OVERVIEW
Hope4Teens is a Christian placement agency for families in crisis with troubled loved-ones. We offer help through an established network of approved and specialized agencies, customized to the age, situation, and needs of the student. Instead of the traditional treatment facility or ranch setting, our program is integrated within a community that consists of church, school, social centers and homes all within the suburbs of beautiful Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. Students have the opportunity to experience change and avoid institutionalization within the reality and the support of community thereby giving them the opportunity to adapt in a real life environment, which means they are better equipped for facing life once the treatment program is over. Our ministry network includes:
- Big Skyway Youth Home
- Teen Enterprises
The combined services and collaborative efforts of our network address the needs of the whole person by providing a whole solution addressing spiritual, emotional, social, academic, physical, and familial needs.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Hope4Teens provides long- and short-term spiritual treatment programs all year round, for all ages. Enrollment can take as little as 24 hours, at any point during the year. We work closely with you to plan the transition into and out of the program.
However, one unique feature to our ministry is that we only accept teens from Christian homes. This is not because we don’t care about the others, but because we only want parents who will be in agreement with our values. Why? Mostly because that gives us a foundation and a support system to build off of, but also because we are essentially inviting these students to join our community and we need to ensure, for the sake of our own families, that the parents that place their child will give us the authority to enforce our principles.
Two years ago, my daughter, Kristen, was mid-way through her third year of high school. It was also the beginning of her third year of severe depression and chronic migraine headaches. She fell into depression a few months after her father left us. My athletic, talented, nearly straight- A child had left the planet. She was failing school, did not participate in any activities, and no longer had any friends. She was spending three to four days a week in bed, only emerging on the weekend to go run around. She would stay out until 3 or 4 in the morning, often forcing me to go look for her. We fought constantly, and she defied me at every chance. The school dropped her from enrollment. I had taken her to every specialist thinkable. We had counseled with our pastor and several Christian counselors. Her rebelliousness began to escalate. Her brother was frightened of her, she broke all the family rules, refused to attend church, and did not listen to any authority. She had no education and no job. She was heading towards long-term disability fast and I was desperate for help.
A Christian friend said, "She needs boot camp." So that day, out of frustration, I went to Google and searched "boot camp for teens." Up popped Hope For Teens! Praise God for guiding me there. I called for information and an angel by the name of Katy lovingly advised me and assisted me with making the decision to send my daughter to Hope for Teens. I spoke to other parents who had made the same choice. I knew God was in this and after much prayer, many tears and checking out their program, I knew this was a necessary and safe choice for my child. It was my last hope to save my daughter. A few weeks later, I had all the arrangements made and I had the Search and Rescue team come to my home to escort Kristen to Phoenix.
Kristen today has fully recovered from her depression and is medication free. She finished the three-month treatment program and wanted to stay in Phoenix and enroll in the Elijah Generation International Bible College, also sponsored by Spirit Life Church. She completed her high school diploma while in EGI and graduated in June of 2007 from EGI. Today, she has completed a year of college and is working as a summer intern near my hometown. She will begin her sophomore year of college in the fall. She is such a blessing and I am so thankful to have my daughter back.
The team at Hope for Teens turned her life around and put her back on track with God, our Father. I thank God for her salvation and her healing.
-Nanette
INTERVENTION
Hope4Teens does not require teens to be willing. That is something unique because often times in treatment programs kids get kicked out for acting out when that’s why they were sent there in the first place. We are not fooled by that type of manipulation. If they try to act out to get expelled, they’ll just realize that it will probably give them more consequences or lengthen their stay with us.
If they are not willing to come we still can bring them here. The parent can bring the teen or put him/her on a plane, but we offer a search and rescue team that will pick up and escort her if necessary.
In Luke 15:4, Jesus poses a question to each one of us: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?" We take this scripture literally in the form of a transport service for unwilling and defiant teens.
Each child is a life worth searching for. Our team of chaplains have picked up youth from a variety of places, from drug and gang infested inner-city neighborhoods to upper-class suburbs, and escorted them safely.
"We utilized the adolescent transport service, knowing very well that our son would not be placed into the program voluntarily. We knew that if we didn't act quickly, our son would be further down the road of destruction. The day that we had two chaplains enter our home and take our son, it was as though they were ministering angels sent by God. They escorted our son peacefully and safely across the country where his life was changed forever."
