My friend Rob Dean wanted me to share my story about Alpha and Teen Challenge I have two motivations one focused on Alpha and another focused on Teen Challenge this Thanksgiving I wanted to share both. Grateful for our prayer team and to Jesus for seeing him change lives (Acts 1:8).
My adolescence took a dark turn when I let music and pain shape my choices. After family trauma, I turned to drugs - believing I was in control, when in truth, I was lost. What followed was two chaotic years of addiction, broken relationships, and a downward spiral that led me through multiple treatments, arrests, and eventually, the psych ward - four times.
At my lowest point, I faced a choice: long-term psychiatric care or a long-term treatment center specializing in dual diagnosis. I chose treatment. There, I began to understand my mental and spiritual condition. The program spoke of a “higher power,” but I couldn’t accept an undefined God. One day I told my counselor, “I believe God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. He died for my sin so I can have a relationship with God. I feel like I need to give my life to Jesus and accept him into my life as Lord and Savior.” He simply said, “If that’s what you believe, you should do it.”
I walked out of that office, surrendered my life to Jesus, and felt the weight of guilt and shame lift. Peace flooded in. I decided to rebuild my life - returned to college, studied accounting, and began walking with God daily.
Decades later, I’m almost 30 years sober and helping others discover that same freedom. At Teen Challenge MN (TC), we introduced Alpha as a way for residents to invite family into their recovery journey - to see firsthand who Jesus is and what He’s done in their lives.
We’re now in our third year of hosting Alpha in the long-term TC. We’ve tried different formats - family dinners, then dessert nights. Our desire is to create space for authentic conversations. Today, a dozen men gather weekly around one table, watching the Alpha Film Series and discussing questions of faith. Every Thursday, we pray for them by name.
Through these conversations, we see lives changing. Fathers and sons being restored, men finding hope and purpose. I share my own story: once estranged, now entrusted as the executor of my parents’ estate - a full-circle redemption only God could write.
The world’s prescription for a thief is jail time. God’s prescription, from Ephesians, is transformation: “Let the thief steal no longer, but work diligently with his hands so he may give to those in need.” That’s the kind of renewal we witness through Alpha—men discovering a God who doesn’t just forgive but gives new purpose.
Every session reminds me: when we follow God’s revealed will, He reveals His personal plan. Morning by morning, we see new mercies. Through Alpha, we’re creating a space of receptivity where Jesus heals, restores, and calls men into His Kingdom - for their good and His glory.
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