Christy
Christy graduated Teen Challenge in September of 2005.
Click here for a brief video clip of her speaking at her graduation.
Nathan
"Hi I'm Nathan. It's been 2 1⁄2 years since I graduated from Teen Challenge, and my life is a walking miracle. I was abusing alcohol since junior high school and I was a full blown alcoholic by the time I was 19. And I went the full gammet of this addiction. The blackouts, the DWIs, the rollovers, the depression, the suicidal thoughts. I've been to psych wards, treatment centers and support groups, but my addiction only got worse. The freedom I was searching for only came when I came to Teen Challenge and found God. And that has made all the difference. He has given me my life back. I now hold a steady job. I'm active in my local church. I'm living out my Christian faith every day. I'm a walking miracle.
Liane
"Hi, I'm Liane. Having my baby die from SIDS was my worst nightmare. Then add all that to a psychotic husband's abuse and what was left in the wake of that was many years of drug addiction. I can't tell you how broken my heart was. But after going through the Teen Challenge program, Jesus has truly set me free from my addictions and has healed my wounded heart. And now I have no desire to use any drug. My parents now have complete trust in me again and the broken pieces in my life are fixed! I am actively involved in a women's bible study at church. I'm also working full time and getting my masters - and I'm getting married to a wonderful man who treats me like gold. Teen Challenge has completely restored my life."
Randall
"My name is Randall and I was homeless for 12 years. Because of my drinking, I lost my job and my 10-year marriage. I lived with friends until I finally ended up on the streets of St. Paul. I slept and ate in shelters and worked only enough to get money for cigarettes and alcohol. I thought I was free, but the truth was I was using alcohol and drugs to avoid feelings of guilt and shame. Teen Challenge was my last shot. Now I'm free from addiction and reconciled with my family. My mom knows I'm changed. She never used to kiss me. Now, she kisses me on the cheek with a smile." Randall graduated from MnTC in the spring of 2003 and is now living with his brother and working for a construction company in the area.
Sheri
"Hi. I'm Sheri. I used drugs for more than 20 years. I rode in motorcycle gangs and lived that whole biker lifestyle. I manufactured drugs, sold drugs, and committed crimes to make my living. My ex-husband was physically violent towards me, and we were in constant punching matches, which I would always lose. My eyes were often black, my nose was broken twice, and the only way he found he could keep me from going to work was to break my fingers. Eventually, he broke all of them. I lost countless jobs, and found a way to make money by selling drugs. One night during his violence, I stabbed him with a pair of scissors and fled for my life. But, even after leaving him, I found that the drugs still controlled my life. My brother kept praying for me to come to Teen Challenge, and finally I did. I am a life that has been changed, and I am experiencing God's unconditional love." Sheri graduated in the spring of 2003 and is now working at Illinois Teen Challenge.
Brianna
"Hi. I'm Brianna. High school was a lonely time for me. I looked for acceptance with a group of friends who introduced me to drugs. I started cutting my wrists and overdosing on drugs. I ended up in the emergency room for suicide, and was sent to a crisis center twice. After being sent to various alternative schools, my drug use only escalated, and my whole life started to revolve around it. My parents intervened and sent me to Teen Challenge. And since then, I have really changed. My drug use has been gone for two years now. I'm studying studio art at Northwestern College, and I have a passion for missions. When I look back on my life, I am convinced of God's faithfulness. That's why I'm going to serve Him for the rest of my life."
Kathy
"My name is Kathy and for 20 years I used any kind of drug I could get my hands on. I went to jail multiple times for forging checks, heroin possession and robbing stores to get money for my drugs. My four kids did not trust me because I constantly lied. They would find me passed out in different rooms around the house or even in the sink. I was in several car accidents and was hospitalized for overdosing three times. I tried five treatment centers but nothing worked." Finally, in 1998, Kathy's husband Craig divorced her.
"I came to Teen challenge, because I had no other hope, but hope is exactly what I have found through Jesus. Not only am I free from drugs, I am able to take off the mask of deception I've worn for 30 years." On November 26, 2003 Craig and Kathy were remarried in the Teen Challenge chapel. Kathy says, "Craig would have NEVER married me again if it wasn't for the change he saw in me. Thanks to Teen Challenge, we are now a complete family again."
Marty
"Hi, I'm Marty. I was almost beaten to death in a drug deal gone bad. My teeth were knocked out and my face was totally unrecognizable. This is what 20 years of using meth, cocaine, and alcohol had to offer me. I tried to stop, so I entered a 30 day rehab program, but I was out using in a couple of months. My life completely changed when I came to Teen Challenge in January 2001. Since graduating in the spring of 2002, I've been totally free from all my addictions, successfully held down two jobs, and I've completed my first year of Bible college- Woo Hoo! And I'm currently being deployed to Bosnia as a medic in the infantry. I am thrilled at the opportunity to give my life and service to God and to other people. And I am forever grateful for God's grace in reaching down and rescuing me."
Todd
"Hi. I'm Todd. For 23 years, my life had been a total disaster. My addictions to crack cocaine and other drugs stole my wife, my children, my professional career, and my dignity. No one knew if I was alive or dead. I was homeless, and lived out of my car. I got a job as a door man at a crack house. And because of that I was shot at, pistol whipped, beaten up by gangs, and arrested twice. Then I came to Teen Challenge my whole life changed. It wasn't easy but it was so worth it. 12 months in this program helped me to overcome the destructive behaviors that I began when I was 11 years old. I've been drug free for 4 years now, my home life is blessed, I'm active in my local church and I have a healthy relationship with my wife and children.
