Q: Why is Teen Challenge one of the most effective drug restoration programs in America for individuals of all ages?

A: We don't just talk about drugs and alcohol. We talk about character.

Drew's Story

To be honest I really didn't want to come to Teen Challenge. After several years of drug addiction, and being in and out of jail, there were no other options. I had several felony charges pending, and I was just sitting around my house depressed and high, waiting for my sentencing date. One day my mom handed me the ATC brochure. I read the entire thing. The part that really stabbed me in the heart was the part that talked about feeling empty inside. The brochure said Jesus was the only one who could fill that void. I could feel God telling me to go to Teen Challenge.

To make a long story short, I finally came to Teen Challenge. Two months later I had my court date. My lawyer told me that I had several felony charges, and that he was going to try to get me 3 years of work release, at the state prison. But the Lord had other plans. My case manager told the judge that being incarcerated would work on my physical man, but being in Teen Challenge would work on my spiritual man. By a miracle of God the judge agreed. I promised God that day that I would serve Him forever.

Teen Challenge taught me how to walk with God, and be obedient to His will. I learned to pray and live for God with all my heart. ATC was the beginning of my journey. After graduation, the Lord has used my life and my testimony to lead many people to Christ. I am so grateful for God's mercy in my life.

1 Timothy 1:12-16 says "How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord, for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve Him, even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down His people, harming them in every way I could. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh how kind and gracious the Lord was! he filled me completely with faith and love of Christ Jesus. This is a true saying and everyone should believe it! Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners and I was the worst of them all. But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they too can believe in Him and receive eternal life."

Drew
Class of 2001