Our God is an all-knowing God and He meets us right where we are at, even in life’s most difficult trials. Sometimes He brings angels who cross our paths. And sometimes He simply uses willing vessels to speak encouragement and life into another person in need of God’s tender love. Recently some of our students from the Azle Men’s Campus had a divine appointment when they had an opportunity to pray with a woman named Carol, a breast cancer survivor.
Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas staff member Matt Barrientos said, “While three of our Teen Challenge students and I sat at our Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas Drug Awareness table in front of a Christian bookstore, we were approached by a woman interested in the hand crafted wooden crosses that are made by our Adult & Teen Challenge men.”
“After talking with this lady for a couple of minutes,” Matt said, “We could tell that she was upset. I asked if there was anything we could pray with her about. She started crying and told us that she had cancer and was scared. The four of us stood up, surrounded her, and began praying. The presence of God was so strong and when we had finished praying, the woman was very thankful and hugged us all. The rest of the day, God continued filling us with His Spirit as we were uplifted, encouraged, and humbled that God could use us as His vessels that day to pray with this woman.”
Adult & Teen Challenge student Austin Zang said, “After we prayed with that incredibly strong woman of God, all of our spirits were lifted and we could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit all day long.”
This is Carol’s story…
“While running errands in Frisco, Texas a few weeks ago, I noticed the Adult & Teen Challenge table with young men, drug-awareness handouts, wooden crosses, and friendly faces. I had just come from my doctor’s office where I had been given the results of my recent pathology tests. I had just had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. The pathology results revealed that precancerous cells were present, but with surgery and treatment, my chances looked hopeful. I had been crying….it was not my first journey with cancer, since I had been in the battle since 2011,” said Carol Martin.
As she approached these young men, Carol said, “They all sensed my needs and could see my concerns through my tears. Before I could enter the store, the whole group stood and then surrounded me and began to pray. I was speechless. I could not even explain to them that God had been with me in my cancer fight, yet these strangers were lifting me up to the Great Physician for healing and strength. It was a precious moment and I was moved to more tears and gratefulness.”
“This wonderful group of Christian men were there helping those who need God in their life. Mainly they assisted those who had drug problems,” said Carol. Drugs can destroy and tear down people and families. However, self-control and discipline can be regained with the power of God, and the guidance of His word. Freedom, hope, healing, and strength are possible through the love of Jesus Christ. “Surrounding oneself with Christians is the first step,” Carol said. “Believing is the next step, and never giving up is another step. Just keep trusting Him.” As the Adult & Teen Challenge men were praying for Carol, she was in turn encouraging them.
“As I went into the store after praying with these men, God continued to speak to my heart,” said Carol. “These Teen Challenge men made an impact on me. I am not a drug addict. I am just a sinner saved by grace and I was reminded that day how important it is to be encouraged and supported when you are at your lowest. I dropped a check into their donation box on the table, along with a prayer that God will continue to use this group to do His work. There is so much work to do for His kingdom, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to see Him at work in the lives of the men at Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas.”
‘Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us; looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.’ Hebrews 12
“Adult & Teen Challenge is one of the most successful programs in our country.”
“Adult & Teen Challenge works. It is effective; it is literally changing the lives of young Americans from every walk of life.”
“Adult & Teen Challenge has a far better record of dealing with people in difficulty than do the bureaucrats.”
“I truly admire Adult & Teen Challenge because of its loving, life-giving assistance to individuals who are bound by life-controlling addictions.”
“Adult & Teen Challenge offers hope and restoration to individuals.”
“I have not seen a more effective organization in leading hurting people to life transformation.”
“Adult & Teen Challenge offers hope and restoration.”
“Adult & Teen Challenge is doing the job that others only talk about.”
San Antonio Adult and Teen Challenge Centers are long-term addiction treatment and recovery programs in San Antonio that are free or low cost, serving addicted or alcoholic women from San Antonio, TX.
