The fruit of 50 years of Ministry

They were attempting to raise money for their organization called “Teen Challenge”. Its aim is to provide a means, by which teenagers that have been unfortunately caught up into life’s many dangers. With this ministry those teens with drug additions can be given a realistic way out. Upon talking with Dandi, I hope I have her name spelled right, she explained that it was a whole program that a teenager could get into which could quite literally change their life. She told us it is a 13-14 month program which she herself had gone through that set her free and completely changed her life around. That says something!!!

She explained how the roots of Teen Challenge all had to do with David Wilkerson, and that there are many active centers within the organization. According to the Teen Challenge website, there are over 170 teen challenge centers spread across the United States alone, and even more centers spread out over six continents. The thing that got me the most about Dandi was her personal character. She really loves Jesus, and she really is really thankful for what the Teen Challenge Ministry Center has done for her life.

David Wilkerson is known mostly by a true life story of the a book called “The Cross and the Switchblade” and subsequent movie which can also be found on video. This story is about how David Wilkerson under the leading of God, went into the heart of gang territory in New York, and began to minister to gang members and how many of the gang members had converted to Christ including one particular gang member by the name of Nicky Cruz. Since 1958 many teen centers have been opened, along with the one at Times Square Church in New York. Dandi is one of that ministry's recent fruits which continues, almost 50 years later!!

I had personally been to Time Square Church up in New York about 4 or 5 years ago. It is a theater located right off of the Times Square area. It is an elegant older Broadway theater, but yet, when you walk in, you feel the presence of God and the anointing right away. There is much praise in their services, and the instrumental band and choir are just awesome. Even if you don’t like to sing you will soon find yourself singing in there. (If you want to see an example of his preaching go to www.youtube.com and enter -David Wikerson runing the right race)

This is a just a very good example of what is going on in our youth ministries that are in our communities. These should be saluted and supported. Click onTeen Challenge of South Texas for further information or to see how you can be of support or even be of personal help. There are many centers spread throughout the United States and there has been an avenue provided by the ministry, that individuals who desire can become involved in the restoration of our youth. Would it not be a great idea for churches as well to get cross involved as we are all part of the body of Christ and to offer our services like we joined hands during Katrina. We do not have to wait for a major event to happen. There are many who need our help now. If God is moving on your heart to help, go to their website and find out how you can be a part of a ministry

that can build up a teenagers life who really is in need of help.