Iron Chariot Ride 2013

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:13:00 -0400

Our second annual Iron Chariot Ride was a success. This ride, led by Mike and Teresa Williams and the Noah's Tribe Biker Group, started out with a pancake breakfast at the Teen Challenge dining hall, cooked by our students. Coffee was provided by Starbucks.

Kick stands were up at 10:00 a.m. and the parking lot, which was lined with bikes, emptied out onto the busy streets of Greensboro headed to the country roads. The ride took the bikers through several counties. Rest stop midway was at the Silk Hope Fire Station. We were led around winding roads and across country bridges, where we saw beautiful streams, ending at a farm in Liberty, NC. There were tables and chairs under the large shade trees and lunch was provided by Jam's Deli with dessert by Chick-fil-A. Lots and lots of prizes provided by local bike shops and businesses.

The participation of our community was huge and a true encouragement. Teen Challenge has a goal of expanding capacity and all proceeds from the ride will go to help make that expansion possible.

June 2013 Newsletter

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:45:16 -0400

May 2013 newsletter

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:05:53 -0400

New Beginnings............

While I was attending seminary in Springfield, MO, back in the 1970's, my wife, Debbie, was the secretary to Frank Reynolds. Frank was the National Teen Challenge Director and the first person to take on that role. Today the National Office is a vibrant ministry.

Two years ago while attending the National Teen Challenge Seminar we were able to spend time with Frank. To those of you who do not know, Frank was part of the original Teen Challenge Board of Directors with David Wilkerson. He was also the man God used to start the Teen Challenge Farm in Rehrersburg, PA. Today the "farm" houses over 300 Teen Challenge students.

On April 9, 2013, I received an email from our National Teen Challenge President, Dr. Jack Smart, informing us that Frank had passed away that afternoon. We want to dedicate this newsletter to his memory and thank God for a man who lived his life for Jesus first and then others. We could not ask for a better example of Godly leadership and compassion. It is because of men like Frank Reynolds that we are here to rescue men in North Carolina.

These are some of Dr. Smart's words: "It would be impossible to calculate the impact Frank Reynolds had on the lives of Teen Challenge students, staff and directors down through the years. His humble spirit, his love for God, his compassion for people, and his dogged determination to see things accomplished for the kingdom all made him a unique individual in the history of Teen Challenge. He had hundreds of stories of God's provision and how God led them to develop the program, but Frank was never the star of any of these stories."

While Debbie worked for Frank she always commented about his kindness and his love for the souls of men. Even at our visit with Frank a couple years ago he was actively doing prison ministry and shared stories about the inmates with such enthusiasm and passion that it would make any soul winner envious.

Please keep Frank's wife, Gladys, and their children in your prayers. We have lost a warrior and heaven has gained a jewel. Debbie and I will have him in our hearts forever.

Blessing!

Dr. Bob Harman

Executive Director

April 2013 Newsletter

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:09:16 -0400

New Beginnings.................

Today I am sharing one of God’s miracles. As you read Ernest’s testimony, please remember this is all possible because of your faithful giving. It costs Teen Challenge $2000.00 per day to operate. Praise God we were here for Ernest. Ernest came to us unable to read or write and at his graduation he stood in the pulpit and read scriptures from the Bible. That was truly a joyous time. Give God the glory as you read Ernest’s testimony.

The only reason I am here is because of Jesus. I put the 8-ball of meth in a glass bowl and smoked it. After doing this, I woke up at 4 a.m. and had a heart attack. I had done enough drugs to blow up 4 or 5 hearts! I am alive today only by the grace of God.

I started using drugs because I was on the edge of losing my job. My boss said, “Here is something that will help you and you may not lose your job.” So I tried it. I felt guilty knowing I was using drugs. So, instead of facing the problem, I did more drugs to cover up the guilt feelings. I know if I had faced the problems I would not have lost everything. That’s why I felt like a nobody.

I know God is real; He has taken a nobody and made me to be somebody special. Before I knew the Lord, I was a working drug addict.

I was a person who could not read or write before I came to Teen Challenge. At Teen Challenge I learned about God’s mighty awesome power. God’s power can enable you to come off drugs, alcohol or any life-threatening problem. I was serious about wanting help, and I was willing to do whatever it took to save my life. I know for a fact, if I had not come to Teen Challenge, I would be dead.

I was foolish doing the drugs. Jesus showed me it was my responsibility to live a healthy life. He said that to people who feel wise, He will make them foolish. To those who admit their foolishness, He will make them wise.

I ran from God for a long time, but God didn’t give up on me. God will show Himself to you when you surrender to God. He will have mercy on all those who submit to Him; He will love you to the ends of the Earth.

Rejoice with us at the wonderful work of the Lord in Ernest’s life. To God be the Glory!

Blessing!

Dr. Bob Harman

Executive Director

Remember to eat at Ruby Tuesday’s the first Tuesday of the month for the Giveback program. That’s April 2, 2013 at Wendover Ave., Four Seasons mall or Burlington Ruby Tuesdays. Tell your server you are part of the Giveback Program.