Parent in Massachusetts
TREATMENT PLAN
Some have been labeled ADD, ADHD, GID, DID, OCD, ODD and more. But these labels only identify outward symptoms to an inner problem. Yet Mental Health professionals don't have a solution and they don't deny it.
Behavior modification involves changing visible behavior patterns of an individual. This may be accomplished through positive techniques such as point systems, phase levels, and consequences or through negative techniques such as intimidation, prescription drugs, mechanical restraints, or lockdown facilities. Techniques that achieve behavior modification may be relieving at best and appeasing at worst, but keep in mind that it's only a temporary “band-aid” solution. Good behavior can be imitated and used to manipulate. Teens easily learn to adapt and “work the system” in a way that outwardly looks like they have changed – but it is a false change. Once they return to the normal home environment, where the change is not enforced like it was at the treatment facility, they revert back to the life they knew before. Just as a rusty car can be painted over for appearance sake, so can a hurting person behave and smile outwardly. However, it’s only a matter of time before the rust seeps through the paint and the pain breaks through the smile.
Every treatment plan falls under one of two models: psychiatric or psychosocial. The psychiatric model focuses on behavior modification through mind altering drugs. The counseling is basically an assessment to determine what kind of medication the patient needs to take. There is no neurological testing; the doctor does not actually go into the brain. They simply make an inconclusive diagnosis based on statements made at face-value or behavioral observations. Any prescribed medication that is administered is purely experimental and to date has not resulted in any case studies showing any type of healing. Studies from major secular universities do show, however, that prayer does result in healing even when the patients are not aware of being prayed for. There are no case studies showing the effectiveness of psychotropic medications, especially on minors. In addition, psychotropic drugs cannot truly heal anyone; drugs can alter, but they do not really bring recovery. When a teenager stops taking their meds, he has not really changed – he is still thinking the same destructive thoughts, but he now has toxic doses of various drugs in his brain. Teens end up in a cycle of changing medications that they can never really get off of, and the side effects of the drugs can be just as disturbing as their pre-medication actions. We see a generation of children numbly facing life due to psychotropic medications that do not affect the deeply-rooted, spiritual problems.
Our treatment plan, on the other hand, is known as the pyscho-social model and is accomplished in the real world. Treatment and assistance come through various social systems: school, church, friends, family, and entertainment. At Hope4Teens, these social systems are also placed within the values and morals of a Christian framework. Teens who are struggling with various issues have the opportunity to adapt in a real life environment, which means they are better equipped for facing life once the treatment program is over. This treatment model encourages real change - not just a drug-induced change or a behavioral change - but a change that comes from deep within, at the heart of the matter.
The Hope4Teens model is based on a five-point treatment plan:
I. SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Hope for Teens is unapologetically a Christian organization. As such, it first creates an environment where teens can have an encounter with the living God. Many times religious groups try to sanctify people who are not really saved: we are trying to get them to live holy lives, but we have not really showed them the way to the cross. Spiritual growth starts by making sure the teen has a personal relationship with God through Jesus. Then and only then can people grow in that relationship to experience changed lives.
Spiritual growth is a vital, but oftentimes an overlooked, step in the healing process. True change starts with a changed heart – and God is the only person who can truly change someone’s heart. He is the only one who can wipe away the filth of past actions and create a new heart, new desires, new motives, and a new purpose.
Teens work toward spiritual growth by attending our church and through morning prayer times. Along with teaching biblical morals, we show the importance of a personal daily devotion time with the Lord, as well as the relevance of worship, accountability and fellowship in the life of a believer. Further, we show the relevance of God's Word when it comes to unhealthy control issues, codependency, feelings of defeat, and more. Through the study of God’s word, teens have the opportunity to become grounded in the truth, knowing right and wrong.
Our spiritual growth plan identifies our 20 Core Values. These principles are not only taught to the students, but lived-out by our staff and carried into our church and fellowship groups as well. The first ten are the Ten Commandments, and the second ten are moral values, such as those dealing with relationships, substance use, and music.
