October 2011 Newsletter

Have you ever asked yourself, "Where has the time gone?"  I find myself amazed that the holidays are fast approaching us.  It is a time of excitement and a time for us to thank God for all His provisions throughout 2011.

Following is the testimony of   Jacob Smith.  Jacob wants to share with you why he is thankful for Teen Challenge, for your support of this ministry and for all Christ has done in his life. 

     My name is Jacob Edward Smith. I grew up in Tallahassee, FL, in a very good, Christian home. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was in elementary school. Once I went to middle school I decided the way I would deal with anyone who would pick on me for my speech impediment or my learning disabilities was to fight them. So the third day of my sixth grade year I was suspended for a week for getting into a fight with an eighth grader who made fun of the way I talked. At this point in time I didn't realize that I had a serious depression and anger problem.

     Then in the eighth grade my parents realized that something wasn't right. My mom made an appointment with a doctor and the test came back that I had clinical depression and I was actually suicidal. My parents tried to help me.

      Once I got into high school my addiction to drugs and alcohol became out of control. I found myself getting high before class every day and then just skipping school all the time. I found myself at a young age hanging out with older guys so on the weekends I would stay the night at their house, go to different parties with them, and try new drugs. But the drug that I knew was going to be the death of me was ecstasy. I fell in love with the way it made me feel from the very first time I did it.  I continued to do ecstasy until I came into the Teen Challenge.

     During the time I spent at Teen Challenge God delivered me from anger, clinical depression, and drug and alcohol addictions.  I have found the love of Jesus in my heart.  He has truly changed me from the inside out.  He has given me a passion to work with youth and use my testimony to advance His kingdom.  For all the things that have changed in my life I give all the praise and glory to God, and thank Him for making me into a new creation.  Paul says in II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man should be in Christ he is a new creation the old has gone and the new has come."

 Jacob graduated several months ago and went to work at Tallahassee Teen Challenge for an internship.  He came back to Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge and is now one of our dorm staff members.  He is a true blessing!

We send our letters to approximately 3200 people each month.  If each person would give just $10.00 it would give us one of our largest income months.  Would you please consider what you can give to this ministry?  You may not have given in a long time, but can send $10.00 or maybe you can give more.  Please pray about it and send your donation today.  God bless you and thank you for your continued prayers and financial blessings to Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bob Harman

Executive Director