Connections with Teen Challenge
By Dee Gaines

Oh my, where does one begin to tell a story of such great magnitude and impact? How do you describe how lives are changed by intentional relationships? Maybe the best place to begin is with those who are directly involved and hear their words:

(Frances VanCuren) “It is my privilege to see Scripture revealed before my eyes in the women from Teen Challenge. Scripture speaks about us becoming a new creation in Christ and I get to witness the transformation taking place in these ladies and to hear their testimonies. I get to see these new creations in Christ and I never cease to be amazed at God's handiwork!”

(Donna Cowdrey) “I came into this Bible Study wondering what I could possibly offer these ladies being the “good little Church of Christ girl” that I was. God swept in and showed me that they were the ones that offered me so much. Through them I have seen the amazing transforming power of a God who truly says “Oh no, I’ll never let go”. They have taught me the incredible grace shown by God when you fall at the feet of Jesus and completely surrender all to Him. I humbly bow to God on this one – He put me in a bible study that I never dreamed would change my life so dramatically. Oh no, He never let go of me. Many thanks to the beautiful Teen Challenge women who have loved me and become my daughters, my sisters, and my friends.”

(Priscilla Lane) “I think the thing that impresses me most about these women is how so many of them do "keep on keeping on" to overcome some horrible addictions. As far as I'm concerned the connection is great, I love each of them so much. They continue to be a blessing to me. There are several comments the moms have made that have made an impact on me but perhaps the one that really "got me" was Shun saying that people that tried to influence her to make bad choices would get her kicked out of heaven. She further stated nobody on earth was going to have that much control over her life. A couple of women at my table Wednesday night commented that Wed. nights were the highlight of their week and they didn't want it to end.”

Right after we began this journey of “Bible study with the Teen Challenge women”, we discovered that they thought the GCR women were typical ‘church’ women: that we had always been in church, had never been in trouble and were the pious, legalistic women that we all dread spending time with. We quickly realized that they needed to hear some of our testimonies so they would know that, we too, had stories and we truly could relate to them. It was one of many paradigm shifts that took place as we began our journey.

Another shift came when we spent one evening singing and praying together. There were many tears and many confessions, but most importantly much healing began that evening. Our next shift came this past Thanksgiving. We were aware that most of the women had never experienced a ‘Family Thanksgiving Dinner’; so we modeled that for them. There was so much laughter at that table as they shared humorous stories; and tears as they shared with us that this was their first Thanksgiving experience. We said blessings on the women that evening as we went around the table telling our reasons for thanksgiving. It was an evening they wrote on their hearts and will carry with them all the rest of their days.

Christmas was a celebration. We hung out together, we ate together, we laughed together. Then, as the women were wrapping their gifts for their children, they shared with us their deep love for the way we embraced them, loved them, accepted them and, showed them - well, what Jesus really does look like. We were so overwhelmed that we shed a few tears.

The acting director at Teen Challenge met with some of us and shared his observations of how this weekly Bible study has made such a difference in the women; so much so that he wanted to launch one for the Teen Challenge men. That study began recently right here at GCR with Scott Wilson leading the men’s study group.

Statements from TC women:
(Teresa) “The year that I have spent with these ladies has been life changing! We put our snorkel and flippers on and went deep spirit diving into God’s Word. The treasure that we discovered is still being categorized, and sorted through in my life today…I find myself going back to my chest to pull out a sparkling truth just to gaze at it and let it become real to me all over again. I am still speechless at the display of love from these women and their selflessness. One of my most beautiful jewels is: Love is an action! “ (Teresa graduated from Teen Challenge in January, and is now working full-time with the ministry.)

(Cleesie) “Is there no end to the endless giving from these beautiful women of God? Not only did they teach me about God’s Word and how to pray, but they also took time out of their weekends to come teach me how to cook! I will always have with me the things that they have shared with me. The love they have shown me has made me grow. Thank you! “ (Cleesie is in the “re-entry” phase of the program.)

(Sandy) “When I came to Teen Challenge, there were many things I didn’t understand about reading God’s Word and what the stories meant and how they applied to my life. Through the Bible Studies the GCR ladies have shared with me, I have experienced a closeness with God I never knew I could. My life will never be the same and my understanding of God has changed forever. Thank you so much! “ (Sandy is in the “re-entry” phase of the program.) New Students:

(Alicia) “I want to thank all the GCR ladies for all their time and consideration. All these classes have given us a new perspective on how we need to live our lives. You are one of the reasons why I love Teen Challenge. I cannot thank you enough for all you do and I know that we will be looking forward to our new lesson with you. Until then, we will be learning and ready to share our new experiences with you.”

(Ashley) ”How wonderful you all are! The first time I walked into your presence, you all made me feel so accepted and welcome. I look forward to seeing you every single week. Y’all don’t look at us as drug addicts or alcoholics. You look at us as friends and sisters. I pray that God blesses you all abundantly for what you do for us. I hope it is not even a full month until we have another class with you! Please don’t forget to visit us when we move to the new Women’s Center! “

(Sue) “Going to GCR for our group Bible study is the highlight of my week! I did not study the Bible before I came to Teen Challenge and these studies have shown me how to use God’s Word to more understand Him and become closer to Him. And I truly have never met a more generous group of women who God has chosen to work through. I now have a fine example to set my goals in becoming a true sister in Christ. “

(Cindy) “Wednesday nights are the highlight of my week! It’s like getting a double-dose of Jesus. We get to study His Word and see Him through the love and kindness of you ladies. Thank you, GCR!”

