Teen Challenge: David’s Story

“I came to Teen Challenge with no hope and not knowing what to expect…”

A few years ago I was in addiction, and had been for many years before that.

It got to the point where I really didn’t know what is was going to do. My body was deteriorating from all the substances I had abused.

I had no time for God because I didn’t really understand who ‘He’ was, or whether ‘He’ existed at all. I had tried calling out to him many times in desperation, shouting “PLEASE LORD IF YOU ARE REAL THEN YOU WILL HELP ME!” I never really got an answer.

I came to Teen Challenge with no hope and not knowing what to expect. I ended up doing a full programme. During these 11 months I was learning about God and working on basic skills - like having to deal with other people around me. I found this difficult as I’ve always suffered from anxiety.

I started asking God for His help through prayer.

After a while I started to feel something change inside of me and, at first, I couldn’t figure what it was. Then I realised that God was working inside of me. My views about other people changed, my ability to interact was better, and my confidence levels were through the roof! I had truly found out who God was, and how He works in my life.

When I finished the programme I went back to Bournemouth. Everything was going well. I was doing a bible study, volunteering at an old peoples home, and helping serve the teas and coffees at a local church - which I loved. All this came to an end when I made a stupid mistake and started using drugs again. This went on for a brief period of time. Then I asked my Support Worker if Teen Challenge would have me back. To my relief they said yes!

I did a 6 month restoration programme during which I had to think about my plans for my future. I decided I was going to do the ‘Teen Challenge Leadership Academy’ where I could really dig deep and build on my relationship with God. It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made - especially compared to all the others I’ve made in my life previously!

When I joined The Academy I felt a sense of peace within me right away. I know this was God working and I had made the right decision. The teaching was absolutely brilliant and I was given opportunities to lead chapel which has helped with my public speaking.

I’ve learned that no matter what we do, God will always be there for us.

Even through times of trouble. And that if you trust in the Lord, then he will show you his ways, and the plan he has for your life. I will now always put my trust in the Lord, and I hope that you do as well.

David Button