing up, my mom and dad divorced when I was 5 years old. I was pretty much raised by my grandma, and my older sister. My addiction began when I was 11. I loved getting drunk and stoned. Drugs and alcohol, along with speed and pot were all things that made me end up coming to Teen Challenge. I am here to get closer to God and work on myself, and to be a good dad and grandpa. I hope to learn patience and manners, self-control, and when to talk. 

Favorite Scripture: Luke 6:31 Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

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.

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.”

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.”