TRANSFORMING BROKEN LIVES
From the beginning, Teen Challenge has operated under the concept that, “a person with life-controlling problems can change, if that person wants to change.”
STORIES OF CHANGED LIVES
HECTOR
My name is Hector and I am 22 years old from Visalia, CA. My life growing up was horrible. I was neglected and abused - left broken, alone and starving for love. With no father or mother in the picture, I was adopted by my uncle and his boyfriend. By the age of 8, I tried killing myself and planned on killing my whole family. I ran away and joined a gang. I became addicted to the life of sin. I knew nothing of doing the right thing. I left my daughter’s life to pursue my selfish lifestyle of crime, women and drugs.
Teen Challenge of the Dakotas has taught me how to face my problems head on, and to stop running to drugs. They have also taught me that I can do the right thing, and that no matter my past or how people view me, I can always choose to live righteously. Most importantly, they have taught me that I am not alone. I am loved and cared for by them, and by God. I am very grateful that there has surely been mercy poured into my life by many.
I have learned in this Re-Entry phase, that no matter the actions or attitudes of others, I am responsible for my response and I can choose to love every time. I work at Falcon Plastics as a machine operator. That is honestly going great. I’m just working my hardest every day and working to bless others.
My hope for the future is to be a father who is active in my daughter’s life, to be off of probation, and to follow Jesus every step of the way.
JEREMY
Life for me before coming to Teen Challenge was not godly at all. I smoked cigarettes, pot, meth and heroin and I drank beer and liquor. If it was something to alter my life or state of mind, I was game. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. That lifestyle had me in and out of jail, and then off to prison. The last time I got busted, it brought me to TCD.
Being here has taught me what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, to be a Christian and a God-fearing man. I’ve learned to be honest and how a good Christian should act. I’m grateful for this chance I’ve been given to live life sober and have the opportunity to be a part of my daughter’s life and see her grow up.
Since being in the Re-Entry phase of the program, I’ve learned how to be responsible with money, my time and my relationships. I got a job at Twin City Fan as a welder. It’s going good for me. I’m paying off my fines and even bought a van.
After I complete the program, I plan to return home and start learning to be an electrician. My long-time girlfriend and I also plan to get married. Good things are ahead for me!
MATTHEW
Hello, my name is Matthew Gaulke. I’m 33 years old, a father of two, and currently on my 11th month of the Teen Challenge program. In my life before coming to TCD I had a promising career in law enforcement. I was, and still am, an Army veteran. I had a beautiful family and home in Brandon, SD. This all disappeared in the abyss with all of my hopes and dreams when my soul and life was darkened by mental illness, sin, incarceration, treatment centers, psych wards and detox centers. I was at my wit’s end and was in a hopeless state of mind, body, and spirit. I had no reason to live, and I wanted to end my own life, until I met with Jesus.
He found me while I was incarcerated and led me to Teen Challenge. Here, I was able to develop a true and meaningful relationship with my Creator. He awakened my spirit and placed people in my life that truly do care. I was, and still am, completely trusting of the staff’s guidance. I was a lost sheep that needed a shepherd. God has anointed this program and staff in such a way that I have literally been able to have the miracle I’ve been praying for all these years.
TCD has taught me patience, faith, and tactics to defeat the enemy. The staff has taught me to love others even when the flesh says to hate. They have taught me how to face trials head-on and to not hide behind the failures of my past. They have shown me a new way of life that is pure and holy. Today, I am grateful to have restoration in my family, and a great job to support my needs and repay my debts. I’m grateful to be off all medications. I’m grateful for 16 months of complete sobriety. I’m grateful to be alive. Lastly, I’m grateful for the ability to redevelop my character as a man of God so I can take my life back with responsibility and honor.
What I have learned in Re-Entry so far is how easy it is to be conformed to the patterns of this world. I see how much the world and its temptations cause a spiritual battle consistently in my mind. I’m learning to seek God and take action against the flesh. I’m also learning to be kind to myself and take responsibility for my actions.
As far as the future goes, I have a three-year plan. I’ll repay all my student loans, create a budget, get off parole, finish federal probation, be consistent in my two girls’ lives, become involved diligently in church, and stay employed with no gaps in employment. In 10 years, I’m going to be debt free. I have a burning desire in my heart to make things right in my life, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to do so. Most importantly, I am going to love God and love people.
IN THE NEWS
KELO-Land News Story, 12/28/23 - READ ARTICLE HERE
Interview with Executive Director, Rev. Mike Gilmartin:
KELO-Land News Story, 12/13/18 - READ ARTICLE HERE
