miracles - Teen Challenge Training Center

February/March 2013
LOVE: The Gospel in Action
Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc.
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In this issue:
pg.2
pg.3
pg.4
pg.5
pg.6
Training Center
Testimony & Annual
Benefit Auction
PA
Sandhills & Western
Honors & Memorials, y
Matching Gift Ministr
& Alumni News
Ambassador Advisors
& Philadelphia
Ministry Needs & APS
There are so many ways
to characterize love.
Love is giving, caring, sharing,
serving, consideration, patience,
helpfulness…and so many more.
The Bible expands this even more.
About 18 months ago the words of
Luke 4:18-19 jumped off the page
and has completely dominated my
thinking ever since. This is the
passage where Jesus stood up in
the temple and said, “The Spirit
of the Lord is upon me, because he
has anointed me to proclaim good
news to the poor. He has sent me
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the
blind, to set at liberty those who
are oppressed, to proclaim the year
of the Lord’s favor.”
I’ve memorized those words and
recite them as I drive, walk, wash
the car or other household chores.
They have become the cadence
of every waking moment both
personally and at Teen Challenge.
As the months have passed, I’ve
travelled throughout the 67 counties
of Pennsylvania meeting Judges,
Wardens, District Attorneys, Parole
Officers, Public Defenders and
County Commissioners in an effort
to act out this commission. The miles
have been many; appointments and
presentations have been countless
and the successes are notable!
An increased number of students
have entered Teen Challenge, and
a greater under-standing of
our work has spread throughout
our great state.
As I’ve walked into the court rooms
or heard the slamming of the prison
doors behind me and stood there
face-to-face with hurting people and
broken lives, these words echoed in
my head and heart. I’ve come to
understand in a new and fresh way
that LOVE, and Teen Challenge, is
the Gospel in action.
Our mission is to help those
struggling with addiction to find
Christ’s love and His freedom!
Today, more than ever before,
we need your help in prayer and
giving. In our 50 year history we
have never turned anyone away!
Would you consider a special gift?
Thank you for all that you do as we
partner together.
Rev. Joseph S. Batluck, Sr.
President/Executive Director
Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc. of Rehrersburg, PA
Trophy of God’s Grace
MIRACLES
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013
•
2
TESTIMONIALS
My name is Charles H.
I’m 46-yrs old
and am so Thankful to God for His Spirit that works
in me. This is a part of my testimony, just some of
God’s grace and mercy in my life.
I was born in Camden N.J. My father moved the
family to the suburbs when I was young. My parents
taught me many life lessons & values, yet my
childhood had many struggles. One was separation
from classmates and friends because of my mom’s
religion (Jehovah’s Witness). Another was not being
allowed to be a boy scout, play sports, or have a
girlfriend. I didn’t have a good relationship with my
dad due to physical / emotional abuse. I gave my
dad a hard time and there was discipline (sometimes
severe) which added to my issues of
self-acceptance & seeking approval
from others.
I did well in school, excelled in music,
graduated, and attended Temple
University. I was unsure about many
things in life. After starting college,
my father suddenly died of colon
cancer, so before completing my 1st
year - I quit. I was 19 and thought
that I could do whatever I wanted –
FREEDOM. I dropped out of school
thinking that I needed a job, but ALL
that I really did was start feeding the
flesh, doing things “ONLY” for me –
to please me. There were times that
I thought that I was doing for others,
but my motives weren’t good. This
type of living led me deeper into SIN
– and drugs & alcohol.
Yet, God was drawing me even though
I was selfish and stubborn. He has
turned my life around and put godly
people in my life. The Teen Challenge
program, as well as churches that
preach the gospel has taught me that
a Holy God, creator of all things, sent
His son to be born of a virgin, live
a sinless life, be tortured and die for
MY SINS –MY SAVIOR. Jesus calls
us to repent and live for Him. We
read our bibles, we attend church, we
fellowship with other believers, &
we tell others about Jesus Christ. I
say “we” because many others have
helped me & continue
to help me along this
process. To honor God is
what we are meant to do!!