II. EMOTIONAL HEALING
Emotional healing targets false ideas, from without and from within. Satan creates strongholds in our lives by deceiving us into believing erroneous concepts. Sometimes he uses the world around us, but other times he pours these lies straight into our minds. All behavior, decisions and words spoken are governed through a person's root beliefs. Through biblical teaching, loving correction, healthy debate and scientific observations, we are able to win the battle of the mind to Christ. The Spirit is able to identify these lies, pull down strongholds, and break through bondages. We then clearly show how the truth contradicts the erroneous thinking because it is the truth that sets us free.
Part of emotional healing is dealing with the false ideas thrown at us by society. The world may give you rejection and tell you that you are a failure based on your appearance, ability, and actions. When you focus on the world, you will feel insecure, inadequate, and guilty. God tells you that you are accepted and blameless. When you have your focus on God, you will feel confident, complete, and forgiven.
On the other hand, emotional healing also means conquering the lies we tell ourselves. It deals with the "spirit of the law" not so much the "letter of the law." Spiritual growth helps teens see what is right and wrong, but emotional healing helps them see why they did the wrong thing. The easy route in life is to blame others or to make excuses - but when we do that, we still live under the power of our wrong actions. Emotional healing comes when we take responsibility for our own actions and when we understand the reason why we participate in such actions.
True emotional healing gets to the root issue, tears down strongholds of false philosophies, and breaks bondages which would otherwise hold a person hostage for life.
III. ADDICTION RECOVERY
Addiction can be identified by anything or anyone a person becomes unhealthily dependent upon. In the life of an addict, fulfillment, peace, love and joy that comes genuinely from the Holy Spirit is replaced with artificial and temporary idols. Drugs and alcohol are not the only sources of addiction. Obsessions with food, sleep, relationships, video games, work, and more can also become addictions that require recovery.
Once an addict is able to deal with the root issue by honestly admitting, openly confessing and remorsefully repenting of their obsessions as the sin of idolatry, then, and only then, can true recovery take place. Our curriculum is based on the original Christian 12-step program, which acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Highest Power.
It is true that a life-long battle exists between the flesh and the spirit. Living a life of recovery is simply walking daily in the Spirit. It is our goal to equip each student with the tools to be able to do so. We strongly disagree with the idea that says, "Once an addict, always an addict." The Word of God assures us that our hearts can be continually recreated; the spirit of our mind can be renewed and made right; our lives can be transformed; the new man can be put on; old things are passed away and we become new creations in Christ.
Galatians 5:16 tells us to "walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Some people think that one has to attain a certain status of righteousness in order to qualify to "walk in the Spirit." The opposite is true; Galatians clearly states that overcoming addictive desires is preceded by living life in a way that feeds the spirit. Studying the Word of God, prayer, attending church, Christian fellowship, growing fruit of the Spirit and worship are all ways of "walking in the Spirit." This is the victorious Christian way of life that guards the healing and assures ongoing recovery of a former addict.
IV. SOCIAL MATURITY
The sensitive side of dealing with teens, as well as some adults, has to do with social maturity. There are some sins that people choose to walk into, and there are other problems that they fall into because of immaturity. Many of us have found ourselves saying, "Why don't you get it?" or, "What were you thinking?" There are things we expect our kids to understand that we ourselves just figured out recently! With social maturity we’re going to help you identify certain things that are rebellion and certain things that are just immaturity.
Some kids may not be particularly socially developed, so the "popular crowd" rejects them. When teens are rejected, they may allow hurt to control them. If this is the case, they react by rejecting others or trying harder to please, which results in a "living death". From there, many youth will choose "dark" or other “rejected” kids to befriend. The problem with many treatment centers is that they take all of these “rejected” kids and throw them together into a community, where negativity breeds negativity.
At Hope for Teens, we create positive social circles, and do so without knowledge of the teens. Kids are always trying to find friends and something to do, so we just create it for them, whether it is after school, Friday nights, or weekends. The key to these social situations, however, is that all the kids and all the parents are in agreement with our 20 principles. So, whether they are members of the church or kids in any of our programs, we know that our children are always around and there’s always some kind of positive leadership. When they go into the movies, we know that they are not watching bad movies. We know they are not going to parties where the boys and girls are making out or participating in other inappropriate behaviors.
We have found great success in creating these safe social circles. We engage in extensive teaching where we explain, “You can’t do it, but this is why.” In addition, we teach them the difference between good fellowship and wrong fellowship and how to identify good friends and wrong friends. Through social maturity, teens learn how to relate to acquaintances, friends and intimate relationships in a positive and appropriate way. It also involves understanding how to honor and respect those in authority: civil authorities, parents, employers or spiritual leaders.
V. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
At Hope4Teens, we have identified 49 character traits, including the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians, and the opposite flaw of each positive trait. Each student and a family member receives this curriculum, which beautifully illustrates each character trait with a wealth of scripture, pictures, quotations and essential facts on high-end glossy and colorful pages. Parents are coached to become part of the process as our team effectively instills character within the lives of students.
Before we can instill character in the life of a student, we must first develop and model character in our own lives. One main requirement for any staff member to be a part of our team is that we maintain "watermelon-size" fruits of the Spirit in our lives! This way, a troubled student can attempt rebellion and self-sabotaging attempts to get rejected, only to encounter the response of love, patience, long-suffering and joy by any staff member.
Take, for example, a boy who is struggling with a lack of motivation and laziness. He sits on the couch only to "vegetate" while watching television or playing video games for hours on-end. The parent either nags or ignores the lack of character, not really knowing how to approach the situation. Weeks of tolerating this go by before the parent blows a fuse. The child is convinced that the parent has lost his/her mind, thinking, “What’s your problem? I do this everyday. Why are you getting mad for nothing?”
A better approach is to study all 49 character traits and find opportunities to affirm the ones that are strengths in your loved-one's life. You will quickly see the positive traits they possess blossom even more, resulting in higher self-esteem and fulfillment. You then venture out to identify the character flaws, study, and then choose an appropriate time to talk. Once seated, open the curriculum and, together, read and discuss the character trait you want to see developed. Don’t leave it all to head knowledge. Now you must train the child by providing practical opportunities to apply the teaching in real life situations. Developing fruit can be painful but rewarding.
There is a science to this concept. It is based on Galatians 5:16 which states, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Verses 19-21 list the “works of the flesh”, and verses 22-23 list the nine “fruit of the Spirit.” Since it is impossible to get out of “flesh” without the supernatural grace of God, one must simply “walk in the Spirit” while still in the flesh. It does not say to first get out of the flesh and begin to walk in the Spirit. No, it’s the other way around; you start walking in the Spirit while you are in the flesh so that you can receive the grace to overcome the bondage of the flesh.
Many Christians live in condemnation and just give up because they do not know this powerful formula for overcoming. Character development is categorized under, “walking in the Spirit” along with praying, reading God’s Word, and participating in church. Paul exhorted the believers at Galatia with these powerful words, “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Even just listening to preaching at church produces faith and allows the Spirit to work in the life of the hearer. But, many people think that they have to first do good or be good before they can engage in spiritual activity. On the contrary, we engage in spiritual activity because we are so wretched and need transformation.
This curriculum used provides Biblical studies on 49 character qualities which have amazing correlation to the 49 commands of Christ. These studies reveal character traits and flaws that can help your personal development and can be used to train your children, disciples and employees. Features of the "Power for True Success" book include:
- How to have the power to live out character
- Practical definitions for each character quality
- Biblical word studies that explain the quality
- Powerful quotes which give insight into each quality
- Practical steps of action for personal application
- Colorful illustrations and analogies of the quality
DURATION
The five-point treatment plan is worked out in three phases.
PHASE I
Phase 1 lasts for a minimun of one month to three months and is the most structured phase with the highest level of supervision.
PHASE II
Phase 2 lasts for six months and allows more freedom, but still includes moderate supervision. The controls are reduced to moderate-level supervision and runs in six month terms. We try to simulate the freedoms one would normally have at home within the reason of age. For high school graduates, Phase 2 offers a vocational training program where students can learn skills which greatly increases their self worth. Course electives available are theatrics, business, ministry, multimedia, and more.
PHASE III
Phase 3 can last for an indefinite period of time as the student learns inter-dependence under low-level supervision but high personal accountability. Phase 3 is mostly for older teens and adults, though younger ones have been accepted in rare cases.
PHASE IV
Some families choose Phase 4, where they actually relocate to Phoenix permanently, join the church, integrate into the community in order to live in ongoing success.
