Testimonies     At age 21, I had a miscarriage and two weeks later tried meth for the first time. After that first time, I was hooked. For eight years I struggled with addiction to meth and my life was controlled by co-dependency, depression, anger and my own insecurities. During my time at House of Promise, I have had many chances to see my own strengths and weaknesses. God has been with me through every storm. In God’s love, He encourages us to live godly lives for our good and His honor. If we know who we are, we will not try to become someone else in order to have value and meaning in our lives. Daily, God is strengthening me for what He has planned and how He will continue to use me. - Jacque   I first began using drugs and alcohol when I was 15. I used to tell myself that it helped with my depression, that it made me happy. All my insecurities and loneliness melted away, along with reality, as the drugs entered my bloodstream. I believed that a high or drunk Meghan was better than just Meghan. The feeling of unimportance was welded into me so deeply that it was no longer just a feeling but my identity — I was nothing. Emotion escaped me for I couldn’t laugh nor cry. There was no pain, but there was no love, either. I cared and longed only for the times when I wouldn’t have to think anymore. There was no pain but there was no love either. A week or two after my sixteenth birthday I remember sitting up in my friends’ apartment thinking about my future, and that’s when it hit me, that I either wouldn’t have one or it wouldn’t be a nice one because of my acceptance of the lie that I was worthless — that I was nothing. All my dreams of success, a happy family and a house to call my own were unbearably out of reach. I cried for the first time in months that day. I not only wanted to change what I was doing but I wanted to prove to myself that I was worth something. How I got into New Hope House was truly God working through my mother and Pastor Mary. I might be the only girl to walk through that door happy to be here! Through the past year, God has done so much for me in my education and the restoration of my family. My decisions not only affected me but also the ones who love me. My mother told me the hardest thing she had to do was watch me suffer knowing that she couldn’t help me. New Hope House has also given me the opportunity through an anti-drug program, called “Stay Sharp”, to share my story with other teens who might be looking for a way out. One-thousand plus kids have already heard our message of hope. Thank you to all who have made New Hope House Teen Challenge possible for me. I am so grateful! (Meghan Lambert)   As she celebrated completion of her first year at House of Promise, Isabelle Ulibari gave thanks for the opportunity for a healthy, happy future. “God has entrusted me with two beautiful boys. This call to be a parent is a huge responsibility that I‘ve not always taken seriously.” Isabelle described her home life growing up as dysfunctional. Communication was lacking, but drugs and alcohol were prevalent. After a failed marriage, Isabelle turned to methamphetamines, marijuana and cigarettes. She sought treatment, and for a period of five years was given anti-depressant medication and tranquilizers. She eventually began using crack cocaine. Disgusted with myself and saturated with the spirit of the world, I attempted to take my own life. “I jumped head-first out of a Curry County transport vehicle with handcuffs hoping to put an end to the insanity that enslaved me.” After this experience, Isabelle cried out to God for help. “Seeking a Savior and searching for answers is why I came to House of Promise in May 2008. The staff at House of Promise directed me towards the answer to my problems. A relationship with Jesus Christ is my answer!” Isabelle said that she has a new appreciation for the scripture verse Ephesians 3:20 “[God] is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I can ask or think….”. During Isabelle’s suicidal attempt she sustained injuries that would require major dental reconstruction. “A local dentist has offered to bless me with all my dental work, and I will go to Canada to have surgery completed with dental implants. My passport and the entire trip is paid for — not because of anything I did but all because of what Jesus did!” (Isabelle Ulibarri) Rob Wolfe, a graduate of 180 Ministries, had the unique experience of traveling to Eleuthera, Bahamas this past Summer with a missions team from his church, Family Worship Center (Centennial, Colorado). He expressed amazement at this and other opportunities that have opened to him since completing the Teen Challenge program. Originally from Florida, Rob struggled with addiction from the age of 19 to 29, when he came to Teen Challenge. “I tried everything in my own power and failed. I came into Teen Challenge wanting to turn my life around. A week later I gave my life to Christ. That was three years ago, and I can’t believe all the changes since then – there is no way I could have gotten to this point on my own.” Rob is a student at University of Colorado – Denver, where he is a civil engineering major and maintains a 3.92 grade point average. “Before accepting Christ and coming to Teen Challenge, my life was all about survival,” Rob said. “Where before, I was focused on getting by, now I can dream – I can build a fulfilling life. Although I do not know all that God has planned for me, I hope to remain living and working in Colorado, and perhaps attending graduate school.” Rob said that the mission trip to the Bahamas was a great fit for him. “While I don’t consider myself strong in personal evangelism, this trip allowed me to use my skills in ministry. We went to help a struggling church that had been in decline for some time.” The pastor was discouraged over the loss of members and a building that was in disrepair. Projects completed by the team from Family Worship Center included interior and exterior painting, roofing, new carpet and tile. Rob expressed appreciation to Pastor Loren Popineau, who is also a member of the TCRM Board of Directors, for the opportunity to participate in this trip. “I found a way to use some of my strengths – doing what I could – to help the Body of Christ.” “I left Teen Challenge feeling like Molly for the first time!” I entered Teen Challenge on April 10, 2008, and from that day on my life has never been the same. When I surrendered to the Lord, He released me from drug addiction and rebellion. He began to restore my relationship with my family and my understanding of myself. I had so many false beliefs about myself and about what life was supposed to be like, and God showed me truth. When I finally became obedient to the Lord, He began opening doors for my heart’s desire to be filled. I was able to go out and publicly tell my story with the Teen Challenge drug prevention team in schools, churches and the community. After graduating from Teen Challenge I walked out into the world confident in Christ and all that He has done and has yet to do. I am now spending time with my amazing family and enjoying the restoration and joy He has given us all. I am also very excited to be starting Southwestern Christian College in August to fulfill my dreams of evangelism and writing. Molly Rubenstein   © 2010 Teen Challenge International Hang With Me Productions