Recognizing the high rates of addictions in rural communities, Executive Director of Central Canada Adult & Teen Challenge, Steve Paulson and team, set out to offer hope to every addict. They added a full time “chaplain” to their staff and designated an additional lead staff to focus on nonresidential ministry in the smaller towns where they do not facilitate a residential ministry.
Allen Edwards, a Teen Challenge graduate and former prison officer, is excited about his new position as chaplain, working to represent Teen Challenge throughout the correctional facilities in central Canada. He helps the offenders know that Teen Challenge is available as a possible alternate sentencing for nonviolent offenses, and as a viable aftercare upon release. Allen will be working with the existing chaplains in the facilities, to establish groups that address “life-controlling addictions” offering a strong Christ-centered recovery and discipleship program with Living Free!
Chris Derksen, the lead staff helping in smaller communities, will be raising up volunteers in four targeted communities. Many students have come into the residential programs, and need continued local help thru the Christ-centered recovery and discipleship groups. Working with Teen Challenge alumni, local pastors and leaders, Steve will assist in setting up an actual nonresidential ministry to represent Teen Challenge by making referrals, yet offering viable ministry groups to families.Also, to those in the earlier stages of addiction, and to alumni & ex-offenders needing encouragement and accountability. Both Allen and Chris have a burden to offer groups and ministry to the “1st Nation” native Canadians as well!
Teen Challenge ministries here at home are in the unique position to impact our nation! Soon, everyone in Central Canada will know that Teen Challenge exists! That they care and are doing everything at their disposal, to offer hope to every addict, and their families; to the incarcerated, and their families! With the US incarcerating 2.3 million, the vast majority due to drug use or trafficking, we must not ignore the offender, ex-offender, or their families No other faith-based recovery program is in the unique position as Teen Challenge to initiate and facilitate nonresidential recovery ministry! Someone or some program will do nonresidential recovery ministry. Teen Challenge must take the lead!
With just 11% (an increase from 7% because of ObamaCare) of addicts coming into residential recovery or treatment, with 70% of addicts “functional” and 70% on prescription meds, nonresidential ministry makes sense. Working both residential & nonresidential together, we truly can make a difference in America! Our alumni will also be key benefactors, they need encouragement and accountability after graduation.
Teen Challenge, USA has been using Lifeline Connection as their brand for nonresidential ministry. At Living Free, we use Living Free Community to identify our multi-church community nonresidential efforts. You can certainly identify your nonresidential program with the brand of your choice; Teen Challenge Community may be a good choice in keeping Teen Challenge in the brand with Community identifying our rural community nonresidential efforts!
