TeenChallengeUSA.com

[Jordan'smom]

My son Jordan is 21 years old and is my firstborn. I love him so much but fear that I will probably loose him to heroin and the devil. If he doesn't die from an O.D., he will die in a drug deal. I'm sure he deals drugs too. I feel so sad and helpless. My husband and I raised him in the ways of the Lord. Sent him to Christian school until 7th grade, took him to church almost every Sunday, did devotions with him, prayed with him, had a loving family for him including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins close by. It wasn't perfect, but it was pretty nice. I don't what went wrong.......I feel like I don't know what is right or worng anymore. I say my prayers for my children every night surrendering them to God's will but I feel very weak lately. I'm also struggling with a debilhitating illness called scleroderma. I have a 19 year old son who I know uses marijuana. He's out on his own and going to school full time plus working so I think he is doing ok so far. But I know he thinks marijuana is pretty harmless. He had finally cut himself off from his older brother, Jordan because he said he's tried to help Jordan but he doesn't think anything will help. In a way it's a blessing that Zac (my 19 y/o) has experienced this with Jordan as he thought we were the unreasonable ones. Now, Zac says he sees why we have taken the stand that we have with Jordan.

My husband and I got pregnant with another son who is now 3 years old. I was 46 and sick with scleroderma at the time and completely shocked that I became pregnant. Our little boy, Nicholas was born. He was perfect and beautiful despite my illness and age. He reminds me so of Jordan as a little boy. It's bittersweet because I see my beautiful Jordan in Nicholas and wonder what I could of done differently for my Jordan and am I going to help prevent this from happening again to Nicholas????

My husband and I have been big followers of Teen Challenge and David Wilkerson for years not knowing that we'd one day be in need of his life saving program. I don't think my son is at rock bottom yet. I want to have any and all information on Teen Challenge in our area ready for him if he will finally surrender himself to God.

It's funny how when your kids are younger your prayers are "Lord, please help my children to grow up to be good people and marry a good woman of God, etc" to "God, if you take my son tonight, please save his soul."

Please pray for Jordan and even Zac that God would be merciful to them and take the blinders off their eyes that satan has glued to them. And also, that God would help me and my husband to submit to His will and have peace.

Thank you so very much, Jordan'smom

[Jonathan Thomas]

Have You tried ,, the resources in the store of this site?


There are excellent options and short studies that can be purchased ,

Look under the staff training,, as well they have student lessons that can be a great help..

G.S.N.C. = GROUP STUDIES FOR NEW CHRISTIANS,,


P.S.N.C = PERSONAL STUDIES FOR NEW CHRISTIANS,,

You may want to take both of your older boys to a Celebrate Recovery even if they dont go you should visit ,,, it will come in handy when you run into people who need this particular type of ministry ,, allot of Churches offer this.

The core of this ministry is so very loving and full of Jesus.

They are very casual and offer a meal each time they meet it is a Christian
12 step and much more...


If you lack the finances for the studies let me know, I would be happy to arrange for them to be sent to your family ,, just call the main office 417 - 862-6969 ,, tell them Jon at 509 468-7557 sent you

I strongly suggest picking up one of the Character Qaulities student manuals ,

They are concise and captivating ,, there a 49 Qaulities and they apply to all ages...


Lord bless this family may You be glorified in their lives ,, comfort the parents and direct the boys,, and protect the little one In Jesus Name Amen,,,,

Love in Christ J.T. >>>t<<<<<<<<




I

[Jordan'smom]

Thank you so much JT for your prayers and suggestions. I will try to find the recovery group you're speaking of and look into the character building books at this site too. I've been to a few meetings through the drug court (even though Jordan has not been arrested yet-he's quite smart and been able to get around the police thus far. I know they are watching him though.) I wish he would be arrested at this point as at least I'd know that he wouldn't OD in jail

TBH, we haven't had alot of substance abuse in our near extended family so this is completely new to us. When I go to the drug court support groups for families, it's so confusing as they adamently argue that substance abuse is a disease and the bottom line, they are designed to help the families deal with the abuse and "feel better" I guess, less guilty about the direction that the abuser has chosen. I just can't see how it all fits together with the bible. If it's a given that substance abuse is a disease, then why bother trying to raise my 3 year old to love and fear God???? I pretty much gather from these support groups that if they have the "gene", we can't make much of a difference. I guess I'm somewhere in the middle......I still can't help but believe that maybe there is something different or better that we could of done.

