Sanctuary of Praise

~ with extensive oak woodwork, the new Teen Challenge 5,500-square-foot chapel seats 325 people.

North of Cape Girardeau on a high hill that could be taken as symbolic of its purposes, the Teen Challenge International of Mid America alcohol and drug treatment center saw a full house gather Monday night to dedicate its new chapel.

About 160 residents, most of them men in their 20s, joined an exuberant crowd of supporters to nearly pack the 325-seat Sanctuary of Praise, where a five-piece band led by music coordinator John Bechtel performed songs including "It's All Because of Jesus I'm Alive," "Build Your Kingdom Here" and "The Splendor of the King."

Speaking before the 90-minute program began, TCIMA executive board President Eric Cunningham said the $300,000 chapel project was completed in less than a year, including fundraising, and the 5,500-square-foot chapel opens debt-free. Featuring extensive oak woodwork, it represents an expansion and total remodeling of the previous 4,000-square-foot facility. The steeply inclined concrete road from County Road 621 to the chapel and all the driveways were repaved.

Worship services were held in the gymnasium during three months' work by M J Construction of Fredericktown, Mo. The company's president and founder, Brad and Ron Reagan, attended.

Executive board treasurer Marc Harris said the prime mover was executive director, the Rev James Bolin. "As brother Bolin's vision took root in the area and with what's happening up here on the hill, the chapel was starting to bust at the seams," Harris said.

TCIMA is a long-term, residential, faith-based program that ministers to men with drug, alcohol and other addictions, as well as life controlling issues, according to the TCIMA website. It is part of a worldwide network of ministries that includes about 200 centers that ministers to men ages 16 and older from all walks of life. The website says TCIMA typically has about 135 men who participate in the program for about 10 months, and about 330 men yearly complete the program, which consists of spiritual, academic and vocational components.

"He [Bolin] intertwines the academic part and work ethic, but his spiritual emphasis is the tip of the sword," Harris said.

Board member John Chamness, pastor of the First Assembly of God in Cape Girardeau, said the local Teen Challenge's 10- to 14-month program's 85-percent success rate is integral to its support.

"The small percentage of folks who don't make it through, who choose to leave and go back to their old lifestyle, haven't come to the realization of who they can be in Christ," said Chamness. "It takes time to realize who God is and that God can make a difference in their lives."

He said the Cape Girardeau center has about 30 staff members.

Taking the stage near a slogan saying, "Miracles Can Happen," graduates Caleb Clark of Bartlesville, Okla., and Trent Bradam of Republic, Mo., told their stories of redemption, and retiring board member Bob Fortney of Cape Girardeau accepted a plaque in appreciation of his 15 years' service.

Former longtime executive director Jack Smart reminisced about his late parents, Thomas H. and Blanche Smart, whose bequest helped finance the project. The Smarts' names are engraved in stone outside by that of graduate Patrick W. Lowery.

Before district executive secretary Stan Welch of Spingfield, Mo., led the crowd's dedicatory statement, Bolin cited Jesus Christ's calling of his first disciples in Mark 1:16-18.

Attendees bow their heads in prayer during a chapel dedication service at Mid America Teen Challenge Monday, Feb. 10, at 303 Matc Ln. in Cape Girardeau County. (Adam Vogler)

Bolin, like Welch, his brother-in-law, an Assembly of God minister, said the clergy is appropriate for some MATC graduates, but others should study the Bible and pray to find their callings, which will become clear when the necessary support systems and money develop.

"Sitting in this sanctuary tonight are some of the most talented people I have ever known, and you are bound for greatness," Bolin said. "Do what you were anointed to do."

Invoking the Holy Spirit, he also cited Exodus 25:8: "And let them make a sanctuary for me, that I may dwell among them."

As they had twice previously, a number of people came to the foot of the stage to raise their hands and sing with the band to the final hymn, "How Great Thou Art."