March 2013 Newsletter

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:45:57 -0500

February 2013 Newsletter

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:43:25 -0500

New Beginnings..........

Every man who graduates from Teen Challenge has a testimony. Some seem more dramatic than others, but the truth of the matter is……….they all need help and hope……..they all need JESUS. That’s what we’re here for. We are here to bring them help and hope in the Lord. You make this possible. It’s a good feeling to know we are giving our financial and prayer support to a ministry that offers hope and produces change.

Carson graduated June 8, 2012. After he graduated he entered our re-entry program. Carson got a job right after graduation and has been doing great. He has been working fulltime and fulfilling all his responsibilities.

Carson recently shared the call of God on his life to go into fulltime ministry. We know God will use Carson. He has a strong love for the Lord and for others.

Those who were at our Fall Banquet heard Carson give his testimony. In his testimony he shared that he has been praying for his father. Carson said his father really needed help and needed to come to Teen Challenge. Well, his father is in our program right now. Isn’t that a wonderful miracle? God answered Carson’s prayer and his father is getting the help he needs through hope in Jesus Christ.

God is no respecter of persons. What He does for one He will do for others. Carson and his father are a wonderful example of God’s faithfulness. God was faithful to help Carson and also brought his father to Teen Challenge.

Many times our newsletter is filled with stories of what the men have gone through before they find their deliverance. This month I wanted to bring you just the “after Jesus” story of one of our graduates, who is living his testimony.

Thank you for your help in making all these wonderful testimonies possible. To God be the Glory, great things HE has done, is doing and will continue to do.

Blessings!

Dr. Bob

January 2013 Newsletter

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:40:29 -0500

Dr. Bob and Debbie Harman

As we bring in the New Year 2013, I ask myself, "What did we accomplish for the Kingdom of God in 2012?" At Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge we ministered to many hurting families. With your help we were able to take 56 men into the center and graduated 28. A difference was made in 2012 for each of them.

Years ago, a Probation Officer told me, "Bob, you will never know what an impact this ministry has on the men, even if they only stay two days. They will never forget what you have taught them." We teach our students that Jesus Christ loves them and wants to change their life for the better. There is no greater message we can share than that of hope. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ.

In 2012 because of the generosity of our donors, we were able to put a new roof on the Administration Building. Dorm 1 got a new roof, fascia boards vinyl wrapped and new gutters, a new HVAC and new hot water heater. Total cost of these improvements was almost $25,000.00. That will take a bite out of anyone's budget but when the heat goes out or you no longer have hot water, what do you do? You fix it, and we were able to do that because of your generous donations.

We have had four Boy Scout Projects take place in 2012. The scouts, working with Mel Reich, Board President, built steps into our hillsides, a small bridge over the creek and new picnic tables for our grounds. This has beautified our property and the men have really enjoyed these improvements.

The students have participated in outreach to the neighborhood children, 9/11 Community Services, National Day of Prayer, Nursing Home Ministry, Feeding the Community Programs, and countless Church Services. Graduate Brent Webb conducted The Epidemic Walk from the Outer Banks to Greensboro, bringing public awareness to Teen Challenge.

The greatest accomplishments in 2012 are the restored lives of the men who have entered our program. We have seen homes put back together, marriages restored, husbands return to their wives, children have their daddy back, and sons returned to their parents. The joy of the Lord has replaced the loneliness that comes with addiction.

I know there are many great ministries that are asking for your donations, but from the Board of Directors, the Teen Challenge Staff, Students and Debbie and me, we would like to thank you for being part of this ministry. You are making a life changing difference in each man who comes into this program. Some day when we meet around the throne of God, you will have had a part in each life that was changed. What will we accomplish for the Kingdom in 2013?

I pray you have a blessed and joyous New Year.

Blessing!

Dr. Bob Harman

Executive Director

December 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:03:52 -0500

November 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:32:20 -0500

November 2012.........New Beginnings!

As we are fast approaching the national day for giving thanks, I want to thank the Lord for YOU. Each of you who support this ministry is making a difference in the lives of not only our graduates but their families as well. There are hundreds who have so much more to be thankful for because of what God has done in their lives through Teen Challenge. Here is Steward’s testimony.

My name is Steward Locklear Jr. Growing up I would stay with my grandmother as much as I could. She taught me about music, God and how to pray.

I was 14 years old when I met the love of my life, Melissa Onate. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Through high school we were inseparable. She was a grade ahead of me. When she graduated I quit school and we got married. With marriage came hardships I had never experienced.

I hid smoking marijuana from Melissa for as long as I could. Within a short time I found myself addicted to cocaine. The saying is so true that marijuana is the gateway drug.

On June of 2007 we found we were going to have a baby. I vowed to myself that my child wouldn’t have an addict for a father. By the time Mckayla was born I had quit everything and had gotten back in the church. Everything went great for a while. Then I was hanging out with some old friends and fell into the trap of cocaine again. That introduced me to a whole new level of addiction. I was being pulled away from everything I loved.

