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Leadership Link
Putting Hope within Reach of Every Addict |
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April 2015
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| Global Teen Challenge Newsletter |
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Featured Department
Bernie and Cathy Gillott serve as the Global Evangelism Coordinators assisting TC centers around the world with outreach from major crusades to street outreaches, and musical events. They also provide training to staff and volunteers on effective community outreach.
Click here for more information on their ministry. See the latest EVANGELISM report in this issue. |
 Upcoming Training Events & Conferences Teen Challenge Staff
Europe Teen Challenge Conference
Poznan, Poland
April 23 - 26
Registration
GTC Africa
Teen Challenge
Awareness Meeting
Accra, Ghana
May 18 - 21
Information: adroll@globaltc.org
TC USA
Gulf / South Central
May 21 - May 22, 2015
Tulsa, OK
Registration
TC USA
Northwest / Southwest
May 27 - May 28
Honolulu, Hawaii
Registration
TC USA
Northeast / Southeast June 23 - June 24 Virginia Beach, VA
Training Schools
Russia Training Schools May 11 - 22 Novokuznetsk & Moscow
Brazil Staff
Information
Caribbean Training School September 21 - October 24
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
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Welcome to this month's edition of our Leadership Link. We are excited to report on powerful testimonies of the transforming power of Jesus Christ taking place around the world through evangelism. The miraculous testimonies of changed lives, touched by Jesus in Teen Challenge, make this ministry and our logo an emblem of hope to the hurting around the world.
May God bless you and your ministry and energize you to change your community through the power of Jesus Christ by sharing the good news in evangelism.
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What do you do when you feel like giving up?
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Jerry Nance
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By Jerry Nance PhD, President, Global Teen Challenge
How does one continue to lead when the pain they are managing is taking their breath away? How does a leader keep going when his home life is in shambles and he has disappointments that are breaking his heart? How does a leader press on when at every turn there is another road block?
These are not new emotions! I believe all of us have faced times when we felt like giving up and going home. I will tell you a secret--if you promise not to tell anyone. I have at times thought of quitting and when I have these feelings I often think of becoming a forest ranger. I think of driving a truck through the woods inspecting trees, fields, rivers-doing whatever forest rangers do. I think of the joy it would be not have to interact with so many people, just me, my truck, and the trees. I know that sounds crazy, but I have had those thoughts more than once in my life.
The pressures of life, leadership, funding, staff, family issues, laws and government regulations seem to do their best to steal our joy and make us want to give up. We want to run away from it all and somehow find a place of peace and rest without distraction.
That experience will come when we meet Jesus face to face and experience all that heaven affords. But for now we must find effective ways to press on, keep our emotions in check and continue to be responsible and do the will of the Father.
The Bible says in Phil 2: 13 "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. "
All that we are experiencing has a divine purpose and is meant for our good. We cannot control everything around us and we must find effective ways to get through the moments of emotion that take us to the quitting place.
First, Spend time with God!
Spend the necessary time in the word of God to enable you to keep your perspective clear. We can get so out of line with our thoughts when we get discouraged. We can really paint the world dark when we see everything around us as a personal test. God's word clears up the darkness and gives us hope and faith.
Second, Keep showing Up!
You can't just stop and lay down if you expect to get through the issues. You have to show up and follow through on what you have always done in faithful service to the Lord. Keep going to work, keep pressing forward even if it is only an inch at a time. I have found over the years that if I just show up, over time the issues change. I told someone the other day that if you live long enough you get to learn lessons for the second time. I have always tried to learn the lessons that God is teaching me the first time. I don't like learning the same lesson over and over. However, the older I get it seems that I am getting to learn some lessons again.
I don't like financial pressures, I don't like it when my kids aren't getting along, I don't like it when my wife and I have had a disagreement, and I don't like it when I don't get my way. We all have selfish ways and we all want everything to go our way. We want the funds to always be there and our relationships to always be good, but as you know, it doesn't always work that way. Pain is a part of the process.
For it is God who works in you for the purpose of His good will. He has a divine destiny we are passing through and it is meant for our good. If you are like me, you may often ask God, "How is what I am experiencing good for me?"
We may not always receive an answer to every question we have, but if we keep showing up we will get through the process and make it to the next step of life.
