A dramatic encounter

My adult life was a tragic list of bad choices that ultimately led me to the end of myself. I was a chronic alcoholic and drug addict, which also led to a porn addiction.

I went to prison and was involved in a world of violence – until Jesus Christ plucked me out of death and showed me his crazy love and grace. He gave me a life free from alcohol, drugs, porn and violence; a life free from the bondage and chains that go with the ‘walking death’ that people like the old me so often mistake for life!

This all happened six years ago, and I have never been the same. All I now want to do with my new free life that Jesus has gifted me is to give to others what I have been so freely given – radical love by radical grace! Led by the Holy Spirit, I unknowingly picked up a book at Koorong bookstore about Dave Wilkerson and the beginning of Teen Challenge in America. The book instantly spoke to me. I was reading and felt stirred to find out more about Teen Challenge in South Australia. I knew the men there would be just like me. I was just on the other side of the ‘Jesus fence’, so to speak, having had a dramatic encounter with Jesus! I wanted to tangibly show the reality of the living God, Jesus Christ, in my own life to the students. That is why I began volunteering at Teen Challenge SA!

For anyone considering volunteering, I thoroughly recommend it. You not only have the chance to enrich the lives of the students by giving of your time, but your life will be enriched also.

The last five months have been such a rich and valuable experience. The men at Teen Challenge SA are remarkable, and I just love seeing the changes that only Jesus brings, and all in real-time, right in front of me!

It gives me so much inner joy to see the men being transformed by Jesus to become new creations. It absolutely rocks! That is because he forgave me of all people – a dirty, rotten, filthy sinner. He showed me grace and love by forgiving me for my sins and gave me a new life in him. I now love my life and I wouldn’t trade it or Jesus for anything, and I know Jesus wants to do the same for these men at Teen Challenge too! It’s a great deal because the king of kings is the real deal!

For anyone considering volunteering, I thoroughly recommend it. You not only have the chance to enrich the lives of the students by giving of your time, but your life will be enriched also.