Teen Challenge

Don't let the words fool you. Actually, our students have been the complete opposite of challenging. They have been absolutely fantastic! Each and every one of them has brought something to the table on this trip.
This evening we had a BBQ supper with a group called Teen Challenge. This is a Christian organization which helps anyone over the age of 18. Help is quite a broad word because the individuals come to the program with addiction issues, but the key here is that it is 100% voluntary, and the main reason people come is to develop a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.  This is why the program has such a high success rate. Our students were very touched by some of the testimonies. One in particular involved a young man named Gabriel. He was recently released from a federal prison. He now has plans to go do missionary work in Africa upon completion of his time at Teen Challenge. Later we split into two groups. Our girls went with the females enrolled in Teen Challenge, while the boys spent time with the males. The boys shared stories, and had a great game of basketball! The girls all seemed to be very moved by the stories, testimonies, and their prayer time. The sincerity of prayer time for the boys was also quite evident after our basketball game. Hearts were moved, and you could feel the presence of the Lord!
A quick update on our work projects. We spent the day at the Pentecostal Church working on painting projects, framing, fixing pews, ceilings and dry-walling. The pastor, Manuel, and members of his congregation were very thrilled with the improvements to the facility. We were able to pray together as a group at the end of our day. Again, a very powerful 'God' moment!

Tomorrow we are off to Carlsbad Caverns for a day trip, which is a 2 hour drive into New Mexico. Looking forward to it!! We will talk to you all tomorrow...