God is so amazing. He used the Hope for Teens program in Arizona to rescue my daughter Ashley from a life of destruction. He is transforming her before our very eyes. I want to thank God for His faithfulness, and I want to thank the leaders for being obedient to the call on their lives. I have not seen a ministry like this anywhere else! God gave this scripture to me while praying for Ashley, and now it all makes sense:
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
COUNSELING
Each student has access to spiritual, emotional, academic, social, and physical assistance. One-on-one counseling sessions are at the heart of our success and take place during frequent intervals in informal settings. We believe it is next to impossible to break off defense mechanisms and open hardened hearts within a clinical setting. A formal counseling session for a student who is not willing is a complete waste of time - not only will she not cooperate, but she will start hating the concept of counsel, which is a bad thing. It is for this reason that our coaches and pastoral counselors take a personal interest with each student, fostering trust and building relationships.
In addition to the counseling sessions, each teen also works with an accountability team made up of same age to college age friends. They bridge the generation gap and are not only trained but are loyal to pastors and parents. There are junior pastors from the church whoare responsible for small groups of 10, but there is also a pastor who runs each home. We call them home pastors because we believe anyone working with these students has to have a pastor’s heart, because their love and his commitment will be tested. Mentors are young adults, usually ones who have gone through the program and are now living victorious lives, who now volunteer as a positive influence in the program. There are also same age peer mentors and friends, who we can trust to be a good influence and source of accountability.
Each day, our staff works together as a team with each client. Each week, our staff meets together to discuss each client's progress and to plan an individualized program for their remaining sessions with us. There is a tremendous benefit in having a team effort in providing treatment, as we are able to pool knowledge, wisdom and experience as we discuss how to best help students achieve success.
The team approach is vital to the success of the program. If the student starts defying one leader, somebody else will pick him up and go do something different. He’s going to have to burn out a whole team of people. In addition, the communication between team members means the teen is less likely to “work the system” through deceit or manipulation. The team discusses issues and actions, so any lies or tricks are uncovered and dealt with quickly.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
SCHOOL LIFE
Hope4Teens has a school; American Christian Academy. It is a K through 12 school, not an alternative school. Our school is affiliated with and belongs to ACTS (Association of Christian Teachers and Schools), and accredited with NAPS (National Association of Private Schools). It is not an alternative school, exclusively for troubled teens; it is a private school, that troubled teens also attend, and so there’s a high level of accountability. All the parents that place their kids in the school have to agree with our values and be involved. So we don’t have kids coming in creating negative influences like so many private schools or public schools.
Our school trains students to live solely by God’s Word. God is the center of all our teachings; the student is shown how every subject comes back to God’s truth through scripture. Character building is an integral part of the student's daily schedule. The student it taught that having Godly character is just as important as academic achievements.
Staff members are standing by throughout the day to assist students in resolving conflict and working out personal issues as well as assisting with their school work. They also work directly with parents, so everyone stays on the same page as to what the student is learning, areas of difficulty, etc.
Teachers play a very important role in the students' learning environment by providing motivation and structure. Because of our computerized content delivery, automatic grading, record keeping, and lesson planning, teachers are available to spend as much time needed to help students one on one.
Hardworking students complete the academic requirements of the state, and then are able to graduate and receive a diploma. Our advanced curriculum prepares students for success in any college or university they choose.
My parents got a divorce when I was six and were both re-married by the time I was 8. I had a lot of resentment toward my father, which resulted in a very distant relationship. I spent all of my time with my friends, playing basketball and involved with my youth group. My parents have been taking me to church for as long as I can remember. But, as time passed, the absence of the relationship with my father began to show. I had several boyfriends by the time I was a freshman in high school and was already sexually active. I gave away my heart time and time again always to find myself heartbroken. I didn't have self-confidence at all, I found my only happiness in basketball and my friends. Despite my bad choices in the boyfriend area of my life, I would have considered myself a "normal" teenager. I made A's and B's, was a part of the Varsity Basketball team at my high school and went to church every Wednesday and Sunday.
