I am 19 years old and from Bentonville, AR. Currently, I am in Adult and Teen Challenge of Arkansas (ATCAR for short). Most importantly, I’m a forgiven and redeemed child of God. I no longer identify by what the world defines me as, a criminal, thief, liar, and ignorant. God reached down into the mess I found myself in and showed me what being a true Christian is about.

God has delivered me from my addiction, and I’m free! Free from alcohol, from the lifestyle of bondage I was living before having a true spiritual connection with Him. This program is not just a drug treatment program, it’s a place for spiritual healing and discipleship. I feel strongly that my calling is to witness and spread His word for the benefit of His Kingdom. No more deep depression, rage, hopelessness, or grief, just His love, and grace. My name is Chase, thank you for your help. You will never know how much I and so many others appreciate you, and how you’ve changed our lives through Christ.

Hello, my name is James and I am a student here at Adult and Teen Challenge. Before coming here, I was lost in my daily life. I let the situations control me instead of me controlling them. I was married to a wonderful lady for 20 years and had three wonderful children. I had all the things you could want until I started drinking and then became a high functioning alcoholic, all the while still providing for the family. Then one day my wife passed away and I lost total control. I lost everything I had worked for. My children grew up and moved on and I was alone. Then I came to Adult & Teen Challenge and with the studying of God’s word and help from the staff here I am learning to love myself again and finding my relationship with God once again. I know now that God loves me through the good as well as the bad, and the ugly.

I was raised going to church with both grandfathers being preachers. Through the pain of traumatic hidden events in my childhood, I found myself as an adult living in a two-bedroom trailer with three adults and six children and submerged in drugs.  Other people were in and out doing drugs daily, and even though I participated, my heart was in the protection of those children.  When I tried to move out of  situation, I was severely beaten, but knew I had to get away.  By the merciful grace of God, I am at ATC developing healthy relationships and a solid and relationship with God…I am safe.  I thank Him every day for second chances and mercy.

My wife told me about ATCA and that it was a faith-based program. At this point, at the age of 41, I knew it was time to make a choice, life or death. Well, it’s been over a year now and I’ve turned my life over to God the best I know how. Thanks to ATCA for giving me a chance to build a better relationship with God, I’ve graduated the program and now have a full-time job. One that I enjoy doing very much. Thank you, God, and ATCA!