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Along with the natural beauty in Belize exists people addicted to drugs and alcohol - young people with no purpose. The scourge of drugs has caused serious health problems and severe social decline in Belizean society.

Drug education programs are virtually non-existent as reported by the government of Belize. The problem is too wide-spread and the country of Belize realizes it cannot combat this problem alone.

For 40 years Teen Challenge has been changing lives and providing answers for those with no hope through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Teen Challenge in Belize will the address the 3 most specific problems in the country:

A lack of personal and social values

Widespread Poverty

Child abuse and neglect

The time has come to make a difference where help is needed and wanted through an international Teen Challenge Center in the country of Belize

What is Teen Challenge?

The first Teen Challenge center began in Brooklyn , New York in 1958 and was founded by David Wilkerson, author of “The Cross and the Switchblade.”  The work originated as a ministry to teenage street gangs and evolved into a residential program for drug addicts, alcoholics, and other troubled youth.  There are now approximately 300 centers in more than 75 countries with around 4,500 students in residence.

Teen Challenge outreach ministry focuses primarily on people with life controlling problems.  They include gang members, drug abusers, alcoholics, juvenile delinquents, street people, and etc.  Those who are being reached and are in need of rehabilitation are introduced to the residential program, which is usually available to those ages 18 and older.  The name “Teen Challenge” came about because the original work founded by David Wilkerson was directed primarily to teenage street gangs.  When teen gangs turned to drugs, Teen Challenge focused on that need as well.

The rehabilitation program is available to persons desiring help who are willing to abide by the rules of the program, but more importantly who shows evidence of wanting a changed life.  All candidates are interviewed and the program is explained so that they understand that Teen Challenge is a Christ-centered, one-year residence program.  It is not necessary to be a Christian before entering the program, however eventually there must be evidence of a willingness to give ones’ life to Christ, and to study the Word of God for answers to life’s problems.  Students entering the program must be willing to withdraw from drugs “cold turkey”, that is, without medication.

What is the structure of the Teen Challenge program?

1. Outreach Evangelism
2. Turning Point
3. Induction
4. Training
5. Re-entry

What does the Teen Challenge residential program offer?

Teen Challenge provides for www.teenchallenge.com )the SPIRITUAL, MENTAL, PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL  needs of each resident.   

(links: www.globaltc.org  &  www.teenchallenge.com) 

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