The summer before my senior year my grandpa died. I have a very close family and this was a hard thing for us all. Also to add to my grief my boyfriend of two years and I had just broken up. On August 22nd one of my friends, John, was killed in a car wreck. Not understanding why God would let this happen, I got drunk the night before his funeral. I ended up nearly getting hit by a car and receiving a public intoxication ticket. Seeing as I was a varsity basketball player, this was not good: I was to be out 30% of the season. On October 2nd my friend Jodie killed herself. I was with her two nights before, so you can imagine my confusion, guilt and sorrow. After this I began to hate my life. I hated who I was, what I was doing and who I was becoming. By January of 2005 I was doing cocaine, ecstasy, smoking weed, dropping acid, and drinking on a regular basis. In March I totaled my car going 70 mph on a highway. After graduation and prom I began to get very depressed again. All of my friends had plans to go to college and I had nothing, I wasted my senior year doing drugs. The disappointment in myself only led me to do drugs once again. I started smoking crystal meth, lost 20 pounds in a month and began dating a drug dealer.
My mom, in desperation to get me away from my town, got me into Oklahoma State University where my sister Taylor was going to college. I went to college at OSU in August and tried to start new, but the depression, guilt, resentment and low-self esteem wouldn't leave. I would do drugs when I would go home to Texas on the weekends and stayed in close contact with my boyfriend. One weekend I lost it. I screamed crying the whole way back up to college, and once I got there I laid in bed for days. My time was coming to an end, I saw no reason to live anymore. Suicide was in the near future. But God had a different plan for me.
My mom came to Oklahoma, put me on a plane and sent me to Hope for Teens in Arizona where I found myself surrounded by the love of Jesus. The program I was in was a 30 day spiritual treatment program for people struggling with addictions. I arrived on November 10th, 2005 and on Friday November 18th I let my guard down at a Spirit Life Church, Friday Night Live service. I re-committed my life to Jesus. After that night God began to re-new and restore my whole being. He healed me from my depression and for the first time in as long as I could remember I was smiling. God took me in his arms and made me new, he gave me more peace, love and joy in a month than I had found in years of searching for it in basketball, boys, friends and drugs. I felt innocent again. God restored my relationship with both of my parents. Thanks to God’s favor, I now work in the number one Salon in Scottsdale. I am also a Junior Pastor at Spirit Life Church and love to minister to women. After beng single for three years, God faithfully gave me the man of my dreams. God is using me and always developing me into a person I never thought I could be. Thanks to this ministry and Jesus Christ, I know I have a purpose, I have a destiny, and, most importantly, I have a father.
Ashton
SOCIAL LIFE
After school, the students come home with the home pastors, who have been working in the office or school during the day. There is then time for the students to enjoy recreational activities such as socializing, fitness training, swimming, competitive sports, watching movies or playing board games. After dinner the evening activities include things such as small support groups and the popular Friday Night Live Celebration Services. As previously discussed in the treatment section, the students experience many opportunities to build a strong social life. Strong relationships are created with their accountability teams, but they can also create friendships with other peers from school and church. The difference is that these friends are accountable and stable, so the students are building healthy relationships and maturing socially.
In addition, we provide a social network called Lifespace, a website where everyone can meet each other and talk. There are Lifespace topics, testimonies, and videos. Even the church services are online, so parents and teens can view them. Our social network is different than ones like myspace because we have security measures to make sure it is safe and clean. Parents can view the Lifespace site at www.lifespace.cc.
After a year and a half in Arizona, being ministered to at Spirit Life Church, our daughter is home. I am so incredibly grateful for Bob and Ceci and Kathy, and all of the warriors at SLC who have PATIENTLY come along side us and helped us during this transition period. It is so awesome to be able to draw on the wisdom of Godly people. Sometimes it really does take a village to raise a child!
PHYSICAL LIFE
Our physical fitness program includes indoor and outdoor sports such as volleyball, basketball, swimming, hiking and more. Good physical condition is essential to good health. For those who have been involved in abusing their bodies through drug and/or alcohol use, many have become physically deteriorated. It is a welcome change to begin to feel strong again, and it is a great self-esteem booster.
I gave my heart to Jesus at a very young age, so I grew up in the ways of the Lord. But when I was 12, I had a friend commit suicide, and my father was killed in an avalanche. This was a fatal turning point for my whole family. My mother was overwhelmed with circumstances, so she sent me to live with another family for my 8th grade school year. I was battling serious depression during the months after my dad's death. I felt a sense of insecurity and loss of purpose without my dad around, and during my middle school years, I started experimenting with sex, alcohol, drugs, and partying to try to fill an empty void I had in my life. This cycle I created continued in high school. I ended up getting kicked out of my house because of my temper and violence. Ultimately, I ended up selling both drugs and my body for money and housing. My boyfriend was a Satanist, and we would entertain demons, practice witchcraft, and attend rituals. I was contemplating suicide daily, and I'd become a "cutter", and would slice my arms and legs with a knife. I was devastated with the way I was living, but I couldn't seem to get myself untangled from this web of immorality I was in.