“My spirit has been
renewed and I’m
changed. I thank
God and I pray that
I can continue to be used to lead others to
Christ, by His grace & mercy.”
Charles
SANDHILLS
Dear Friends,
The year of 2012 was an incredible year for the ministry here at Sandhills
Teen Challenge, and across our great state. God continues to deliver from
addiction and bring healing to families. Hope still lives here, Freedom is
still found here, and Changed lives still leave here.
As we celebrate all that God has done in 2012, we also look forward
with great vision and expectation of what He can and will do in 2013.
Our vision is to help 120 students in the Sandhills Teen Challenge
recovery center, conduct 92 church services with the choir, address
30,000 students in schools, youth camps and conventions and conduct
90 outreaches and community events!
Debby and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your faithful
prayers & generous giving make this ministry possible. God bless you.
Your missionary to
the addict,
Sal DiBianca, Director
Sandhills Teen Challenge
A Door Has
Been Opened
WESTERN PA
Greetings,
Paul said in chapter 16 of his first letter to
the Corinthians that “a great and effective
door has opened to me, and there are many
adversaries” (v. 9). We are experiencing the
same thing here in Western Pennsylvania.
Some awesome opportunities for ministering
to those struggling with drugs/alcohol and
their families have opened up to us. Within
the past two months our population has
increased to the point where it has almost
doubled and the waiting list to get in the
program gets longer. The judicial system
has opened its doors to release addicts to us.
We are also looking at opportunities to help
families with interventions to encourage their
loved ones to get the help that they need.
Not only that, but family members can be
educated about their role as the
loved one goes through the program
in order to decrease thing like
enabling. These and other
opportunities for effective ministry
as well as opportunities to enhance
our ministry are being made
available to us.
But Paul also said that “there are
many adversaries”. Yes, we have
an adversary in our enemy, the
Devil, but adversaries may show
up in many different forms for
the purpose of hindering us from
ministering to those who need help as effectively
as possible. So, now more that ever we encourage you
to pray for and support the ministry of Teen Challenge
as the God of all grace continues to bless you and open
doors for you as well. Thank you for all you do for
the kingdom of God and may God bless you and keep
you. To God be all the glory and praise.
Eric S. Poteat
Director,
Teen Challenge of Western Pennsylvania
In Memory Of...
Jennie Koch
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Reh, Ashland, PA
Eric Englehart
Ms. Carole Kline & Kay Y, Annville, PA
Arlene Nelson, Cleona, PA
Betty Schriver, Lebanon, PA
Larry Martin, Myerstown, PA
Darlene Buchmoyer, Lebanon, PA
Alice Harding, Lottsburg, VA
Charles Saylor, Lebanon, PA
James & Cheryl Heverling, Palmyra, PA
Ralph & Flora Buchmoyer, Manheim, PA
Steven & Brenda Kreamer, Lebanon, PA
Kathryn Wilkerson, Nottingham, MD
William & Sandra Hulsman, Warwick, RI
Kenneth & Patricia Buchmoyer,
Palmyra, PA
Audrey Burnett
Mary Versagli, Kennett Sq, PA
Gail Cristo
Charles Scardino, Rochester, NY
Chad Hagerich
Wanda Smith, Johnstown, PA
Harry Price
Mrs. Price, Cresco, PA
Jerry “Butch” Rothermel
King’s Riders Chapter Christian
Motorcyclists Assoc., Emmaus, PA
Walter Rector Woods
Mr. & Mrs. Nasto ISSYS, Inc.,
Liverpool, NY
Henry & Carol Veit, Syracuse, NY
Margaret Richards, Jamesville, NY
Mark & Linda Hopkins, Fairport, NY
Wendy Cohen, Fairport, NY
Richard Woods, Carthage, NY
Beverly Loyst, East Aurora, NY
Sally Brennan, Lowville, NY
Ann Batluck
Dr. & Mrs. David Batluck, Reading, PA
Donald Swartzlander
Mrs. Leona Swartzlander, Wampum, PA
Thomas Mecca
Theresa Seeley, Solvay, NY
MATCHING GIFT
MINISTRY
Thank you for your faithful
support of Teen Challenge.