I began to realize I needed help, help that would only come from God and from my completely surrendering my life to him. On March 1, 2012, with no money and all friends gone, I heard the voice of the Savior saying, “If you want to change, now is the time." I had been up for three days. I thought I had overdosed and was hearing voices. God spoke again, “If you want to change, now is the time.” I said, "Lord, if that’s you, let Melissa answer the phone when I call." It barely rang one time. I told her I didn’t want to lose her and Mckayla; I was ready to change. She picked me up that night and took me to a crisis center. I called Brent Webb and he told me Teen Challenge had helped him change his life and they could do the same for me.

I got in touch with Brother Wayne from Teen Challenge. He said to me, “I’ve interviewed thousands of guys; it sounds to me like you are ready to get some help. When can you be here?” I told him the following morning. I felt like I was doing what God wanted me to do. My wife and little girl brought me to Teen Challenge on March 06, 2012. I was full of fear and every other kind of emotion you could think of.

Melissa and I went through the Marriage Restoration Program. Our marriage is stronger now than it has been in a long time. While at Teen Challenge, I was able to complete the requirements for my GED and obtained it on July 25, 2012. What I couldn’t do in ten years, God did in a few months. God has truly restored everything back to me.

I am closer to God than I’ve ever been. During my addiction, my little girl would gaze up at the stars and say, “I wish my mommy and daddy would get back together and we would be a family again.” She wasn’t wishing on a star, she was praying to her Heavenly Father. God heard her prayers and brought me back home.

Would you take a moment and ask God what He would have you send today. Our funding has dipped with the struggling economy. We truly need your help. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry. Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Fall Banquet on November 13^th. Call Lorna at 336-292-7795 x 300 for more ticket info.

Blessing!

Dr. Bob Harman

Executive Director

October 2012 Newsletter

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:55:12 -0400

New Beginnings...

Good parents, single parents, horrible parents, no parents....we hear it all. Sin is no respecter of persons. It doesn't look at your income, your social standing, what part of town you are from, or what your family value system is. It comes and it hits hard. The darkness of sin affects everyone. David Credle comes from a good home, with a good family...but sin controlled his life until one day he met the Savior.

I want to start out with saying that I had a good childhood. I couldn't ask for better parents. Things started going wrong in junior high. I was trying to fit in and be cool. It started with smoking here and there. My parents always cared about what I was doing and who I was hanging with. As good as they were, they couldn't stop everything. I was eventually introduced to weed and speed. All this was going on while I was in high school. When I started buying drugs is when things went from bad to worse. I had a job after school as a mechanic, so I had my own money and thought I was fooling everyone. No, my parents were not stupid. They could see the changes in me which I thought I was hiding.

By this time I was drinking regularly and my drug use was getting worse. New Year's night rolled around and I had just a few drinks. I was involved in a serious car accident that night and I was the driver. I had to be transported by helicopter to the hospital. When I got to the hospital they told me I had seven broken ribs that had punctured my lung. They had to put a tube in to pull the blood out. After that I don't remember much from the pain medication. The next morning I woke up with my parents and a state trooper telling me one of the passengers had died. This was a devastating time to me and my family. I couldn't believe what I had done.

It took two years for this case to finally be tried in court. In that time of my life I had become strongly addicted to pain killers, other drugs and alcohol. I was in another car accident in the same year. All these things were going on in my life and I never realized God was trying to reach out and speak to me. I don't think it finally hit me until I ended up in jail with felony manslaughter convictions from my first car accident. While I was in jail I had a lot of time to think.

I was released with five years' probation and soon found myself drinking again and eventually back into the drugs. Before I knew it I was back in trouble with the law. I met my childhood sweetheart, now my wife and my best friend. With the love from my wife and parents I was led to Teen Challenge.

When I came to Teen Challenge I had no idea of the transformation that was about to occur. I now have Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and I have come to know that a close relationship with Him is what I need. With Jesus Christ I can do all things; the old me is gone and the new has come. I look forward to returning to the world and letting God's light shine through me so others may see my good works and glorify my Father in Heaven. God reached out to me in my mess and loved me unconditionally. God never gave up on me!

It's true. God never gives up on us. YOUR gifts to Teen Challenge allow us to share Christ's love to many who come from all different walks of life but have been trapped by the sin of addiction. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry. That God will richly bless you is our prayer.

Blessings!

Dr. Bob

September 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:35:53 -0500

August 2012 Newsletter

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:20:06 -0400

New Beginnings....

God’s love for us is so amazing. He knows exactly how many hairs are on our head. You are more valuable to Him than anything else in His creation! No matter how difficult our road becomes, He will never leave us to walk it alone. He will never leave us nor forsake us. We just need to hold fast to the Lord. Josh knows about God’s love.

My name is Josh Jenkins. I grew up in a loving family in the Raleigh area. One Sunday night, when I was 11 years old, there was an altar call and I felt an indescribable feeling. It felt like someone was knocking on my heart asking to come in. That night I went down and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I felt so much joy and happiness come over me. I became involved in the youth group. I became close to my youth pastor. However, after a few years, the youth pastor moved away. This was hard for me.

