Friday, May 1, 2009

Teen Challenge Dinner


Last night I attended the Teen Challenge dinner at the Convention Center. Never having been to one I wasn't sure what to expect, but I know that I didn't expect to walk into a room with 1200 people, many of whom had heartbreaking stories about how the Devil has worked in their past. But, as one put it, 'When the Devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.'

They told stories about drugs and alcohol, abuse and prison, but each story ended the same way: with transformation through the power of Jesus Christ. It was heartbreaking, and yet there was so much hope I found myself with goosebumps half the night. It was exciting to hear how Christ was working in their lives through individuals who were willing to love and support them, even in the darkest of nights. THe power of drugs, the power of alcohol, had been shattered by the power of love, and their lives were transformed by the HOly SPirit. It was humbling, and it was convicting. Teen Challenge doesn't work for everyone, but those whom it does work for are witnesses to how Christ is with us in our darkest hour and is working, constantly, to illumine our lives with the everlasting light of love that shines only from God.

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