Many corporations, i.e. Lowes, Pfizer
have Matching Gift Programs available
for employees to help support their
favorite charities.
You can also check this web site,
http://www.matchinggifts.com/bbns/
Please help us determine if
your gift could be matched
by your company’s Matching
Gift Program:
• Ask the Human Resources Officer
where you work if there is a
Charitable Matching Gift Program
and complete the required paperwork.
• For more information please contact
Jill at Teen Challenge 717-933-4181
or [email protected].
Eugene Orris
Kathleen (Kay) Singer, New Cumberland, PA
Carol Steffy, Camp Hill, PA
Robert & Sandra Powell, Harrisburg, PA
Walton & Kelley Simpson,
Mechanicsburg, PA
Robert & Patricia Carnathan, Harrisburg, PA
Kathleen Singer, New Cumberland, PA
Carol Steffy, Camp Hill, PA
Deborah Orris, Harrisburg, PA
Bonnie Purvis, Linwood, NJ
Andrew Ohl
Lloyd & Elizabeth Ohl, Coopersburg, PA
Mrs. O’Malley (Mother of Kevin O’Malley)
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin O’Malley, Buffalo, NY
Inez Mack
Dorothy Hunsicker, Temple, PA
William S Klick
Stephen Calloway, Conesus, NY
Kathryn “Mama” Krall
Mr. & Mrs. Krall, Schaefferstown, PA
Steven & Lori Deibler, Lebanon, PA
Mrs. DiFusco
Charles Scardino, Rochester, NY
Carmen Bassillo
Charles Scardino, Rochester, NY
Chuck Reynolds
Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds, Baltimore, MD
William Baeighkley
William & Julie Lynn Baeighkley,
West Reading, PA
Brandon Novitski
Monica Shanley, Boyertown, PA
Frank Strauss
Susan Strauss, Newtown, PA
Natalie Baker
Janet Young, Duncannon, PA
Joe Krawiecki Jr.
Joanne Gabour, Lancaster, PA
Grace Jalletta
Mrs. Theresa Seeley, Solvay, NY
Aaron Fisher
Denise Fisher, Marion, NY
Karen Glick
Barbara Jane Martin, Richboro, PA
Alumni News!!
“The work is extensive and spread out, and
we are widely separated from each other along
the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of
the trumpet, join us there. Our God will
fight for us!” Nehemiah 4:19-20
Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc
Calling All Alumni!
This passage from Nehemiah reminds me that the Alumni
of Teen Challenge is spread out across the country and around the
world. The trumpet resounds to join, help, or support your local
center. Teen Challenge is set to have an awesome year and we as
the Alumni can make 2013 vibrant and remarkable. Over the last
two years we have talked about aligning our resources, skills and
talents at the local level of ministry. I challenge and encourage each
of us to answer the call because the work is extensive and spread
out. There are centers that need help purchasing curriculum, others
need volunteers to paint their building, and yet others could do with
us sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Wherever we hear the
sound to be of service, we must answer with a resounding “here am
I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Then let’s come together at Celebrate 2013
and share the wonderful things that have been done in honor of the
Lord. The trumpet sounds and the call goes out for all to join us
wherever you can - at women centers, men centers, Induction
Centers, Crisis Centers, or Training Center.
Let’s make 2013 the year of the Teen Challenge ALUMNI!!!
