Fifty years ago, it all started with a gang trial, a magazine, and a courageous country preacher named David Wilkerson. It’s called Teen Challenge, and its mission is helping people overcome devastating addiction. Teen Challenge rose from the streets of New York, and today impacts hundreds of cities in more than nations. In , David Wilkerson, a young pastor from a farm town in Pennsylvania, was gripped by an article he saw in LIFE magazine, detailing the events of a murder trial in New York City, involving seven teenage boys. Moved with compassion, Wilkerson went to New York, determined to somehow help these young men. Although the doors to that situation closed on him almost immediately, God began giving Wilkerson a larger vision to reach the gangs, addicts, and troubled youth in the city. He quickly recognized that a vicious cycle of drugs, alcohol, and other addictions were se ing the youth up for failure in life, and that only the power of the Holy Spirit could bring ultimate freedom and restoration. Wilkerson began preaching the Gospel on the streets and showing the love and compassion of Jesus in a practical way. Nicky Cruz, one of the most feared and dangerous gang leaders in New York at that time, became the first significant convert in this new ministry. Their stories are retold in the best-selling books, "The Cross and the Switchblade" and "Run Baby Run". By the end of that first year in New York, Wilkerson had opened the first Teen Challenge Center. Wildly successful, it became the catalyst for multiples of centers worldwide, aimed at reaching young men and women. Countless stories of changed lives have become the backbone of the ministry, as the power of Jesus reaches hurting and broken people. Miracles are experienced here every day. In , David Wilkerson expanded his vision to reach troubled addicts beyond the USA. Vancouver became the the Teen Challenge Centre opened, the first in Canada. In , through the prayers and dreams of key leaders and supporters, BC Teen Challenge was re-launched into its present day form. Currently, there are three centres in operation in BC (Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Okanagan), with plans for additional facilities in other areas of the province. Today, Teen Challenge has grown into one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind in the world.