February 8, 2007

Women’s Rehabilitation Ministry for drug addicts and alcoholics:  House of Mercy

This outreach of Teen Challenge was started in 1995.  But today was a special day of remembrance and celebration of Zariah, the director of the boy’s program.  One year ago today she and three others from the ministry were tragically killed by a drunk driver as she was on her way home from her birthday celebration.  Zariah had devoted many years to reaching out to the young boys who were drug addicts and alcoholics, even living on the river bank with them until they could find housing.  Doug Boyle, the Founder and Director said. “In the Old Testament when God wanted to show that something was special, He would send unexpected visitors that were not part of the family. Today God has sent a large group of visitors to share in this day.” 

The Global Aid Network team had a wonderful time of sharing and then broke into smaller groups to share personal stories and testimonies.  The team met Aleeya, a mom of a 2 year old boy named Bebas.  Bebas’ father had deserted the family.  Aleeya has been part of the program for two years.

Sania aged 20 with her 10 month old baby girl Albina was homeless until she came to House of Mercy seven months ago.  As the team shared the Gospel bead bracelet, Sania bowed her head and prayed along.  Now she will have an Eternal Home.

Several young women who said that they had come to believe in Christ, asked that we would pray for them to have the strength to complete this program and stay drug and alcohol free. 

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February 8, 2007

Men’s Rehabilitation Center:  House of Hope

The team had spent about 5 ½ hours at the memorial and celebration service followed by ministry time at Teen Challenge House of Mercy.  We were tired and ready to return to the hotel after a full day but we had one more site of ministry at the Men’s Rehabilitation Center of Teen Challenge: House of Hope.  As the bus drove onto the property our team was overwhelmed at what we saw.  Lining both sides of the driveway were men awaiting our arrival.  We got off the bus and walked toward the meeting hall with the men clapping and cheering as we passed by.  Our spirits were lifted and our energy returned.  We spent the next several hours learning about their program for drug and alcohol recovery and sharing with the men.  Our bus captain shared that it is important to not only make Jesus our Savior but to also make Him Lord of all of our life, as the men start a new life with Jesus, Doug Boyle said, “Because of your visit here, the men have had a happy time.”  They were encouraged by our visit, but we were encouraged by their faith.

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February 9, 2007

Home visits

Bible Mission International had names of 16 families with children who had special needs.  The team divided into four groups to visit these homes using two cars and two vans.  Scott H., Ron T., and Judy W. visited the home of Raushan and her 3 year old son Dustan.  Dustan was born with many complications including blindness.  She said that her family had advised her to put him in an orphanage, but she refused because she said, “He is my life.”  The team shared about their lives in America.  Raushan said that she followed a non-Christian religion.  The Gospel message was shared by the team and then they prepared to leave but Raushan said, “No, you must stay for tea.  It is Kazak tradition.”   So the team stayed.  As Raushan prepared tea she related this story, “I know that what you tell me is important because God sent me a dream.  Three days ago I had a dream that three Americans would come: two men and one woman in a red car.  And when I looked outside and saw the red car with Americans – two men and one woman, I believed this is from God.”  Scott replied, “I hope you now understand how important this story is about Jesus Christ.”  Raushan shook her head in agreement.