miracles - Teen Challenge Training Center
Transcription
miracles - Teen Challenge Training Center
February/March 2013 LOVE: The Gospel in Action Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc. M I R A C L E S 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.
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