Teen Challenge mission extends to a carwash

Teen Challenge International Mid America has a history of helping men battle and defeat alcohol and drug addiction.

In Cape Girardeau, the organization is now faced with a challenge the likes of which it compares to the biblical account of Gideon. It has, therefore, turned to the community for help with its newest endeavor.

In Scripture, Gideon's army had shrunk to just 300. This was God's doing, as He wanted to be sure only He could receive credit for the victory He would work through their hands.

Finding inspiration in that, Teen Challenge is asking if any modern-day Gideons are among them.

James Bolin, executive director of Teen Challenge Mid America, said "An existing carwash has been graciously provided at no cost to the ministry, the only cost being the purchase of new equipment."

Elaborating, he said, "A local business heard we were looking for a car wash, and they happened to have one that was inoperative or that they weren't using. ... It will have to have new equipment." This carwash, near the intersection of Independence Street and West End Boulevard in Cape, requires $90,000 for its renovation and supplies -- a daunting task, and this is where Teen Challenge is looking to the example of Gideon's 300.

Teen Challenge used its newsletter to ask 300 people to donate $300, which would bring it to its $90,000 goal.

"The response has been tremendous," said Bolin, as $30,000 already has been raised -- one-third of the goal -- in 30 days.

The carwash will provide much-needed revenue for Teen Challenge, which has 170 students, a much larger group than the organization typically has. The number has almost doubled since Bolin came on board four-and-a-half years ago. Its 170 students make it one of the largest Teen Challenge groups in the nation.

"With that, we needed a new stream of revenue because of the large numbers," Bolin said.

From left, Pastor James Bolin, Josh Jones, Kevin Kim and Brian Schmidt with Teen Challenge Mid-America stand outside the future sight of the program's hand wash car wash on West End Blvd., Tuesday, March 31, 2015. (Laura Simon)

Once the carwash is in its care, it will operate nine or ten hours a day. Bolin is looking forward to securing the business because not only will it help with the finances of Teen Challenge, but it will also provide career opportunities for the men.

"If they do well, they'll already be looked at for employment throughout the country if they want to pursue that," Bolin shared. Thus, "the carwash will provide a great stream of revenue and will also give great training to our students who work at that carwash," the director added, explaining that those in St. Louis who will renovate the business have promised jobs for the men, who may be employed at carwashes throughout the country.

The carwash will, therefore, benefit Teen Challenge's finances, provide vocational training for its students, and offer good business to the city.

"The community loves Teen Challenge, so this is a great service to our community," Bolin said.

Perhaps Teen Challenge is so beloved because it helps transform the lives of the men it takes under its wings. This faith-based organization takes in young men ages 17 and older, and they engage in a 14-month program. Some are court-ordered, while others volunteer. According to Bolin, "The success rate is anywhere from 70 percent to 86 percent."

Teen Challenge, he asserted, distinguishes itself from other organizations with similar goals because of its focus on faith. "We deal with the spiritual part, as well -- the spirit man," he said, adding, "We deal with body, soul and spirit. We credit our success to the Lord Jesus Christ. It's because of one man, and that's Jesus."

Teen Challenge adheres to the "body, soul and spirit" concept with a tight regimen. From the 5 a.m. wake-up to meals to classes to work and religious services, the men are expected to develop in all three areas.

Though the newsletter challenges 300 to give $300, people are other amounts in this ongoing fundraiser. Bolin is most appreciative and is requesting others do the same. Giving thanks to all who have stood alongside Teen Challenge and its efforts, Bolin said, "We're able to do what we do because of the community and donors of Teen Challenge Mid America."

Those interested in giving to the renovation of the carwash may either contact Teen Challenge at 573-335-6508 or contribute online at teenchallengemidamerica.com.