My junior year of high school, I was arrested. This time things were serious. It was decided that because of my repeated actions and crimes, I would go on trial as an adult for a series of misdemeanors and felonies. I was facing prison time, and awaited my trial for five months in a jail cell. Being locked up and sober gave me time to think, and I had decided to end my life. I hung myself in my jail cell, yet I awoke in a psychiatric ward. I couldn't believe I was alive. I remember the nurses telling me my mom was on the phone and wanted to talk to me. I hadn't talked to my mom in months, but got on the phone and she told me she loved me, and that she'd found another "program" for me. It was a miracle I got to enroll, because it was faith-based, and I wasn't supposed to be cleared by my probation or by the courts.
I arrived in Phoenix, AZ, in November, 2005. I didn't want anything to do with God and didn't want to change, but the moment I arrived, something inside of me told me that things weren't going to be the same. I was in the rehab program for two weeks, and then I gave my life to Jesus Christ at a Friday Night Live service. That night, I had an encounter, and Jesus touched my heart. Walls came down, and He broke off bondages of addiction, depression, guilt, and bitterness. At that point I knew that I was born again; I was made new, and my sins were washed away! Over the next few months, I received much emotional healing, and restoration in the relationship with my mom.
This transformation in my life has become more evident every day. I currently am in full time ministry and am a real estate agent; I serve as a young women's pastor at Spirit Life Church. God has given me a passion to always pursue Him, to live a life of purity and holiness, to operate in His power, and ultimately to spread the Gospel to the world.
Kayla
FAMILY LIFE
The homes are spacious, comfortable, and well kept; many of them with swimming pools. They are staffed with house moms or dads, along with their assistants and they are referred to as home pastors. They are called home pastors because we believe they require the anointing, and the gift of pastoring in order to pull down the strong hold of rebellion, and break the yoke of sin. Without the gift of a pastor's heart, our ministry would not be as effective. Morning times are set aside for daily devotion where everyone in the home communes, breaks bread, prays, and studies the word of God.
CHURCH LIFE
On Sunday, everyone comes to Spirit Life Church where we all enjoy worship, and the ministry of the word. Here you will see young people excited about going to church. They're eager to worship, clap, dance, and sing praise while sitting up front, and amening the preacher. Church is just one exciting experience for them here in God's presence it's where a lot of Holy Spirit surgery takes place. There may be a broken heart being mended, a child brought back to their first love, an attitude of repentance, strong holds broken, emotions healed, and spirits refreshed. We are experiencing revival, and its awesome.
PARENTING RESOURCES
Hope4Teens not only works with the student in the program, but with the family as well. Every family is assigned a Life Coach who is available at most times. Our mentors and pastoral counselors take a personal interest with each student, fostering true, and lasting relationships. They do everything from guiding parents on how to communicate with their child to moderating family conference calls. While the student is learning, changing, and growing, our coaches work with parents so they know how to respond and react in positive ways. This is just another way we ensure long-term success and victorious living.
Thank you so much for your conference call tonight about enabling. We have learned so much since our daughter entered your program eight months ago. Your ministry has been an answer to our prayers. Isn't it just like God to bless above and beyond what we ask or imagine possible? I am in awe over the amazing changes that have occurred in Ashley's life and in our family since she entered your program. God is so faithful, and I am claiming His promise that He will make up for the years that the locusts have eaten. Thank you for your commitment and for your obedience.
Deanna.
God heard my desperate call for help when I didn't know what to do with my 16 year old daughter. [This ministry]was not only there for my rebellious daughter but my whole family. The ministry family and outreach programs did not only plant the seed into my daughter's life but took my son and gave him the opportunity to work in the ministry. He has grown into a disciple and mighty man of God. This ministry is one that wants to help the whole family get closer to God. God has anointed this special ministry to reach out to the brokenhearted parents and troubled teens. The Second Chance and Hope forTeens programs can assist and provide the tools to help families in crisis. They will be there to help bring healing and provide the support and environment to plant the seeds for recovery and healing to the trouble teen and the whole family.
Debra
