NewsApril 16, 2018
Teen Challenge banquet brings together graduates, supporters for 'night of miracles'
More than 1,000 students, program graduates and supporters were in attendance for what James Bolin, director of Teen Challenge of Mid-America, called a �night of miracles� � the annual banquet Saturday night at the Show Me Center. Since 1970, Cape Girardeau�s branch of Adult and Teen Challenge has served as a faith-based haven for recovery from addiction. ...
Matt Dollard
More than 1,000 students, program graduates and supporters were in attendance for what James Bolin, director of Teen Challenge of Mid-America, called a �night of miracles� � the annual banquet Saturday night at the Show Me Center.
Since 1970, Cape Girardeau�s branch of Adult and Teen Challenge has served as a faith-based haven for recovery from addiction.
The Adult and Teen Challenge praise band and choir served as a driving force for the event, along with testimonies of some current and former students whose lives were changed by the program.
Choir member William Huntsman said he entered the program after being denied access to a secular rehabilitation program.
�God shut that door,� Huntsman said. �[Teen Challenge] is the best decision I�ve made in my life.�
Marc Harris, who also gave a testimony, said the beauty of the program is evident when �these men sing �Amazing Grace,� and for the first time in their lives, know its true meaning.
�I will always remember where I was when James [Bolin] said, �We are putting hope within reach of every addict,�� Harris said.
Bolin, in an interview, said his nearly eight years as director have changed his perspective on the problem of addiction in America.
�You see firsthand the destruction that drug and alcohol abuse causes in people�s lives and it gives you a greater compassion,� Bolin said. �Reaching every addict: That�s what drives this ministry, and these people [in attendance] make it happen. Cape Girardeau and the surrounding areas have been so supportive of this ministry. They make it possible; there would be no Teen Challenge without these supporters.�
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The banquet, which is the organization�s only fundraiser each year, featured a silent auction for items including a large pontoon boat and a vintage baseball glove autographed by Stan Musial, as well as a year�s worth of services for lawn mowing and home maintenance provided by Teen Challenge students. Additionally, the Adult and Teen Challenge Furniture Restoration Shop provided some 15 pieces of antique furniture for sale.
Program director Zach Norris said the event allows sponsors to see where their donations are going, and the incredible transformations that are taking place in student�s lives.
Norris said all 127 banquet tables had been sponsored by attendees to help balance the cost of catering and venue.
Joe Batluck, president of Adult and Teen Challenge USA, who also spoke at the banquet, said $442 billion is spent each year dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. He said the 254 Teen Challenge locations across the United States, and more than 1,000 international campuses are working in combat of that.
Batluck quoted David Wilkerson, a founder of the organization, as a summary of the Teen Challenge purpose and mission statement: �Hope lives here. Freedom is found here. Change lives here.�
�It�s the task we�re faced with; to rebuild lives,� Batluck said.
Pertinent address:
303 Matc Lane, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
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