4
Grace Valletta
Theresa Seeley, Solvay, NY
David Kyler
His Hand Extended Ministry, Murrysville, PA
David & Judith Andrews, Murrysville, PA
Monroeville AOG, Monroeville, PA
David Wiggins
John Thompson, Marcellus, NY
•
Rich Jackson
Brad Emery & Carol Scuro, Rochester, NY
Judy Danneberg
Eugene Danneberg, Southern Pines, NC
Richard J. Kellish
Pastor Jamie Gardner & Praise Assembly,
David & Jane Sadler, Central Square, NY
Barbara Kellish, Manlius, NY
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013
Lester Butler
Jefferson Township, Jefferson Twp., PA
Dave
Ms. Charlene Clark, Tunkhannock, PA
MIRACLES
Carol Pendergrass
Robert & Mary Hunter, Liverpool, NY
Frank & Mary Valletta, North Syracuse, NY
John Skinner, Syracuse, NY
Renate Bevard, East Syracuse, NY
Domenic & Kathryn Ferraro, Solvay, NY
Lochie Musso, Monsey, NY
Maria Cerio, North Syracuse, NY
Nora Emerson, Forestburgh, NY
Rose Marie Tarolli & Rosemarie Novembrini,
Solvay, NY
In Honor Of...
STEWARDSHIP 2013 – EXERCISING CONTROL
As I write this article, our representatives in Washington are jockeying
over changes in the tax laws scheduled to go into effect on January 1,
2013. Guess which general direction taxes are headed?
At a recent banquet, I was privileged to be seated at a table
where, when the topic turned to taxes, the discussion was
honest, thoughtful, and careful. Noteworthy was the absence of
complaining. One person concluded that they wouldn’t mind
paying more in taxes, if they had the confidence that it would
be used wisely and efficiently to really help those in need. Most
of the others around the table expressed agreement with that
sentiment. Unfortunately, as those around the table conceded,
such wise spending does not always occur.
If you could control the destination of your tax dollars, would
you exercise that control?
Well, I have some good news and some bad news for you. The
bad news is that you don’t have control over how your taxes are
spent. The good news is that, with some careful planning, you
can keep more dollars from going out of control and, instead,
have direct control of where your dollars go.
Rather than letting dollars go into “the abyss,” you can free up
some of those dollars to give more to Teen Challenge. In doing
so, you can be confident that those dollars will not only be used
wisely and efficiently to help those in need, but that the impact
of those dollars will continue to have a lasting, eternal impact
on the lives of men and women.
Whatever the specific outcome of the inevitable changes in tax
law, these times call for a reevaluation of budgets, spending,
PHILADELPHIA
“You are only one decision away from disaster!” For the
recovering addict, this is a sobering statement that gets a nod of
agreement. Yet, the common lie is, “this will be the last time!”
I have seen too many men and women who have fallen for the
lie and the result was not just disaster but destruction ending in
an overdose. God spoke to Lesia and said “if you continue on
that path, you are going to die!” Thank God for the hope and
deliverance we have in Christ and for second chances!
Recently it dawned on me that the statement I began with
is only half the truth. The other half is, “You are only one
decision or prayer away from a miracle!” Lesia chose to
embrace that miracle and her focus now is on what God can
do to restore her life and family, one miracle at a time. She
is learning that decisions have consequences, for negative
or positive! I think of what God said to the Israelites “Now
listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death,
between prosperity and disaster. 16For I command you this
day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands,
decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do
this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God
will bless you…” Deut 30:15-16 NLT
We need your prayers and financial support to help Lesia a
nd the other 41 students in Philadelphia Teen Challenge
be restored to wholeness. I am grateful for your partnership
and investment in lives for eternity. Please carefully and
prayerfully consider how you can be involved with Teen
Challenge in rescuing and restoring broken lives!
Thank you! Rick Dodridge
saving and giving. Whether the Lord has blessed you with little
or with much, He calls you to be a diligent steward of what you
have. If you aren’t working at it, something is wrong. You aren’t
doing enough. As harsh as that may sound, taking the time to
plan is necessary.
There is more good news, however. There is help available to
ensure optimal stewardship. Like most important decisions, it is
unwise to “go it alone.” To be able to be of the most help to Teen
Challenge, enlist some help to evaluate the best use of what God
has entrusted to you. Use a trusted advisor to help you evaluate
how to minimize your taxes and maximize your giving to Teen
Challenge. Those of us at Ambassador Advisors would count it
a privilege to come along side you to help you, Teen Challenge
and, ultimately, the Kingdom of God.
If you would like to learn more about
furthering the work of Teen Challenge
through a gift of property, contact
Lenny Marsch, Executive Advisor
at Ambassador Advisors, LLC.