I was going to community college now and had started partying. Before long I got tired of school and decided I wanted to work full time. I found a new master…money. The Bible talks about the love of money being the root of all evil and this was becoming true in my life. I saw I could make money selling drugs and this became a way of life for me. Before long I personally needed drugs to function. I continued to work during the day and sell drugs in the evenings. After years of using drugs and selling drugs I began using something I never thought I would use…heroin. My new drug of choice was taking its toll and I continued to make poor choices, eventually losing my job. I found myself deep in the drug culture. But it was all about to catch up with me.

I was arrested and booked on possession of heroin. Sitting in my cell on 23 hour lock down, going through unbelievable withdrawals, I cried out to God and asked Him to forgive me. The amazing thing is, God was still right there with me in that cell and HE FORGAVE ME. I was again extended God’s amazing grace. A very unlikely person came and got me out of jail. I went to my parents and shared with them the life I had been living for 12 years. Tears were shed, healing began and a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. My parents told me about a place called Teen Challenge, but I was too proud to admit I needed help.

I continued to have struggles with pills, but then God got a hold of my heart. I rededicated my life to Christ and called Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge. I was afraid of being out of place when I came to Teen Challenge, but when I arrived August 8, 2011, I saw twenty guys that looked just like me. I walked into a house full of love and it put me at ease. I totally surrendered to the Lord and He did a marvelous work in my life. After graduating I became a dorm staff member here at Teen Challenge. The Lord continues transforming my life. I give all the glory to God for His salvation, His grace and His mercy.

Josh is just one example of what is possible because of your gifts. When you send your donations to Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge it helps enable us to offer the life changing power of Christ and the residential facility needed for them to get their life back on track and receive the tools they need to become successful men in Christ. Summer months are hard times for ministries. We are in great need. Please ask God what He would have you give. Thank you for your gift.

God bless you,

Dr. Bob

July 2012 Newsletter

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:57:20 -0500

New Beginnings.......

July is the month that we, as a nation, celebrate our independence. At Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge we are celebrating dependence on Jesus Christ for new life. We have been blessed to graduate a lot of students this year, and the good news is....many more graduates are to come. Through the power of God's saving grace we are celebrating new life in Christ. Here is Mat's testimony of God's Grace.

My testimony is a story of grace and compassion that God has given me since day one. I truly believe with all my heart what Matthew 6:33 tells us, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you." All God has ever wanted from me, and all I needed to do for love and comfort, was to look to Him at all times with my full attention.

My name is Mat Dorsey. I'm 25 years old and from a small town in Virginia. I grew up in a good home where my needs were met. My parents had good jobs and I was close with my brother. However, when I was around age 13, my grandfather, whom I was very close to, passed away and then I got the news my parents were getting divorced. At a very young age I was blindsided by two critical events.

I began acting out and rebelling. The attention I used to desire from my parents I no longer wanted. I began looking to a girlfriend for all my love needs. I just didn't realize the love I was seeking only comes from Jesus Christ. By the time I was in 11^th grade I had acquired a cocaine habit. I tried attending church with my girlfriend but that was only to get people off my back.

I came through Teen Challenge when I was 19 years old and for a while things went well. I got a good job and God was gracious to me. A lot of great doors were opened to me. I returned home and joined the WV Air National as a jet engine mechanic. I was offered a full time job at the Wing and took it immediately, but I was slowly pulling away from God and focusing on the gifts and not the Giver.

After a few upsets in life and a knee injury that resulted in surgery, I was back in to my old habits, but this time with prescription pain medication. I was able to rationalize this because it was legal. Again God's grace and mercy were shown to me and I was allowed to come back to Teen Challenge and let Christ put my life back together. Since returning I have had much grace and mercy shown to me by God. I have always felt lonely whenever I turned anywhere but to Him for love and comfort. Praise God for His Grace...Mat

Your monthly donations are what keeps our doors open so we can help men like Mat have a second chance. We are in great need. Please ask God what He would have you give. Thank you for your gift.

God bless you.

Dr. Bob Harman

June 2012 Newsletter

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:46:30 -0400

April 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:14:35 -0400

Dear Friends,

God is on the move. We see Him moving every day at Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge. We have victories to report and praises to shout. We are excited about what God is doing in us and through us.

Remember our Spring Banquet, April 13^th, 7:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Greensboro. Call the office at 3367-292-7795 x 300 for more details and for your tickets. The tickets are $15.00 per person and table of 8 for $120.00.

I want to share with you the testimony of a recent graduate, Josh Hancock. He is a walking miracle.

My name is Joshua Hancock. For my first two years of life I lived with my mom and grandma in Red Springs, NC. My biological father was killed in Kentucky while serving in the army. When I was two years old my mother married a man named Michael. We moved to Charleston, SC, where he was serving in the navy. When I was seven years old my mother and Michael got a divorce. That's when I found out Michael wasn't my real father. It came as quite a shock for an eight year old. In spite of all this, I had a great childhood. I couldn't ask for a better mother. She raised me in church.

After high school, in the fall of 2006, I went to college. I was in a serious relationship, but after my freshman year it began to deteriorate. I had been smoking weed and drinking alcohol, which got worse after I joined a fraternity. I started dabbling in cocaine and other stuff. The next year my girl friend and I broke up and I got my first DUI.