Third, Find healthy ways to relieve stress. When we are under stress we can do some really desperate things. We can make simple mistakes that have lifetime effects. This is not the time to compromise our values and our commitment to our family. Finding an effective outlet (such as riding bikes, walking, hiking, special family time) is critical to winning over the emotions and feelings of giving up. Reducing stress is important for both you and your loved ones.
Spend time with God, keep showing up, and find some healthy ways to relieve stress. You will fulfill God's divine purpose in all you are going through. I'm praying for you today.
Putting Hope Within Reach,
Jerry Nance
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 EVANGELISM: Good news for people who desperately need it
The United Nations claims that they are winning the war on drugs. In 2000 the UNODC Report on Drug Use estimated there were 168 million drug users. In 2007 definitions were adjusted and estimates were based on a "range."
By 2011 they estimated that up to 315 million people aged 15-64 used an illicit substance in the preceding year. In 2014 the upper number grew to 324 million.  | | Bernie Gillott |
Even as we consider these escalating figures- most experts remind us that most estimates ignore large parts of the most significant third world use, such as Ensango, Bahngi and other unreported illicit drugs across Africa and Eurasia. In Ethiopia, abuse of chat, also known as kat or khat reaches across the social spectrum, and farmers turn to growing chat instead of producing desperately needed food crops. In other countries, home brewed alcohol, changa, karubu and busa are not measured.
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Malua, a hallucinogenic "porridge"
of fermented millet and formaldehyde. Shared in the communal pot, when the straws clog, they blow back into the pot. The death in the pot is magnified
as, through cracked, dry lips, they
share contagious diseases and
the despair of their addiction.
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In Uganda, Malua and warangi take an incredible toll. The unregulated waragi accounts for nearly 80% of the liquor produced in the country, according to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and is not recognized by UNODC.
As numbers increase at this alarming rate, we must ask, what makes experts think they are winning the war on drugs? The world population has not doubled since 2000, but by their estimates, use of illicit drugs nearly has. This alarming statistic cries for the message of HOPE.
As persecution spreads around the world, the threat of religious extremists is on the increase. From radicalized Islam, to anti-conversion laws and government persecution, this hour and time calls for a renewed affirmation of evangelism and an
examination of the necessary strategies that can safely keep it a part of Global Teen Challenge's core values. The Great commission commands us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
Evangelism has significance beyond the power of outreach to the unbeliever. It is an essential tool of the Holy Spirit, which is foundational to the effective discipleship process. Teen Challenge has tools to help with the war on drugs one miracle at a time.
New and exciting resources are emerging and innovative paradigms are developing, including some of more relational ministry resources available, such as Living Free ,
Tools like Stay Sharp create an opportunity to engage the Muslim and Hindu cultures, not as "evangelists," but as people with resources to serve their community. Like Daniel we stand in Babylon with meaningful solutions to the pressing problems of the day. Let us carry that word boldly to
Put Hope Within Reach of Every Addict.
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EUROPE TEEN CHALLENGE-At the front lines.
 
Battling creeping secularism, post- Christian realities, declining economies and the incursion of the Muslim dialogue,
Europe TC stands at the crossroads poised with freedom through Jesus' love.
Europe Teen Challenge began with a coffeehouse in the Hague, Netherlands in 1968. The first residential program was launched in 1969. Since then, as Europe Teen Challenge has grown to centers in 31 Nations, Tom Bremer and a committed team of ETC leaders keep Evangelism and Coffee house ministry at the Center of the ETC arsenal of outreach
 Many countries in Europe do weekly or even daily evangelism in the streets, on trains, and in coffee house ministries where they reach out to the hurting. There are active coffeehouse /evangelistic ministries in over 24 nations.
As The Netherlands was the trendsetter in 1968, they continue to move forward pioneering a culturally relevant outreach called the Bridge. In Istanbul Stephan Barandse shared that the Bridge: is now operating in 7 locations, with 6 new requests. The current locations are serving in various capacities, determined by the need in each area: some to youth dealing with drug issues, some after-school and homework assistance, and some in trafficking prevention.
