Unfortunately, students leave the program for many different reasons: blaming you, telling you God has told them it was time to go, health reasons, spouse, kids, no one to take care of their dog, the list goes on. Their excuses can be downright comical sometimes. Things they cared nothing about before entering the program, all of the sudden become urgent matters. Of course, someone who begins to gain some sobriety and regain their sense of responsibility often realizes there are things that need to be taken care of. Getting them to understand their number one priority is to get their own lives together first so that they can handle their responsibilities is sometimes a challenging task. The point is, sometimes they will leave.
This is, partially, because most students do not enter with the purest motives. A large portion enter the program because they feel they must – parents, court, etc. Others come in merely to get away from the negative circumstances. Some come in because they actually want to get off drugs. There is a very small percentage that enter the program because they want to surrender their lives to Christ and follow Him. Even though they enter with ulterior motives, we know that God’s grace and love is reaching out to them through us offering, His grace, love, healing, hope and eternal life.
They learn quickly that it is not about getting off of drugs. It is not about giving your problems to God. It is about giving your entire life to Him; all of you, the good and the bad. We share this truth with them and pray for them. But do they want it to get away from circumstances? Yes. Do they want to get off drugs? Maybe. Do they want to fall in love with Jesus and follow him?
In John chapter 6 Jesus shared with those following Him that He is the bread of life. To follow Him they must eat His flesh and drink His blood! After hearing this, some of the disciples (yes, it says disciples) left and followed Him no more. Here is what it says, “From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” They left His program. That is John 6:66 by the way. (Something interesting to consider!) Hearing what “being a Christian” was really all about, they didn’t want it; and so it may be with some of our students. The Holy Spirit will continue to work in their lives even if they leave prematurely. Heart-breaking, that some — many-are not ready. Jesus had drop-outs too!
But here’s the deal. As Teen Challenge staff we offer one thing: Jesus. He is the One who brings grace, love, healing, hope and eternity! NO OTHER (non-Christ centered) drug program has that to offer!