I later decided to go into the Coast Guard. I entered boot camp and hated it from the start. I continued to drink to cover up my disgust with my situation. We traveled to many countries and I would always find cocaine. I ended up going into deep depression because I was trying to come off the cocaine. I was flown to Norfolk Naval Hospital for my drinking problem and depression. They loaded me up with prescription drugs. I abused those, mixing them with cocaine and alcohol.

In June of 2010 I was busted with cocaine and got another DUI charge. I was sent to a 28 day rehab program. I got out of the Coast Guard in January 2011. I was able to keep my drinking under control........ but only for a while. Then I got busted again for my 3^rd DUI.

My mom had been telling me about Teen Challenge for a long time. She had tried to get me to look into it. She told me I had to go to Teen Challenge or find somewhere else to live.

I came to Teen Challenge broken and wanting to die. The first night I was at Teen Challenge I had to go to chapel. It was there I received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Since then I have been a changed man. Since that night I have been seeking the Lord and building a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Jesus I would have no hope for a future. Because of Him, the one who saved me from my life of darkness and destruction and brought me back to light, I have a future. All praise and glory go to my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thank you for giving to the Lord and making this testimony possible.

Dr. Bob Harman

Executive Director

March 2012 Newsletter

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:42:36 -0500

February 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:09:19 -0500

February is known as the love month. On February 14^th many will be sending flowers, candy or a card to someone they hold special in their heart. However, for many there is no card, candy or flowers; but I have good news for them. God holds us all special in His heart. It doesn't matter who you are, where you are from, or where you have been. God's love for you is beyond your comprehension. I am sharing Edgar's testimony with you this month because he is a good example of someone who has been blessed with a father's love.

It is Possible.....I grew up for the first 15 years of my life in Russia, with parents who were alcoholics, so most of my teenage life I spent in the orphanage. Being in the orphanage was not a great experience. I ended up running across town to find work for myself. I made a lot of friends who paid me money and fed me great home cooked food. I was really happy when I went back to the orphanage because I was not hungry.

My little sister was in a different orphanage. Then, she got adopted by an American family. They wanted a better life for her. When I found out she was going to the United States I was happy for her. I knew in my heart she would be better off there than where I was, because I could not provide for her. As her big brother that was really hard on me. By now our birth dad had died in a fire and no one could find our mother.

My younger brother and I were in the same orphanage. I remember having thoughts of how it would be someday. One day, the same American family that adopted my sister decided to adopt my brother and me. I was 15 years old then. I was thinking about the future. How could I have hope for anything in my life? I was wrong. The judge asked if I wanted to go. I said yes. I was okay with my brother, sister, and me being adopted. I was okay with their calling us their children, providing for us and loving us with all their heart. I knew it was real, but I did not know how it was humanly impossible. They showed us God's love, and to this day, they say it is Him.

When I left Russia I wanted to leave all my bad habits there, but I didn't. As soon as I got used to being here, I started doing some of the old things and some worse things. I had jobs, which I loved, but I got bored with them. I started showing up late and stopped caring. I was too busy looking forward to getting drunk and high. After a while my reputation at work and at home was really bad. Unfortunately, I did not care at all.

One day I got arrested. I thought to myself, "I can't do anything. It all leads to destruction and heartache." I realized I needed help. I decided to come to Teen Challenge. At Teen Challenge, I was able to be healed by God spiritually, physically and emotionally. Before Teen Challenge, there was a raging battle inside my mind. God calmed the storms in my life. Now, I know the true meaning of peace and joy. These are attributes that can only come from God. God is the leader of my life. Without Him, none of this is possible. I give God all the glory and praise for saving me and giving me a fresh start on life's journey. All things are possible with God

Will you help us with a gift to share the love of Father God with men like Edgar? They need to know it is possible to be loved and accepted. All things are possible with God!

Sincerely,

Dr. Bob Harman

Executive Director

January 2012 Newsletter

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:07:12 -0500

NEW BEGINNINGS

Twice Blessed.......................

Let me introduce you to Jarrod Cooper. Jarrod's testimony was featured in the Teen Challenge USA newsletter in November. It was a special Thanksgiving letter. Dr. Jack Smart, Teen Challenge USA President, visited with us at Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge last fall and interviewed Jarrod. I want to share the National Office's letter with you; however, I want to give special emphasis on thankfulness for what God has done in so many lives throughout 2011. We look forward to many more victories in 2012. Let's join together and watch what the Lord will do.

Here are Dr. Smart's words: "Let's express our gratitude to God for all He is and remember all the good things He has done for us. We should all think of the many good things we have received from the Lord.

Jarrod is one such thankful person. He appeared to be younger than his 36 years of age. He was polite, bright, and very respectful. As he shared his story with me, it was clear that though he knew God was working in his life, it was also painful for him to share the mistakes he had made and the consequences that came as a result. Here is his testimony." "I am from Morristown, Tennessee. I came from a peaceful, Christian home; my mother and father are still married today. We had everything we needed and most of what we wanted.

I spent most of my adolescent years involved in sports of all types. I went to a Christian school and was taught the Bible and about Jesus, but I never understood the personal relationship factor. I rebelled from the entire thing.