In the United Kingdom, they employ double-decker buses and outreaches at needle exchanges. In Poland they operate 33 coffee houses, and a network of 20 coffee houses in Portugal are open one to two nights a week, just to mention a few of the highlights of the work that continues in Europe. From Luxembourg to Germany to the Czech Republic lives are being touched in coffee house ministry. In Israel, , they are distributing copies of the Cross and the Switchblade in Russian, Hebrew, and Arabic.
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| MEDIA & WEB BASED EVANGELIM
While we remain fully committed to traditional evangelistic efforts, we see growing opportunities to marshal cutting edge resources and partner with proven ministries to reach the world. Global Teen Challenge is engaged in three exciting media related projects to reach our goal of putting hope within reach of every addict.
SHOUT: A cell phone-based initiative to send dramas to people in the third world to engage them with the gospel and also connect them with answers and local resources.
In life, people face crossroads that can change their destiny. They need answers. For years JourneyAnswers.com has provided solid answers for a fulfilled life. Addressing issues like shame, anxiety, and sexual abuse, they have impacted countless lives.
GTC is partnering with Journey Answers, Dave Batty and others to create a companion stream called The Hope Road. It will offer answers for people struggling with life-controlling problems with drugs and alcohol. Employing video and local contacts, we want to offer connections to the Hope that is in Jesus Christ.
HARVEST AMERICA
This year Teen Challenge will join Harvest America in a free nationwide simulcast event in November, featuring music from top Christian bands and a clear gospel message by Greg Laurie.
The event will stream live from AT&T Stadium in Texas-home of the Dallas Cowboys-to thousands of host locations including churches, theaters, and living rooms. Go to their web site to see how you can join us to get involved
| WATCH THE VIDEO -- BE A HOST -- JOIN THE PRAYER CLOUD
http://harvestamerica.com/
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SANTIAGO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
 Teen Challenge, Desafio Juvenil, Dominican Republic Los Caballeros continues front line evangelism. While the city was still reeling from huge Mardi Gras celebrations, TC reached into Pueblo Nuevo & Los Ciruelito, two communities that are centers for drugs, violence, addiction and human trafficking. Pastor Jimmy Jack and Ramon Rosa brought over 100 missionaries for the Rock the Block Youth Explosión Juvenil 2015. The outreach was hosted by directors Jose and Nellie Martinez and Santiago Teen Challenge. The Long Island/Freedom Chapel ministry teams were joined by church and TC Mission Teams from across the USA. Shannon and Shawn Blankenship brought the largest team, 27 young people,  from the Oklahoma City Teen Challenge adolescent program. While most of the media attention focused on the climaxing crusade concerts and ministry, the real work was done by these teams on the street, in the ghetto, one on one, passing out flyers and going into the highways and byways to compel them to come in. Surrounded by death and hopelessness, with little girls as young as 12 prostituting on the street, We saw a mighty move of God. God took our mission teams right into the neighborhoods where the need was the greatest. The Thursday outreach was scheduled for the bridge in Pueblo Nuevo.   8:00 AM
Under this bridge addicts meet to buy and inject drugs. In the face of abject hopelessness the team prayed and shared the good news of God's LOVE.  8:00 PM
The stage, set up in front of the overpass, fills the street as hope fills the air. That night, many addicts encountered Jesus Christ. Several came back to the center on the bus. Now, Teen Challenge is there to minister quality discipleship for a transformed life.   BOUND NO MORE
The stage may have blocked the bridge, but the heavens were opened as the power of God fell. Lives were changed at packed altars by the power of God... the grace of God in full effect . . . Breaking the chains of addiction: victims no longer, now free in Jesus |
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TANZANIA MIRACLES
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  As Tanzania TC continues to move toward opening a residential center, they
continue evangelism. In July they partnered with the Tanzania AG Diamond Jubilee celebration for three days of outreach with Johannes Amritzer. Johannes, a Teen Challenge graduate of Sweden Teen Challenge, has a tremendous testimony, incredible ministry team and powerful anointing. It was wonderful to meet and work with this humble young man who has a tremendous vision for souls. He brought a team of over 160 people from southern Europe. In the three days of open air ministry, over 25,000 packed the Ruanda Nzovwe Grounds every day for the Signs & Wonders Open-Air Mission of SOS a thousands received Christ.
