Chase

Dear Friends,

   My name is Chase Sebela. I graduated Teen Challenge of the Dakota's in 2002. I just wanted to share with all of you the impact that this ministry has had on my life.

   Before coming to T.C. I had been in bodage to addictions such as drugs and immorality. Due to the nature of my sins I spent a lot of time in and out of jail as a youth and as an adult. At eighteen years of age, I had finally had enough. I was in jail facing 30 years of prison because of my crimes. In my jail cell I gave my life to Christ. Through a series of Divine interventions, I was given mercy through the judge and allowed to go to a drug rehabilitation center. In this rehab center they offered me lots of advice, but they didn't teach me how to follow Christ. I soon graduated the program and was released back out in to society where I worked and remained clean from drugs. Though I was clean from drugs, I still had very deep emotional wounds that kept me in bondage. I also had a deep desire to be a healthy man of God. Some close friends of mine encouraged me to check out Teen Challenge.

   While I was at T.C., God met me in very powerful ways. I was given a foundation to build the rest of my life upon. They didn't direct me to the latest knowledge or counseling tactics - they pointed me to Jesus and the Bible. They gave me a safe environment to be vulnerable, a loving environment to be corrected, and a family to belong to. While I was in the program, my relationship with my parents was restored and I began to learn how to be a son. Also during my stay I was set free from the driving forces that motivated my original drug use and other destructive behaviors. For all of this, I am truly grateful.

   I've since been out of Teen Challeng for 4 years and have been clean from all drug use for a total of six years. I am part of a healthy church in which I serve with the gifts God has given me. I have a very stable, well paying job and continue to have a great relationship with my family. I also travel and minister at Teen Challenges, drug rehabs, and churches to share what God has done in my life and to edify the body of Christ. I occasionally travel back to South Dakota and visit with staff and current family members. It is such and encouraging experience to see the staff members faithfully serving year after year.

   My life has truly been changed by the love that Bro. Mike and the staff gave to me during my stay. I recommend anyone who is "sick" to come to this "hospital."

Sincerely, Chase