I initially began to get involved with alcohol. Then I began to hang out with the crowd that was involved in that lifestyle.

I got saved when I was 18 years old, a senior in high school. I had actually experienced salvation, but I never gave control of my life to Christ. I continued to be self-centered and self-seeking.

After high school I went to further my education in college. I continued to be involved with alcohol and marijuana, what you would consider gateway drugs. But up until this point I had never experienced any negative consequences from that lifestyle.

I continued to pursue athletics in college and went on to get my degree, get married and start a family. Life seemed great. I had everything I had ever dreamed of having. I had accomplished everything I wanted to achieve; I was on my way to living the life I had always envisioned.

I went on to secure a good job in the professional market all the while crediting myself for all these accomplishments rather than crediting the grace and favor of God in my life. I was an insurance agent and I was involved in several professional sales jobs. However, I continued to dabble in the gateway drugs on a weekend basis.

Then my son was born. He was my pride and joy. I loved being a father and having a son.

A couple of years later I was introduced to prescription medication which I used recreationally.

I remember absolutely loving the way it made me feel. I could continue to function, but it just numbed every emotion I had, including guilt from other sinful activities I was involved in. I felt I had found the solution to everything.

Then came my first attempt at getting sober. We were pregnant with our second child, our daughter, and I was attempting to get sober to save my family. When she was born, my attempt at sobriety became short-lived.

Over the next several years I had several encounters with law enforcement by continuously bouncing checks. Financially, I was completely going bankrupt. I bounced around from job to job, but I couldn't stay clean, so I couldn't keep a job. I went into several different programs, primarily 28 day programs and a couple of six week programs, which were focused on the 12 steps.

I had a strong desire to stay clean; I loved my family and I wanted to be there as a father and as a provider for them, but my addiction consumed me until I did not have the capability to do it on my own.

At one point, my addiction had progressed from prescription medication to harder drugs and harder methods of using the drugs (mainlining).

I overdosed and had to be resuscitated, spending a week in the hospital, almost near death.

Even that didn't wake me up. I slowly began to lose my close friends and family. It was such a dark, lonely place in life.

About two years ago, I was all alone and broken. I actually entered a program where I rekindled a relationship with Jesus Christ. I came to the realization, that for me, a 12 step program or anything I could manufacture, was not going to be enough to maintain sobriety. I had a short period of clean time in which I had regained much of the material things I had lost. But, I was living in a shallow relationship with the Lord. I did the things I needed to do to get to that point, but I had abandoned it. Fortunately, I had praying, loving parents and a family who cared a great deal for me. They were strong when I couldn't be.

They had heard of and recommended Teen Challenge. As reluctant as I was to go through another program, my options were very limited. I still had a desire to be a good father for my children. God's hand was on my life even when I didn't recognize His provision.

I made the call to Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge. I told the staff of the brokenness and the dark place I was and how I needed something. Immediately, after arriving on campus, I felt a love and warm welcoming feeling I had not experienced in a long time.

A week after my arrival I fell on my face and cried out to God. I finally realized He was the only way and I just could not do life without HIM; and He met me there. He met me at my desperate, broken place.

Today, I can smile and laugh. I have a joy which is not produced or manufactured by anything within me, nor is it chemically produced. I came to realize my problem wasn't necessarily a disease, but my problem was a sin and a self-centered problem, which only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can heal.

I feel like enough time in my life has been wasted. I have given my future to God and I look forward to everything He has for me, like it says in 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." I am grateful for the Teen Challenge ministry and everyone who is involved. I truly believe God opened the door for me to be here at this time in my life."

Jarrod's testimony is one example of lives changed through the ministry of Teen Challenge. Jarrod was blessed to be able to come to us for help, but we are blessed to be able to be part of making this ministry possible.

The National Office and Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge would like to encourage you to thank God for all He has done in your life, but also thank Him for the miraculous work He is doing in the lives of our students who are in Teen Challenge.

Thankful for Changed lives,

Dr. Jack Smart,

President

Teen Challenge USA;

Dr. Bob Harman,

Executive Director

Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge

Ways you can help Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge.........

Refer someone you know needs our help.

Pray for this ministry

Become a regular monthly donor

Bring your gently used merchandise and donate it to our Thrift Store.

Have a vehicle that is in running condition and has an up to date inspection? We would love to have it donated to Teen Challenge.

Include us in your trust, will or endowment.

Have a business? Call and see if there is some way you can donate your time or business professional services.

Invite Teen Challenge to come to your church or civic group to make a presentation.

Director's Corner..................

“Happy New Year!” Seems like such a cliché. We say it often out of habit. For so many the New Year brings little hope or joy. We want to change that for as many young men as possible. We are here to offer hope, healing, and restoration through the saving power of Jesus Christ.

There is no other power on earth that can do what the power of God can do. Without the power of God we are just another program, but since we have His life changing power to share with the men, all things are possible.

I hope you enjoyed reading Jarrod’s testimony. He has been a blessing during his time at Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge. We have space for 30 men who will all have similar testimonies. I look forward to their change during the 2012 year. We will see many miracles.

