I knew it would take another visit to a rehab facility to get my life back in some kind of order. When the discharge coordinator at the hospital mentioned Teen Challenge, I knew that was where I wanted to go.  She told me it was a Christian program.  I had no plans of accepting God into my life or really changing, I just wanted to be free from drugs and alcohol. 

After Teen Challenge of Baltimore, I spent eight months at the Training Center in Rehrersburg, PA.  I was involved in the Prayer Chain and the GED Room (as a tutor).  I also was blessed to travel in ministry throughout the Mid-West and New England with the Teen Challenge National Choir, which draws from various TC locations.

I desired to continue the discipleship I had begun at Teen Challenge of Baltimore.  I was unsure about Gods direction after I graduated from the Rehrersburg program, and wanted to make the right decision. I didnt want to go back to my old pattern of getting clean for awhile, then falling back into my old habits.

God removed any doubt as to where to go before I left Rehrersburg.  I met several staff members of Pastor Meredith Paytons Christian Community Outreach Ministries of Danbury, CT, and was attracted to the ministry.  I applied and was accepted into their 18-month Discipleship House re-entry program.  I arrived here in early October, and have become involved with many of the community ministries of CCOM I presently work as an apprentice pressman for New Fairfield Press. I also work part time at Servpro, a janitorial service.

I keep busy with Bible studies and fellowship throughout the week.  I still enjoy working out, and find time to play basketball and lift weights at the gym.  I am working daily to continue in the charge I received at Teen Challenge: to let Jesus truly be Lord of my life, and seek a stronger relationship with God.  I want to thank all who prayed for me. - Calvin

Recent Graduate Tim Heffler, a Prodigal Preacher's Son

I was born and raised in a loving pastors home in Baltimore, with both parents and an older brother so I have no excuses. At thirteen I started drinking and smoking weed.  I continued this throughout my teenage years until I dropped out of school and got a full-time job to support my habits.

At seventeen we moved from Baltimore to Frederick, MD, a real hick town to me, and I hated it.  I got in lots of trouble, both dealing and consuming drugs as much as I could.  I had a lung collapse from smoking too much weed when I was 19.  After this I made an effort to get clean and sober.  I met a girl who loved God, but I corrupted her and led her astray for my own selfish reasons.  We were together for a few years, fighting all the time, but I didnt care about the pain I caused in her life because I was so consumed with alcohol and cocaine.

I moved to Ocean City by the time I was twenty-one, when it became legal for me to hit the clubs and bars.  I partied hard, spending everything I made.  Within a year I got two DUIs, and the police were looking for me, so I moved back to Frederick.  Soon I was busted for distribution of cocaine, and I tried to get back to God, but instead ended up back with my ex-girlfriend.

After I violated my probation and went to jail, I applied to get help through Teen Challenge, and was accepted into the Baltimore program February 3, 2010.  I am learning how to live the life God intended me to live.  I am completing the TCB program, and have enrolled in Global University Online.  I also plan to attend Bible College full-time this fall.  Jeremiah 29:11-14 explains that God has a good plan for me, and is fulfilling it as I put my full trust in Him. Thank you for your support and encouragement. - Tim