Tucson Center 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.”

My parents divorced when I was six years old. I lived with my dad during my elementary school years and with my mom during middle and high school. I was bullied emotionally throughout middle and high school, which left me feeling very alone. My addiction began when I was 14, although the thoughts leading up to it started when I was nine. I turned to pornography because I wanted companionship, and because of other trauma I had experienced, I mistook it for love. I was also struggling with questions about my sexuality, which caused conflict at home. I chose to come to Teen Challenge because I realized I wanted to change. I am here to overcome my addiction through Jesus Christ, grow in my faith, learn healthy coping skills, and develop a good work ethic. I hope to grow closer to Christ, rely on Him, and turn away from the behaviors that have kept me from living the life He wants for me.

Favorite Scripture:

I had a good childhood and grew up with my uncle. My addiction began when I was 15 years old. I used drugs because they made me feel good and helped me fit in. After experiencing methamphetamine-induced psychosis, I came to Teen Challenge. I am here to get closer to God the Father and Jesus Christ. My prayer is to discover the Father’s will for my life and learn to follow it.

Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Life was pretty unstable growing up, I was bouncing back and forth from different households and in and out of rehabs, juvenile hall, and juvenile prison. My addiction began in 7^th grade. I believe I used for social acceptance and an easy escape from reality. I was looking at a big prison sentence, so I decided to get clean before my sentencing so I could get a lenient sentence and I did. The courts gave me 7 years of probation and sent me to Teen Challenge as part of my sentence. I believe God put me here so I can use Him as my firm foundation.  I hope to accomplish long term recovery and restoration with my wife, family, and kids. I hope to be a vessel of Christ and to encourage brothers and sisters that Christ is the ONLY way.

Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me, if you seek me with all your heart"

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!’

Growing up I always went to church when I was younger, but I never truly believed in a higher power until I was older and I finally gave my life to Christ when I was 21. My addiction began when I was 16 years old and it lasted until I was 21 years old. I believe I abused substances because I was the life of the party.  My friends drank and used drugs and I just wanted to fit in. I came to Teen Challenge because I was lost and broken, and I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am here to prove to myself that I am mentally stronger than I think. I hope to be closer to God than I have ever been in my whole life.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23:1-2 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”

I grew up as a “military brat” in a loving, close-knit, multiracial family with 12 siblings. We traveled the world, and for the most part, I had a normal childhood. My addiction began when I was around 11 years old. At first, using substances felt good and gave me feelings I had never experienced before. It seemed to help with my loneliness and anxiety, until it no longer did. Loneliness, alcohol abuse, poor health, and a lack of direction in life all led me to Teen Challenge because I want a better life. I am here to learn, allow God to guide me, and discover the purpose for which He created me. I hope to leave behind the “street life” and become the more loving, God-centered person I believe I was created to be.

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

Growing up my father left when I was 4. I had an abusive step father, and an alcoholic mother. I moved out when I was sixteen and lived on my own and finished high school while working full time. I started drinking about age 23. Alcohol was an escape from my situation, it allowed me to put my difficulties off for short periods of time. Recently crisis I went on a twelve-day drinking binge, my wife found me in a Safeway parking lot 60 miles from home passed out and unresponsive. I’m here trying to save my marriage and my relationship with my granddaughters and my children. I hope to accomplish not only maintaining my sobriety but rebuilding my relationship with Christ. After program completion I hope to serve God per his will and desire.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Growing up I was abused as a child, my mom passed away at age 25 due to domestic violence. I was the oldest of 4. One brother left, a sister was killed by my step-father, and the other sister drank herself to death. My addiction began at the age of 14. I used to cover up all the pain and thoughts and memories of loss. I came here on my own, I walked up and thought it was the Gospel Rescue Mission. I am here now because I hope to learn how to live a new life and more about the Bible. I am still searching for why else I am here. I hope to become a pastor to teach the Tohono O’odham nation about the path of God and how I found my way there.

Favorite Scripture: Matthew 8:13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

My life growing up wasn’t bad at all, my addiction began when I was 22 years old. I believe I began using as a social drinker then, it just became a habit where I started drinking every day. My alcohol addiction is what brought me here to Teen Challenge. I am here because I needed help and my health was also declining. I hope to get my life and health back and also get closer to God.

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

Life growing up for me was very good, I was happy, both my mom and dad were there. They taught good values, responsibility, etc. I attended church regularly and I was baptized at 9 years old at a Lutheran Church. My addiction wasn’t truly an addiction, I just ended up drinking to excess for a short while earlier this year. I believe I used to self-medicate due to my sadness at seeing my dad get cancer and then pass away. Recently I had an imminent eviction form my dad’s house where I was living. I am here to prevent a senior citizen from becoming homeless on the streets of Tucson. I hope to attain a better relationship with Jesus Christ.

Favorite Scripture: John 8:12 “Again Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

I had a good family life, but my childhood was definitely abnormal. My parents were pastors and missionaries, so we moved to Africa when I was 6. I started smoking and drinking in high school and then tried other drugs once in college. I usually isolated and used as a way to either fit in or to fill the void caused by isolation, and an unsatisfied soul. What really brought me to Teen Challenge was not really a crisis per-se but it was a need for discipleship, and to get closer to God. I hope to leave here with a strong conviction in Christ, and to step into a life of serving the Kingdom of God.

Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Life growing up was a little chaotic, we had no structure and a bit of rebellion. I didn’t have any communication with my family. I learned to grow up fast on my own. When I was 15, I was exposed to substances and started using drugs and alcohol. I used them to mask the feelings I had and to get away from my problems. I was on the verge of being homeless which brought me to Teen Challenge, I had nowhere to go and someone recommended it to me. I am here to get closer with God. I hope to accomplish learning the value of having structure in my life. I’d also like to get an education.

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”