Your monetary gifts are making it possible for us to send men like Jarrod back to their children. There are children all over the country who have their Daddy back because you decided to give to this ministry.

It is a new year, a new day and a new time. Let’s continue to do the work of the Lord and offer this HOPE, HEALING and RESTORATION to the men who come to us for help. From my heart, I thank you.

Dr. Bob

Praise Report

Our Thrift Store is doing fantastic! They have broken two sales records. One for the best sales in one week and the other for the best sales in one month.

Congratulations to our thrift store staff. They are a great team!

December 2011 Newsletter

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:04:55 -0500

Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge wishes you a

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

filled with God's Presence!!

Administration Office

1912 Boulevard St., Greensboro, NC 27407

Current Students.......

Re-entry Students.....

We now have five graduates (not pictured) in our Re-entry Program. We’ve been telling you about this new phase of our ministry for some time now. We opened the Re-entry Program the first of September. I am so pleased to inform you that 100% of our re-entry students have a job. They all are living what they have been taught while at Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge.

You may wonder if all the graduates come into the Re-entry Program. The answer is, “No.” Many of our graduates are blessed to have a stable home in which they can return to, but for many that is not an option. We could no longer send our graduates out where they felt they could not live a Christian life.

Last year our graduation percentage was up 32%, with over 50% of those entering the program graduating. We give all the glory to the Lord for this. Without Him, we can do nothing. These men’s lives are changed through the life changing power of God.

If you wonder whether your contributions are significant, just look at these men. I am sure if you could sit down and talk with any of them, they would be first to thank you for your prayers, your financial support and your friendship to Teen Challenge. Today, we take time out to express our thanks to you and we want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Because He came we have this glorious season.

Director's Corner.....

In our October newsletter I appealed to you to give $10.00. Many of you responded. We heard from donors we had not heard from in a long time. I want you to know how much we appreciate you taking the time to read our newsletters, pray for our ministry, our staff and our students, and respond to our need. Today, I would like to ask you to consider doing a special Christmas donation gift.

As our economy struggles, so do most ministries. Teen Challenge, like many ministries, has been facing some very tight cash flow. We have two buildings that need new roofs; we need a lot of updates to Dorm 2 to make it more energy efficient, including a new hot water heater. Can you imagine what it takes to care for up to 30 students, 24/7; maintain six buildings, situated on 11 acres, and five vehicles? Plus we have to pay salaries, insurance, utilities and the list goes on.

God told us He birthed this ministry and He will take care of what He has birthed. I believe that with all my heart, but I know God uses people; ordinary people, like you and me. I know God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. You are part of God’s plan for Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge. David Wilkerson once said, “God does not have problems, He has plans.” Yes, God has a plan and I believe you are a part of it.

Thank you for your gift to Teen Challenge. Merry Christmas……...Jesus truly is the reason for this season.

End of Year Donations must be post marked by December 31, 2011 to receive credit for 2011. This is an IRS regulation.

November Newsletter 2011

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:36:20 -0400

A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

(Andrew's before

and after Pictures)

My name is Andrew Walker. My life has had many obstacles and many blessings. I would like to share how I have come to this point in my life.

I was the middle child. My parents were divorced and my mom had remarried. My childhood was a struggle. My step-father was an abusive man, physically and emotionally, but never sexually. We simply did not have any male role models and were not taught any life skills.

I developed resentment and anger early in life. I craved attention, so I reached out to other male figures, but was always let down because they could never meet my standards or needs. Over time I learned I could create attention, but it was always from the wrong people. I was accepted by those who indulged themselves in smoking and drinking alcohol. This new way of life was very gratifying because it allowed me to numb the pain, anxiety and stress of life. For a teen who felt he had no self worth, this was more than appealing. My resentments toward my parents turned to bitterness. I completely disregarded any authority figure or parental direction.

At sixteen my mother was fed up and sent me to live with my father, whom I did not have any relationship with at the time. I continued my same behaviors but found myself with more freedom. Three high schools later, I dropped out of school. I did earn a GED. This allowed me more freedom and independence, which in turn opened doors to experiment with harder drugs and reckless relationships.

After burning all my bridges in Virginia I bought a bus ticket to my hometown in Illinois. Being absent from my hometown for two years created a mystique around the man I had become from hard living in the city.

For the next six years I immersed myself in a life of drugs and crime. My way of life cost me more than I could have ever imagined. I lost relationships with the ones who loved me the most. I lost time and everyday freedoms due to time spent in jails and prison.

In 2008, after my release from Graham Penitentiary, I ran once more to North Carolina to begin my life again. While living with my brother, I met the woman who is now the mother of my son. My own desire to be a good daddy to Wyatt could not overshadow the overwhelming resentments that were still buried deep within me. I tried everything I could possibly imagine to suppress the addict that seemed to claw his way out more times than not. I finally submitted to secular programs, but no matter how well I did, relapse was always guaranteed. More than once in my life, I felt I had lost everything. Not until I was sitting in my second halfway house in Charlotte, NC, physically sick, emotionally and spiritually dead, did I feel hopeless enough to commit suicide.

