Matthew 5:3-10  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. ⁵Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. ⁶Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. ⁷Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. ⁸Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. ⁹Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. ¹⁰Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Teen Challenge program is based on 4 basic principles:

1) There is hope for a person with life controlling problems.
2) Sin, not drugs, alcohol, etc. is the major root problem.
3) The only cure for sin and its symptoms is Jesus Christ.
4) Jesus Christ, living within a person, takes the desire for sin out of that person's life.

When the urge to sin is taken out, then the desire for drugs, alcohol and all manner of deviant behavior is also removed. When the root problem is dealt with, the symptoms also disappear.

Does it Work?

A 1976 Health, Education & Welfare Department study of the largest Teen Challenge Center in America indicates that it does. Dr. Catherine Hess, study director, states that whereas treatment for a drug addict in a detoxification facility results in a 1% cure rate and the therapeutic community's rate is about 10% the Teen Challenge in Rehrersburg, Pennsylvania, had an 86% cure rate.

This percentage is based on those interviewed 5 years after completing the program. The federal Government recognizes anyone who has been drug free for a period of 5 years to be completely recovered.

Dr. Hess further states, "The Teen Challenge program is the best I know of to get a person off drugs." Dr. John A. Howard, member, National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, who echoes her sentiments, states, "Of all the drug programs reported to the Commission, the most successful is the religiously based program conducted by Teen Challenge."

What Others Have Said...  

"It's my pleasure to share a few moments with you who are friends of the oldest and one of the most effective ongoing programs of its kind in America: Teen Challenge. Not only does Teen Challenge help our young people deal with their substance abuse, but it also gives our kids something to live for -- a relationship with God, a healthy self-esteem and a direction in their lives that finally leads somewhere. Ever since I endorsed Teen Challenge back in the 1970s, when I was governor of California, I've always been impressed with their work, their people and even their name."
Ronald Reagan

"In my opinion, Teen Challenge is doing the best all-around job of providing the kids with something meaningful in their lives. And that's what they all need. I thank you for your continuing support for Teen Challenge."
Art Linkletter

"We have long been aware of the tremendous ministry of Teen Challenge. I consider it a real privilege to endorse the work.... I thank God for places like Teen Challenge that not only understand the problem, but know the God who can set young people free and transform them into whole, useful, caring people."
Ruth Graham

"The exciting thing about Teen Challenge is they go right into the inner spiritual and moral dimension of the individual, really explaining the love of God in Christ. When those fellows and girls find the love of God in Christ in their own lives, they get cleaned up automatically from within. In fact, I really go so far as to say a program with moral dimensions like Teen Challenge is the cheapest rehabilitation process we have going for us. I could think of no better place to make contributions. I think it is the most effective program going. In fact, I contribute to it every year myself."
John Conlan, former U.S. Congressman

 Group Studies Class. A student will receive instruction, memorize Scripture, do "homework" and take a test on 14 different Group Studies For New Christians during his stay with us in Basic Induction.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE PROGRAM

I. SPIRITUAL TRAINING

Spiritual, mental and emotional wholeness is encouraged through:

– Bible Study: Fourteen one-week-long Group Study Classes for New Christians and the multi-faceted Personalized Studies for New Christians (the National Teen Challenge^® Curriculum)

– Thirteen Church and Chapel services per week

– Personal Devotions

– Individual counseling, with an emphasis on:

       Breaking sinful habits through obedience to God

       Receiving and exercising forgiveness

       Being responsible and accountable

       Accepting and respecting authority

       Developing a healthy self-image

       Learning to manage conflict

       Restoring broken relationships

       Applying Biblical principles to daily life

       We seek to provide practical, useful and meaningful application of the Scriptures to each student’s personal needs.

      "But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22

II. VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The development of a healthy work ethic is encouraged by providing the student with "hands-on" experience in such areas as:

•Yardwork •Gardening •Maintenance

•Food Preparation •Light Construction •Janitorial work

Students are required to work 3½ or more hours each day during the week. They may have additional duties on the weekend.

III. PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Group recreational activities such as softball, basketball, football, swimming (in the summer), ping-pong or pool, and picnics (in the summer) help the students to understand the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Individual activities such as jogging and weight-lifting are also available.

IV. DISCIPLINED ENVIRONMENT

With a full schedule of supervised activities in the context of a controlled environment the student is provided with the structure and discipline which encourage constructive change.