It makes me feel like kids really aren't that resilient as you hear the "experts" say if that is so.

Thank you again for all you are doing to help these people and their families!
Jordan's mom

[neweverymorning]

He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. All things are possible with God no matter how things appear. He is soverign over all. GOD can be trusted. Amen!!

[Jonathan Thomas]

There is a resource site at the brooklyn Teen Challenge its an excellent way to get some information, look at all the topics it will bring you much solice and comfort,,


Drug abuse is a sin ,, sure you can call it a disease ,, but the bottom line it is a sin and sin is like cancer a sickness ,,, there are many reasons people do drugs,, and they are all very sad ,,but choice in Christ will bring about change .. and prayer ,,,and love,,,

You will find allot of support in Celebrate Recovery ,, its for you as well , usually it is on fridaynight they do this for a reason,,, pre weekend...

Just type in Celebrate Recovery on the internet ....

There are many Bibles on the market if you go to Amazon or Christian book.com it will be cheaper ,, I strongly suggest you get a life recovery Bible to have on hand for your boys ,,if we look at Bibles in the Christian book stores there are many variations that can capture the interest of the individual, the captions can be very captivating,, I belive if I had had some of the types of printed Bibles as a young child or man it would have been very effective with me ,,, Get the 3 year old picture Bibles and start changing them every few years based on his age bracket ,, again the caption variations are very amlicable and have him watch Odyssey for children and families or listen on the radio, you just need to find things, that is appropriate for each age group and particular type of personality,, a key here is brain washing, in Christ washed by the word by the Blood ,, there is so much deprograming in the sin culture ,,we need to reprogram the visuals and audio and emotional responces or just try and get it righ up front .. secular entertainment and sensationalisms corrupt the moral integrity of our beings and cause chaos,, ,, but we can ingrain Christian values through what is implemented into our thought life as well we can be entertained and protected

Stay active in Church and not Just once a week there are many ways to be involved that are not only convienant but helpfull as well..

Play Christian radio staions with both music and teaching have it on in the house all day just turn it down when you are needing to pay attention to your interpersonal conversations,,, its subconsious in a way and benificial to all

Make a commitment to start for one week to listen to something like Moody bradcasting or what ever you can tune in and see if through that 7 days you dont feel much better ,, hopefully you never go back to secular radio is you have not already made the change ,,

I can tell you I was so in the world for years ,, Christian radio is one of the things that change my life and also ministries like Teen Challenge

By this you are setting a great atmosphere of continuity for your family and it is Gorifying to God ,, same goes with the computers

When we become Christians we need to reintegrate so much of our behavior, that why we need help from the older more experienced body of Christ = fellow believers

Be patient, as society has changed in it inovative ways so has sin,, we learn as we go and Christians are not a perfect lot, just very much more concerned about the eternal prospect of our souls,,

Also if he is aprrehended you can send to him study material,, fom Teen Challenge Like one lesson called Go see the Judge ,, .

A new way of life and so on ...

I pray that if he does get aprehended that we remember to pray for the Police officers and there personal safety as well as there family and walks with Jesus ,,

some of these officers would rather use epistles than pistols ,, = love

I would also get the ball rolling with a director or intake cordinator of a Local Teen Challenge Center, the information will benifit you ,, and you can share it with others

Most people would rather be in Teen Challenge than Jail ,, because of the Love and Jesus factor.. maybe he will go now or maybe he will go later ,,, I know peoiple who have revocationalized as well because of mid life crisis ,,, which is a good thing...

start getting on there mailing list or pick up some info at one of their main offices

They usually have a banquet of helpfull encouraging information,

Grab extra and pass it around ,, or make a few copys of it ...

Again my offer still stands for the future,, Just call them and give them the info they will bill me for it ....

If there is any helpfullnes in me it because of Jesus and the body of Christ ,, You have no idea how much help I have recieved This is just one way of paying the debts

Romans13:8
Ist Corinthians 13:13

and if anyone knows how to use a spell check on this site would you please let me know... Thank you..

