Led to Stay - Larry’s Story
Larry came to Teen Challenge 10 years ago. He was lost and felt there was no longer any hope in life. He was a bitter, frustrated, angry man who hated who he was and who he had become. Feeling lost and hopeless is a terrible place to be.
Downward Spiral
Larry’s alcoholism had cost him dearly. In his previous life, he had built a reputation as an entrepreneur, enjoying both career success along with a comfortable lifestyle. In his mid- fifties, growing family pressures and constant demands on himself and his time led him to unwind each evening with a drink or two or three. Over the years, that habit deepened, eventually costing him everything that was precious to him. He lost his loving wife, his family, his home and eventually wound up living alone in a motel room.
The realization of being 66 years old, homeless, broken, hopeless and a drunk was unbearably painful.
But by God’s grace and the love and the persistence of a daughter who never gave up on him and who finally convinced him to take that giant first step towards recovery, Larry entered the Teen Challenge Program in London on a cold winter’s day in February of 2016.
A Humbling Experience
Coming to Teen Challenge was a very humbling experience for Larry. Here was a man who had lived a successful and full life who now was sleeping in a one room dormitory on a bunk bed with 14 other men from different walks of life. He continued to feel bitter and angry and now abandonment by his family.
Those first few months were difficult and a struggle for Larry but suddenly God started to take hold in him. Larry remembers reading alone one night when he heard an ever-so-quiet voice speaking to him. It was not an audible voice heard by one’s ears, it was a voice where the words were spoken to his heart. Larry knew the words were spoken by the Holy Spirit.
“Larry, I have you here at this time in your life for a reason and a purpose that you do not yet understand. All I ask is that you put trust and faith back in me once more and I promise that I will reveal to you what My purpose and My plans are for you.”
This was a promise of renewal and hope for the future.
A New Chapter
Larry made the decision that night to change his attitude and life outlook. He began embracing the program and started to lean into the Biblical teaching and personal refinement.
When graduation approached, Teen Challenge already held a special place in Larry’s heart. He had seen firsthand how the program transformed lives and he wanted to remain part of that mission. He first joined the team on a contract basis in the Call Centre, using his professional people skills to build relationships with pastors and booked Teen Challenge Outreaches. After several years, he transitioned into the Intake Admissions department where his interviewing experience from his HR career has made a significant impact.
Each conversation with a prospective client is a careful balance of asking the right questions and listening with genuine compassion. When Larry shares that he is a graduate of the program, it immediately builds credibility and helps ease the fears of those hesitant to take the first step. He also brings comfort to distressed parents and family members, listening to their concerns and speaking hope into their situation. As Larry puts it, “it reaffirms who I am.”
Ten years later, Larry still arrives each day eager to help men take their first steps toward recovery. He has no plans to retire; the work is simply too fulfilling. Teen Challenge has become a place where he feels safe and supported—surrounded by great people and able to make meaningful contributions. He loves being able to give back to the organization that changed his life.
When men and women take their first step and enter into Teen Challenge, few imagine they could one day serve as a staff member. Yet, God often chooses the least expected people to carry out His work. Moses was a murderer, David an adulterer, and Paul persecuted Christians—yet today we remember them as heroes of the faith. Each had a past that could have disqualified them, but God used them powerfully. No story is too broken to be redeemed and used for His glory.