Finally, after hitting the bottom, I cried out to God with a desperate plea to save my life. Within 24 hours my brother was knocking on my door with an offer to attend a faith based discipleship program, Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge, that could help free me from the chains of addiction. I accepted my brothers help and entered Teen Challenge.

Now I am completely surrendered to Christ and I'm overwhelmed by the renewal of my spirit. I can see evidence of restoration taking place in my life and I know only through God is any of this possible. Now, I cheerfully continue my journey in Christ.

Andrew is enrolled in our Re-entry Program. He has a good job, sees his son regularly and is strong in his walk with the Lord. Praise God!

Director's Corner...........

On November 1st I will have been the Executive Director of Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge for one full year. It is amazing how fast a year can pass us by. We praise God for many victories throughout the past year. Our beds are full, our Marriage and Restoration Program is still going strong, the new Re-entry Program, Aftercare Department and Mentorship Program are all going great. We still have programs. What a blessing from God to be able to offer such wonderful opportunities to our students and graduates.

God wants us to be obedient to what He asks of us. We have felt God leading us in all of these areas, and we have been obedient to follow Him and step out in faith. Each of these accomplishments represent a lot of time, commitment, hard work and finances. I like what Mel Reich, our First Vice-President, said at our last meeting, "God didn't part the Red Sea two weeks before the Israelites arrived. He parted the Red Sea when they were at the river bank." God is an on-time God. We trust Him every day to meet the needs at Teen Challenge. It costs us $2000.00 per day to run this ministry. We have been running short by about 35% each month. Please pray about what God would have you give to help meet the needs. God bless you!

Pilot Mountain Trip

It was a beautiful Fall day so a short trip to Pilot Mountain seemed like the right thing to do. We loaded up our buses and headed for the mountains. It was a great opportunity for those who were able to go with us. Four of the students stayed back at the center, but for those who were able to come, it was a great afternoon of enjoying God's handiwork.

We have been especially blessed this month. A local church provided tickets for the entire student body and staff to attend the premiere showing of the new movie "Courageous." After the movie we took our tickets for a free sandwich at Chick-fil-A. What a treat. Then, a local teacher donated tickets for us to attend a symphony at UNCG. It was a great opportunity. Several of the guys had never been to a symphony. Last Friday one of our volunteers sponsored all the men to attend a pancake dinner. Believe me, she got her money's worth, the way our men eat.

The community coming together and thinking of Teen Challenge is such a blessing. These were opportunities many of the men have never had. We want to thank everyone who helps provide for this ministry. We pray you will be blessed in return.

Fall Appreciation Banquet.......Coming Up Soon!

Our Fall Appreciation Banquet will be held at Occasions Restaurant, 286 E. Front Street, in Burlington, NC, Monday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. The tickets are $13.50 per person and a table for ten can be purchased for $135.00.

If you are unable to attend you may still send a donation to help offset the expenses of the banquet or to help sponsor our students. Please purchase your tickets as soon as possible to help us get an accurate count for the restaurant.

If you need more information please call Lorna at 336-292-7795 ext. 300. We look forward to a great banquet. You will not want to miss this banquet. We will have our GPTC choir singing and powerful testimonies. JOIN US!

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Ways you can help Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge.........

Director's Corner..................

Praise Report

Our Thrift Store is doing fantastic! They have broken two sales records. One for the best sales in one week and the other for the best sales in one month.

Congratulations to our thrift store staff. They are a great team!

December 2011 Newsletter

Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge wishes you a

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

filled with God's Presence!!

Administration Office

Current Students.......

Re-entry Students.....

Director's Corner.....

End of Year Donations must be post marked by December 31, 2011 to receive credit for 2011. This is an IRS regulation.

November Newsletter 2011

A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

(Andrew's before

and after Pictures)

My name is Andrew Walker. My life has had many obstacles and many blessings. I would like to share how I have come to this point in my life.

I was the middle child. My parents were divorced and my mom had remarried. My childhood was a struggle. My step-father was an abusive man, physically and emotionally, but never sexually. We simply did not have any male role models and were not taught any life skills.

After burning all my bridges in Virginia I bought a bus ticket to my hometown in Illinois. Being absent from my hometown for two years created a mystique around the man I had become from hard living in the city.

For the next six years I immersed myself in a life of drugs and crime. My way of life cost me more than I could have ever imagined. I lost relationships with the ones who loved me the most. I lost time and everyday freedoms due to time spent in jails and prison.

Now I am completely surrendered to Christ and I'm overwhelmed by the renewal of my spirit. I can see evidence of restoration taking place in my life and I know only through God is any of this possible. Now, I cheerfully continue my journey in Christ.

Andrew is enrolled in our Re-entry Program. He has a good job, sees his son regularly and is strong in his walk with the Lord. Praise God!

Director's Corner...........

Pilot Mountain Trip

The community coming together and thinking of Teen Challenge is such a blessing. These were opportunities many of the men have never had. We want to thank everyone who helps provide for this ministry. We pray you will be blessed in return.

Fall Appreciation Banquet.......Coming Up Soon!