November Newsletter 2011
A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST 
(Andrew's before
and after Pictures)
My name is Andrew Walker. My life has had many obstacles and many blessings. I would like to share how I have come to this point in my life.
I was the middle child. My parents were divorced and my mom had remarried. My childhood was a struggle. My step-father was an abusive man, physically and emotionally, but never sexually. We simply did not have any male role models and were not taught any life skills.
I developed resentment and anger early in life. I craved attention, so I reached out to other male figures, but was always let down because they could never meet my standards or needs. Over time I learned I could create attention, but it was always from the wrong people. I was accepted by those who indulged themselves in smoking and drinking alcohol. This new way of life was very gratifying because it allowed me to numb the pain, anxiety and stress of life. For a teen who felt he had no self worth, this was more than appealing. My resentments toward my parents turned to bitterness. I completely disregarded any authority figure or parental direction.
At sixteen my mother was fed up and sent me to live with my father, whom I did not have any relationship with at the time. I continued my same behaviors but found myself with more freedom. Three high schools later, I dropped out of school. I did earn a GED. This allowed me more freedom and independence, which in turn opened doors to experiment with harder drugs and reckless relationships.
After burning all my bridges in Virginia I bought a bus ticket to my hometown in Illinois. Being absent from my hometown for two years created a mystique around the man I had become from hard living in the city.
For the next six years I immersed myself in a life of drugs and crime. My way of life cost me more than I could have ever imagined. I lost relationships with the ones who loved me the most. I lost time and everyday freedoms due to time spent in jails and prison.
In 2008, after my release from Graham Penitentiary, I ran once more to North Carolina to begin my life again. While living with my brother, I met the woman who is now the mother of my son. My own desire to be a good daddy to Wyatt could not overshadow the overwhelming resentments that were still buried deep within me. I tried everything I could possibly imagine to suppress the addict that seemed to claw his way out more times than not. I finally submitted to secular programs, but no matter how well I did, relapse was always guaranteed. More than once in my life, I felt I had lost everything. Not until I was sitting in my second halfway house in Charlotte, NC, physically sick, emotionally and spiritually dead, did I feel hopeless enough to commit suicide.
Finally, after hitting the bottom, I cried out to God with a desperate plea to save my life. Within 24 hours my brother was knocking on my door with an offer to attend a faith based discipleship program, Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge, that could help free me from the chains of addiction. I accepted my brothers help and entered Teen Challenge.
Now I am completely surrendered to Christ and I'm overwhelmed by the renewal of my spirit. I can see evidence of restoration taking place in my life and I know only through God is any of this possible. Now, I cheerfully continue my journey in Christ.
Andrew is enrolled in our Re-entry Program. He has a good job, sees his son regularly and is strong in his walk with the Lord. Praise God!
Director's Corner...........
On November 1st I will have been the Executive Director of Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge for one full year. It is amazing how fast a year can pass us by. We praise God for many victories throughout the past year. Our beds are full, our Marriage and Restoration Program is still going strong, the new Re-entry Program, Aftercare Department and Mentorship Program are all going great. We still have programs. What a blessing from God to be able to offer such wonderful opportunities to our students and graduates.
God wants us to be obedient to what He asks of us. We have felt God leading us in all of these areas, and we have been obedient to follow Him and step out in faith. Each of these accomplishments represent a lot of time, commitment, hard work and finances. I like what Mel Reich, our First Vice-President, said at our last meeting, "God didn't part the Red Sea two weeks before the Israelites arrived. He parted the Red Sea when they were at the river bank." God is an on-time God. We trust Him every day to meet the needs at Teen Challenge. It costs us $2000.00 per day to run this ministry. We have been running short by about 35% each month. Please pray about what God would have you give to help meet the needs. God bless you!
On November 1st I will have been the Executive Director of Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge for one full year. It is amazing how fast a year can pass us by. We praise God for many victories throughout the past year. Our beds are full, our Marriage and Restoration Program is still going strong, the new Re-entry Program, Aftercare Department and Mentorship Program are all going great. We still have programs. What a blessing from God to be able to offer such wonderful opportunities to our students and graduates.
God wants us to be obedient to what He asks of us. We have felt God leading us in all of these areas, and we have been obedient to follow Him and step out in faith. Each of these accomplishments represent a lot of time, commitment, hard work and finances. I like what Mel Reich, our First Vice-President, said at our last meeting, "God didn't part the Red Sea two weeks before the Israelites arrived. He parted the Red Sea when they were at the river bank." God is an on-time God. We trust Him every day to meet the needs at Teen Challenge. It costs us $2000.00 per day to run this ministry. We have been running short by about 35% each month. Please pray about what God would have you give to help meet the needs. God bless you!
Pilot Mountain Trip
It was a beautiful Fall day so a short trip to Pilot Mountain seemed like the right thing to do. We loaded up our buses and headed for the mountains. It was a great opportunity for those who were able to go with us. Four of the students stayed back at the center, but for those who were able to come, it was a great afternoon of enjoying God's handiwork.
We have been especially blessed this month. A local church provided tickets for the entire student body and staff to attend the premiere showing of the new movie "Courageous." After the movie we took our tickets for a free sandwich at Chick-fil-A. What a treat. Then, a local teacher donated tickets for us to attend a symphony at UNCG. It was a great opportunity. Several of the guys had never been to a symphony. Last Friday one of our volunteers sponsored all the men to attend a pancake dinner. Believe me, she got her money's worth, the way our men eat.
The community coming together and thinking of Teen Challenge is such a blessing. These were opportunities many of the men have never had. We want to thank everyone who helps provide for this ministry. We pray you will be blessed in return.
Fall Appreciation Banquet.......Coming Up Soon!
Our Fall Appreciation Banquet will be held at Occasions Restaurant, 286 E. Front Street, in Burlington, NC, Monday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. The tickets are $13.50 per person and a table for ten can be purchased for $135.00.
If you are unable to attend you may still send a donation to help offset the expenses of the banquet or to help sponsor our students. Please purchase your tickets as soon as possible to help us get an accurate count for the restaurant.
If you need more information please call Lorna at 336-292-7795 ext. 300. We look forward to a great banquet. You will not want to miss this banquet. We will have our GPTC choir singing and powerful testimonies. JOIN US!
