Faith, Hope & Love – Ventura Teen Challenge – Women’s Facility

I think it goes without saying that by the end of Mini-Tour, we are tired – maybe not just tired, but exhausted.  Every time we go to a Teen Challenge facility we are always blessed and we expected nothing less this time around.  When we arrived at the Ventura Teen Challenge Women’s Facility, the sun was pushing its way closer to the hills and it was warm and beautiful.  This facility is nestled in the hills on your way to Ojai.  You drive up this windy road to the top — this is where God reveals himself in real and powerful ways to these women.

I think we get trapped in the idea that we are there to bless them, to minister to them, to show them that God is real and powerful in our lives, and what often happens is that they bless us, they minister to us, they show God’s love to us & they worship with hearts so full of God’s grace.

Looking into the faces of these women, you see what God has done for them.  Their eyes are clear, their hearts spread out before God, their hands raised to the heavens in praise and adoration for the chance at a new life.

Former addicts understand the life-changing power of Christ

You see, former addicts were at bottom and they realized that the only way of getting out of where they were was to fall on their faces, repent and ask God to control every aspect of their lives.

Their stories are powerful.

These girls have stories similar to you and me.  Some grew up in abused homes, but most, grew up in places not far from our church.  They attended schools that our kids go to.  They were cheerleaders and athletes. . . until one day they said “yes” to something they shouldn’t have. . . and their lives changed dramatically.

With hands raised to heavens they sang with us.

Their eyes closed soaking in the goodness of Christ embracing them.

At the end of the concert they flipped it over on us & sang for us and let me tell you — what came out of the mouths of those was nothing short of heavenly.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains and the cool brisk evening air took over, we joined hands in a circle – kids, former addicts, sponsors – and they prayed for us.  With passionate plea’s to an all-powerful God – they prayed over us.  Imagine a circle with 100 people in it — this is what ministry is all about.

As we climbed aboard our bus and headed down the windy road that got us to that place, we realized that we were in the presence of a Holy and Living God that cares about each one of us.  He will leave the 99 and search for the one to bring them into the flock.  This weekend was absolutely amazing!  Can’t wait for Main Tour — only 2 short months to go!