Tidings of Great J y

TEEN CHALLENGE OF THE DAKOTAS CHRISTMAS 2015

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people” (Luke 2:10)

For our students here at Teen Challenge of the Dakotas, the first step to finding joy is a sincere cry for help. Once the men realize they cannot fix themselves, and they discover that God can do what has seemed impossible for them to do on their own—that’s when the joy takes hold. Psalm 30:11, says, “You took away my clothes of sadness, and clothed me with joy.” Listen to what some of our students have to say about the joy they have in their lives, since coming to Teen Challenge of the Dakotas…

“Hi, my name is Manny and I am 22 years old. I have been in the program for nine and a half months. In my time here, I have found many things to be joyful for. I have a new life, and I’m free from my past. I now have my family back into my life.” --Manny

Manny

Steve

“My joy comes from the hope I now have through Christ. I now have a new beginning, and He’s rebuilding my relationship with my wife and family the right way—relationships that will last a lifetime.” --Steve

Daniel

“Before Teen Challenge, I dreaded the holidays.This year God has taken away my anxieties, my fears, and my trust issues. Through serving Him and serving others, He has taken away my fears about what tomorrow may bring, and replaced it with hope and excitement. He has also helped me trust people again and has blessed me with new, awesome relationships. That’s what brings me joy this holiday season. Happy Holidays and God bless!” --Daniel

Dillon

“My name is Dillon, and I’m 19 years old. I’ve been at Teen Challenge for 6 months. My time here has been life changing, and I’m learning to be myself and to depend on Christ; as well as trusting and believing in Him. Ever since I have made that decision, my life has turned around completely. I now have a real sense of comfort and joy that comes from serving the Lord.” --Dillon

Emanuel

My name is Emanuel and I am 34 years old. This holiday season is different for me because I know that truth about the lifestyle I was living. The lies I believed have been exposed for what they are. I have been given the opportunity, by the grace of God to live a life that has purpose and meaning—that is acceptable in His sight. That is why I have joy in my heart.” --Emanuel

Alex

“My name is Alex, and I’m 24 years old. I have been at Teen Challenge for 10 months. I am joyful because I have been delivered from addiction, and God has showed me how to live a better life. God has brought me an inner peace. I am joyful that I am alive and healthy and not out running around living in disobedience. I am joyful because now I know for sure that I have a hope and a future. It’s all because God pulled me out of the darkness I was living in. Praise God!” --Alex

Thank You and Merry Christmas from our TCD Students!!

Your prayers and financial gifts are the best gifts of all, because they are helping to

change the hearts and lives of the men who come through

our doors.

Sincerely in Him,

Rev. Mike Gilmartin,Executive Director

Memorials Given This Year:In memory of Phyllis Lakman by:

Orville & Charlotte Smidt, Sally Tate, Bob & Nellie Chambers, Rex & JoAnn Morrison,

Brent & Susan Lowell, Geoffrey Lakman, Darell & Lauretta Olson, Curtis & Michelle Osmanski, Gayle Chapel, Powershop Gym,

Ernest & Mildred Hugghins, Gladys Lee, Athalyn Jones, Charles & Jeane Woodard,

Gary Schutjer, Lorraine Kracke, Harry Birath, Wilma Tillgren, Payl & Glenadene

Aamot, Mari Elaine Marrone.In memory of Caroline Gullickson by:

Gertrude Schmieding, Donna DiedrichIn memory of Robert E. Lee by:

Gladys Lee, Steven & Janice Lee, Maynard & Judith Guild, Thomas & Mary Johnson.

In memory of Kevin Ohm by:Alex & Maureen Ohm, Ben & Amanda

QuamIn memory of Mike & Matt Swisher by:

Ralph & Sylvia SwisherIn memory of Howard Schlobohm by:

H & L Schlobohm

In memory of Janice Embry by:Paul & Phyllis Kohler

In memory of Avis Davidson by: Kenneth & Shirley Schafer

In memory of John Richter by:Lee & Betty Holst

In memory of Ginny Collins by:Paul & Phyllis Kohler

In memory of Doris Leraas by:Gladys Lee

In memory of Matthew Thode by:Gayle & Gloria Habeck

In memory of Dean Minkel by:Lee & Betty Holst

In memory of Jim Gilmartin by:Mike & Denise Gilmartin

In memory of Maura Quinn Diamond by:

Mike & Denise Gilmartin