I was born to two loving parents, but when I was 4 they divorced. Mom really tried to be there for us, but I kept all my hurt and anger inside. I struggled in school and got in trouble a lot.

By Gr. 6, I was smoking, and by 15 I was a full-blown alcoholic, drug user and dealer. At 18, I injected morphine and was hooked. Some good friends took care of me at my lowest and eventually I came off the morphine, but I jumped right back into the bottle and street drugs. Even the death of my best friend who was killed drinking and driving didn’t stop my addiction.

His girlfriend was starting to change and I found out she was getting help from a church. I now know that she was also praying for me and my salvation. She was always there for me. Over time, we became close. She introduced me to some wonderful people who wanted to show me a different way.

That night I accepted Christ and I started to change.

There were days when I didn’t want to get high or drunk. I was baptized in 2007. The guest speaker at the service shared about Teen Challenge and what the Lord had done in him.

I entered the program but left after 6 weeks. I also left God behind.

It took a serious eye injury to bring me back to Him and Teen Challenge. Since then, the Lord is growing me spiritually through my trials. He has never left me nor forsaken me. He showed me love when I needed it the most. I thank Him every day for the changes He has made in me!