Former Student: (Ashley) “I went to church growing up, but I have never experienced anything like this; the total acceptance and love poured out on us – I do not have words to describe how that makes me feel. I will take this experience with me and when I get home, I want to find this same love. And, if I do not find it, I want to be God’s instrument to create it. I sure love all of you. Thank you.” (A VERY emotional statement shared during our Thanksgiving dinner.)

As we look back over the past year of Wednesday evenings we have spent with our new friends, our hearts are full. We have made connections with women we may not have made outside this study and that would have been a terrible loss. We love and adore these women who have brought light and love and friendship to us. We began this ministry thinking we were going to bless the Teen Challenge ministry and the Teen Challenge women; but guess what? Jesus showed up with a reminder that there is not ‘us’ and ‘them’, only ‘we’; and ‘we’ were the ones blessed beyond measure!!

Teen Challenge Comments About GCR Bible study --

You are a blessing from God. I look forward to each week on Wednesday nights with y’all! You have been so kind and generous.. and not to mention the food you’ve prepared… FABULOUS! Y’all are great!! Amanda Antus --You ladies are so awesome! Y’all make me feel so much joy during class because you explain the Word of God so well. You have the gift of remembering names, especially with so many of us. You also are so sweet to have snacks ready for us when we get there. Thank you so much. Michelle Rios --

How wonderful you all are! The first time I walked into your presence, you all made me feel so accepted and welcome. I look forward to seeing you every single week. Y’all don’t look at us as drug addicts or alcoholics. You look at us as friends and sisters. I pray that God blesses you all abundantly for what you do for us. I hope it is not even a full month until we have another class with you! P.S. Don’t forget to visit us when we move to the new Women’s Center! Ashley Fore --

Going to GCR for our group Bible study is the highlight of my week! I did not study the Bible before I came to Teen Challenge and these studies have showed me how to use God’s Word to more understand Him and become closer to Him. And I truly have never met a more generous group if women who God has chosen to work through. I now have a fine example to set my goals in becoming a true sister in Christ. Sue Fenn --

The GCR ladies have brought such glory to God, by loving each one of us and being so selfless. The way they are truly excited to give of themselves is amazing! They make us feel so important and special to the church. Thank you for being used in God’s purpose. God bless you because we love the GCR ladies!! Ladina Collier --

Wednesday nights are the highlight of my week! It’s like getting a double-dose of Jesus. We get to study His Word and see Him through the love and kindness of you ladies. Thank you GCR! Cindy Rickenbaker --

I am so thankful for all you have given me… hope and encouragement in the Lord. No words can say how much I love and appreciate you. Stephanie Shultz --

I want to tell you how much fun I had learning about the Covenant. It just brought my learning to walk with Jesus Christ that much better! Thank you for having class and the chance to get to know each one of you special women. You are a blessing from God! Julie Brown --

I am so very blessed to have met all of you. You have touched my heart and inspired and encouraged me to keep seeking the Lord and not to give up. You are some amazing women of God and I love you so very much. You will always be in my heart and prayers. God bless you abundantly. With a grateful heart and much love… Rebecca Cuellar --

The GCR ladies have given their lives to Jesus Christ through Teen Challenge, like a ripple caused by a pebble thrown into the lake. The ripple goes on and on so you have touched my life. You are that pebble. Thank you. Samantha Cline --

I want to say thank you for making me feel so welcome. I have not been at Teen Challenge very long, but you all have been very kind to me in making me feel welcome. Thank you again. Jennifer Ruesch --

The GCR ladies have made the Covenant Bible Study interesting and fun. Their dedication, support and comfort has been a blessing to me and it has been a great pleasure getting to know them. I look forward to our next study and getting to know them more! Jennifer Owens --

The GCR ladies and the Bible Study has been so inspirational and uplifting. They have helped me connect to God more through the study they have provided. It has encouraged me and opened my eyes to God’s deep love for me. Thank you! Amberly Hollander --

I want to thank all the GCR ladies for all their time and consideration. All these classes have given us a new perspective on how we need to live our lives. You are one of the reasons why I love Teen Challenge. I cannot thank you enough for all you do and I know that we will be looking forward to our new lesson with you. Until then, we will be learning and ready to share our new experiences with you. Alicia Valadez --

The year that I have spent with these ladies has been life changing! We put our snorkels and flippers on and went deep spirit diving into God’s Word. The treasure that we discovered is still being categorized, and sorted through in my life today… I find myself going back to my chest to pull out a sparkling truth just to gaze at it and let it become real to me all over again. I am still speechless at the display of love from these women and their selflessness. One of my most beautiful jewels is: Love is an action! Teresa Freda --

Is there no end to the endless giving from these beautiful women of God? Not only did they teach me about God’s Word and how to pray, but also they took time out of their weekend to come teach me how to cook! I will always have with me the things that they have shared with me. The love they have showed me has made me grow. Thank you. Clesie Carr --

When I came to Teen Challenge, there were many things I didn’t understand about reading God’s Word and what the stories meant and how they applied to my life. Through the Bible Studies the GCR ladies have shared with me, I have experienced a closeness with God I never knew I could. My life will never be the same and my understanding of God has changed forever. Thank you so much. Sandy Bailey