On February 9th 1958 God began to burden the heart of David Wilkerson to focus on prayer and spend less time watching TV. He put an advertisement in the newspaper to sell his TV and told the Lord, that if it sells in the first 30 minutes that the newspapers hit homes, that he would know that it was God truly speaking to him to sell it. Before 30 minutes had passed David Wilkerson received a call and sold his TV.  This was the beginning of 19 days of prayer that were responsible for the foundation of Teen Challenge.

During these days of prayer the February 24th edition of LIFE Magazine came out with a story of 7 boys on trial for the murder of Michael Farmer. As David Wilkerson read this story, the Lord spoke to him, "Go help those boys."  He decided to drive to New York City and go to the trial. On February 28 David stood  in the courtroom on a mission from the Lord. He would not back down from the call and I believe it was on that day that the Lord confirmed that helping the boys in the gangs was his assignment.

Life Magazine Article

From that time the Spirit of the Lord established Teen Challenge in the heart of his servant, David Wilkerson. I believe each and every leader of Teen Challenge around the world can have a moment like this where the Spirit speaks clearly to them about this call to "help those boys," -to help the hurting who are addicted.

On February 9- 11, 2012, Teen Challenge of the Southeast Region will be hosting a Prayer Summit to remind us of the roots of this ministry. I am happy to announce that Don Wilkerson will be the keynote speaker on February 9, and will kick off two days of prayer, worship and intercession. We have invited

the International House of Prayer ministry to provide a worship team to lead us between our times of preaching and prayer proclamations. We want to challenge people to participate in 19 days of prayer with prayer focuses and prayers of proclamation for each of those 19 days. 

We plan to make the events of February 9-11 available via the internet and hope you will join us for this wonderful focus on prayer. We believe that God will visit Teen Challenge as we focus on prayer, just getting in the presence of Jesus and allowing Him to speak to us. 

When I shared this vision with one of my staff, he responded, "Count me in."  I want to know if I can "Count You In" on this special prayer emphasis.

As we turn our hearts to God as our founders did, maybe we too need to consider getting rid of our TV or at least restrict the time we spend before it.

I want to call you to prayer and fasting as the Lord would have you do so. We feel compelled to take this opportunity to highlight our founder's commitment to prayer during the first 50 years of our existence and make prayer a priority for the next 50 years.

You are welcome to come to Columbus, Georgia, for this event, but know that space is limited.  Please contact Gary Blank at the Teen Challenge International Conference Center: email:  gary.blank@teenchallenge.cc or phone:  334-855-0876.

Teen Challenge USA has centers for adult men and women and centers for adolescents, but at this time of year some of the brightest smiles are found in our family and women and children centers.  In San Jose, California they are getting ready to celebrate Christmas for approximately 319 people, including 129 teenagers and children. Years ago San Jose Teen Challenge recognized the need to provide ministry and housing for mothers with children. They opened in 1971 and have been working to teach women and their children biblical principles that will lead to a new life in Christ.

Jacque is one of their graduates. She was raised in a world of addiction, both

Jacque & Michael in Teen Challenge

her parents were addicts. At thirteen she tried crystal meth and was immediately addicted. Her father died when she was 16, a few years later her grandmother died and six days after that her mother died. Jacque felt that her life was hopeless. But at Teen Challenge, she has learned to love herself and others.  

While at Teen Challenge she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Shortly afterward she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Through this difficult time the Lord gave her His strength and she now knows that with God all things are possible.

Jacque & Michael today

Jacque received a scholarship for high school students who have turned their lives around in a positive way.  After 2 ½ years of hard work and determination Jacque graduated and earned her degree as a Respiratory Therapist. Today Jacque and her son are living a new life that she thought would never be possible.

Some Teen Challenge centers have after-school programs to reach the children in their community before they become involved in the drug culture. These centers are welcoming children to a safe place after school for academic tutoring, activities, and a time for staff, students and volunteers to share Christ's love. Teen Challenge centers across the United States are reaching out to their communities to share hope for a new life in Christ.