717-560-8300 x129, or
800-395-7660 x129, or
[email protected])
Ambassador Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. The general overview of the
topic discussed is based on our understanding of the subject matter and is for informational
purposes only. Ambassador Advisors, LLC does not offer legal or tax advice. You should
consult your legal and tax advisors regarding your circumstance.
My name is Lesia and I am from Georgetown SC. I grew
up as the oldest of 3 children and was considered the ‘black
sheep’ of the family. From the time I was in elementary
school, until I was sixteen years old, uncles, cousins and
family friends sexually molested me. I ended up getting
pregnant and had two children by my second cousin.
That was the beginning of my journey with drugs.
Marijuana was the ‘gateway’ drug that led to my
addiction to crack cocaine, which eventually led me
down that broad road to destruction.
I began to steal from my mother and even my own
children, in order to feed my addiction. I went through a short season of sobriety
where I accepted Jesus into my life, but later began to back slide. Last summer, I
went into respiratory arrest and was hospitalized for 22 days. Ten of those I spent
in a coma and was pronounced dead three times. God’s mercy and grace was
upon me though because I recovered and was released from the hospital. A few
months later, I was back to using drugs again.
It wasn’t until I clearly heard the Lord speak to me, telling me that if I continued
on this path, that I was going to die. I didn’t want to die. I knew I had something,
some purpose to live for after all I’ve been through. I reached out to my Pastor
and his wife and they told me about Teen Challenge. Since coming here, I have
been able to appreciate the second chance that God has given me to be a better
person, mother and grandmother. I have a closer relationship with Jesus and am
learning more about God and being obedient. I am hopeful about my future!
Upcoming Events:
Please make plans to attend Teen Challenge Philadelphia’s:
Spring Dinner Banquet Sherry will be leading our combined Philadelphia TC Men’s and
Women’s Choir! You will be encouraged by the stories of Men and Women who have been turned
around miraculously by God’s power. Reserve your seats right away for this faith inspiring evening!
Friday, April 19th 2013 • 6:30PM
Hilton City Ave, 4300 City Ave, Phila, PA.
Cost $40 per person or $360 for table of 10. Email [email protected]
or call Loretta at 215 843 2887
Helping Families Recover
From Addiction
Teen Challenge & Addiction Prevention Strategies (APS) have partnered to
offer a Family Wellness Educational Program, available to the churches and families that
have been supporters of Teen Challenge. The goal is to help families understand addiction,
how addiction affects the family system and what can be done to help the family and the
addicted individual. Participants will learn about the life changing Teen Challenge program
and how APS can work hand in hand with your family to get your resistant family member
into Teen Challenge.
Please give Addiction Prevention Strategies a call today to learn more about our
Family Wellness Educational Program, and ARISE Interventions; designed to get a resistant
loved one into the Teen Challenge program. To schedule a session for your church or
a family in need of help, give us a call and learn more about APS: 610-301-7464,
www.addictionpreventionstrategies.com.
Teen Challenge Training Center
Ministry Teams
Call us at (717) 933-4181 to schedule a team
for your event.
6
Ministry Needs...
•
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013
MIRACLES
All funds will be
used to meet
special project
initiatives and the
ministry needs.
Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc.
PO Box 98 • Rehrersburg, PA 19550
717-933-4181
Our Mission:
Teen Challenge is the home of faith-based
drug treatment where lives are changed.
We are committed to
...Rekindling hope,
...Renewing life, and
...Restoring families
By reaching out to men
& women struggling
with life controlling
problems.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
$25,000 - Van for Ministry Outings
$10,000 - Metal Bunk Beds
$5,000 - Student Marriage Retreat Financing
$5,000 - Commercial Washer
$5,000 - Commercial Dryer
$5,000 - Student Material for Spanish Program
$5,000 - Application Fee Assistance: For
students from prison or homelessness.
• $7,000 - Small Vehicle; Gas Saver: To take
students to medical appointments.
• $4,000 - Kitchen Equipment: To prepare
student meals.