Banquet highlights help Teen Challenge gives

The annual Teen Challenge banquet is an opportunity for donors to hear from those the program has helped and other speakers and performers. At this year's banquet, held Saturday night, many people offered testimony on how God changed their lives through the program.

Orin da Bellamonte, a former drug addict, said a jailhouse epiphany led him to Christianity, while Teen Challenge helped him work everything out.

Keynote speaker Jeri Hill, wife of the late evangelist Steve Hill, spoke about how she was born after her mother was raped at 17. She used to do drugs, but then turned to God after enrolling in Teen Challenge.

"Someone told me once, 'You're brainwashed,'" Hill said. "I said, 'I needed my brain washed.' ... Once Teen Challenge gets into your spirit, you can't let it go. It's a family you can't let go of."

In the last year, the local Teen challenge has added 40 beds to its existing 300. It has also built a prayer tower and a staff room. All of this was done debt-free through donations.

"Our vision is to expand. Our goal is to try to reach every drug addict in America and in the world," Teen Challenge executive director the Rev. James Bolin said.

The organization is able to reach people who are going through some of the toughest times in their lives. We thank those involved with Teen Challenge for their efforts.

If you would like to make a donation, call (573) 335-6508 or visit teenchallengemidamerica.com/donation.aspx.

If you are struggling and think Teen Challenge can help you, visit teenchallengemidamerica.com/gethelp.aspx.