Love in Christ J.T. >>>t<<<<<<<<

[Jordan'smom]

Thank you JT for taking the time to write down all these great suggestions. I will check all of them out. I really like your suggestion on the different bibles for different ages.

I hear over and over that when a substance abuser has been through various rehab programs, it's best if they don't go back to their hometown (where they participated in the life). Would it be better for me to find a TC program outside of the state for the future if and when we can persuade him to admit himself??? Also, does a person have to go through a detox program prior to going to TC?

Thank you! I'm happy that you have triumphed through Christ over your sin and are now able to help other lost souls with hope.

Jordan'smom
PS: I was looking for the spell checker myself

[Jonathan Thomas]

Trust in the Lord He will direct your path,

I will keep you all in prayer..

If it is a Christian program Gods blessings will be all over it,,

Love in Christ J.T. >>>t<<<<<<<<

[Jordan'smom]

Well, I'm back after 10 months since posting regarding my son Jordan. He has finally been caught and is in serious trouble with the law. He was caught for distribution of heroin and cocaine, owning 3 stolen guns, etc, etc etc.
I fear he may be in prison for a long time. How sad....a child whom was raised in the faith, whom loved the Lord when he was little. How can this happen???? He needs so much prayer now. I want this to stop. I want God to convict him of his sin and change his rock hard heart. He tested positive for off the charts coke, benzos and marijuana. It really seems hopeless to my flesh.

I want to get him the Life Recovery Bible and workbook. I believe they will allow those in prison. I know they stipulated soft cover. I don't have any idea what they use to write with. Is there anything else I should get for him?

Gods' peace and blessings to everyone here!!!
Martha

[rsoza36]

Hi, The testimony you shared regarding your son is all to common when he or she continues down the paths of sin. My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family. May the lord give you and your family a strenght and courage to stay the course like never before. It is in these times that the lord tells you and I to Draw closer to HIM, so that HE can Draw closer to you. We are to remain in HIM, so that HE CAN remain in you. I want you to understand this sister, because God is putting this on my heart for YOU. There will be peace again, just not on your time table , but the Lords. Today you and your family have more resposibilies now more than ever to the Lord and the task(s )we are given. "Dont lose sight of that". Hay there will be times where at first you may Not understand HIS, plans but the results Will prove that "GODS WAY IS RIGHT AND BEST FOR YOU ALL".! And heres the grabber, HE does this through family memebers including those that we love the most. WHY,...because God truly has a HOPE AND FUTURE for Jordan Matthew. Hay I myself was your son at one time in my God given life, until The lord brought me to whats called a concrite heart,..(Broken) And thats how the lord reaches those that chose that hard and rough path. Even scripture stated that,.."The lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalms 34:18) I just wanted to share alil something with you and your family and hopfully in Gods time your boy(s) will receieve the lord wholeheartedly. The power of prayer is so vitial to the believers as yourselve. I like to know more about him if possiable and continue to pray for you and your family. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OVER AND OVER........r.soza

[Jordan'smom]

Thank you R for your reply. Jordan has been incarcerated since August awaiting a hearing/trial. He has multiple felonies related to distribution and weapons. He is in serious trouble. When I go to visit him at jail, he says he does pray but doesn't much feel like reading the Bible. He's been reading novels and murder mysteries. He doesn't really seem to be as contrite as I would hope for. I don't know if he's covering up because the jail records everything said. Still, I'd think he'd be more broken. He doesn't want to attend any of the prison ministry meetings. He is very antagonistic especially towards anything his dad has to say about faith and God. Even with me. He tells me that he was addicted to the money and "security" money brings more than drugs. I think both are equal because he always goes back to drugs. He tells me that he wants to go to school and be do something with his life. But he seems intrigued with the gangsta lifestyle. He loved sports and was good at them. He was drawn to rap music and was tantalized with the gangsta lifestyle as a teen. I do wish he had someone who could relate to him and his thinking but has come out triumphant through Jesus and could set him straight. I do pray for him always and that is my only hope at this point. I was hoping to send him a book that was a biography on someone like him who ultimately came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ is the only way to true peace and contentment. If you could suggest one, that would be great. There are many Bibles in prison but he's not reading them.

I'm so glad that you saw the light and have turned your life around. Thank you for your kind words of hope at this dark time in our lives.

Blessings,
Jordan's mom