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TEEN CHALLENGE AMERICAN SAMOA REACHES OUT
 Teen Challenge American Samoa, pioneered by Vickie and Otto Haleck, does cutting edge evangelistic ministry in schools, outreach, street ministry and media. Their Radio Station KMOA FM,
KMOA 89.7 FM - Teen Challenge American Samoa Youth Radio is a broadcast radio station from Pago Pago, American Samoa, beaming the gospel message 24 hours a day, providing Christ Centered solution for people with life-controlling problems.
It was truly exciting to travel with this enthusiastic team of TC students, graduates and staff from American Samoa to Apia, Western Samoa, where they have been working hard to help a team of pioneers launch Teen Challenge. Chartering two small planes, we squeezed on board to travel to the big island for outreach in schools, churches and on the street.
 From Schools, to churches, to the street and even in Federal Court, God moved. In a courtroom, standing where the judge would pronounce the sentence, the team ministered forgiveness. Many offenders came forward for salvation. On the street, in the schools and churches, people powerfully encountered Jesus Christ.
It  is exciting to see God raising up and empowering the next generation of TC leaders as American Samoa helps to blaze a trail with indigenous leaders, Eric and Marshall, to launch a new residential center for Western Samoa in 2015.
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TESTIMONY: Matumani
My name is Matumani. Two years ago, I had it all, a beautiful home, alovely wife, two sons, a promising career. I graduated university with degrees in biochemistry and micro-biology.
 I started smoking cigarettes at age 15. In high school my friends were drinking, so I joined them. I managed to get good paying part-time jobs during high school and college to give me money for drinking. With my first high paying job, life was looking rather rosy.
I had been trained in the manufacture of polyethylene, aluminum foil and paper in South Africa, France and Sweden. I trained in the UK for the International Standardization Organization (ISO). I graduated as an auditor as well as a lead assessor of quality systems. I set up factories in South Africa and Wales, and was second in command at Tetra Pak in Turkey as a Quality Assurance Manager, but my drinking took control of my life.
Without getting into the horrible details, within a few years I had lost my wife, family, and career. I poured them all out into that bottle until I found my way to Teen Challenge Kenya. My niece saw the TC Kenya Choir at a local church. My sister and niece were worried about me and they pleaded with me to get help. My interview with TC was the first time  I realized that there was hope for me.
Here at Teen Challenge, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. God is totally changing my life. Then last Sunday morning when I was in church, I turned in a prayer request. I wrote,"God what is this forgiveness stuff all about?"
The next day week, Sister Cathy ministered in chapel at Teen Challenge and she taught on forgiveness. She shared that just as we are set free by the forgiveness that was purchased for us by the death of Jesus, God's Word makes it clear that we are to grant that same forgiveness to others so we will be free. Wow! God had heard the cry of my heart, sent my answer, set me free and the miracles are continuing in my life.
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 AROUND THE GLOBE THERE IS A CRY FOR THE NATIONS- Join the chorus of prayer with Teen Challenge choirs on five continents, as we are believing for resources and workers for 32 Nations that have no TC presence and have invited us to come. Could GOD be calling you?
Thanks to BJ Putnam, who wrote and released this powerful song, and all of the Teen Challenge Choirs, staff and directors that brought their own unique culture and touch to interpretation of the song.
CLICK FOR MUSIC VIDEO
DESPERATE CRY: 2014 Global Update click for GTC VIDEO
32 NATIONS: Meet 32 Nations crying out for TC- click for Video
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About Global Teen Challenge
The mission of Global Teen Challenge is to assist in the development and implementation of Teen Challenge programs around the world. Today there are more than 1100 Teen Challenge programs in 105 countries of the world. It is our desire to provide the best and latest tools available in helping individuals with life controlling addictions. According to the United Nations, more than 249 million people worldwide struggle with drug abuse. Drug users are getting younger and their use is becoming more frequent. Alcohol and drug addictions are plaguing our nations, our cities and invading our homes. We are committed to doing everything we can to reach people around the globe with life controlling problems. For more information on Global Teen Challenge, visit our website at globaltc.org |
| Contact Information:
Global Teen Challenge
P.O. Box 511
Columbus, Georgia 31902-0511 USA
706-576-6555
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