WHO WE ARE

379438_296721343679084_843181046_nTeen Challenge is committed to seeing people SET FREE from life-controlling addictions … and has been for over 50 years.

About BC Teen Challenge

BC Teen Challenge is a faith-based residential program for men and women, ages 19 and older, who are trapped in life-controlling addictions. We recognize that addiction can take numerous forms, and is not just limited to drug and alcohol abuse. The program is available at our four locations across British Columbia, and is usually completed in 12 months.

Teen Challenge came to Vancouver in 1965, and underwent a re-launch as “BC Teen Challenge” in 2000. Since then, our ministry has experienced tremendous growth – graduating hundreds of students, establishing four centres, partnering with countless families, donors, churches, and actively participating in our communities.

Teen Challenge endeavours to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive! To achieve this, we incorporate many different elements into our program, including educational training, spiritual guidance, and practical work experience.

We are a registered charity funded largely through the donations of individuals, churches, and businesses. BC Teen Challenge is a member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities with a commitment to high standards and integrity in all operations.

Teen Challenge History

Teen Challenge began in 1958, when a 26-year-old preacher named
David Dave,_Nicky,_&_Israel-2Wilkerson (author of The Cross and the Switchblade) travelled to the ghettos of New York City to help young drug addicts and gang members.[1] David was moved with compassion to reach them with the message that God loved them unconditionally – right where they were – and promised to give them a hope and a future. He believed that this God could make a radical change in their life for the good. Here at BC Teen Challenge, we still believe this today.

Teen Challenge centres are now all over the world, reaching out to men and women trapped in all types of addiction, with over 50 years of success (there are more than 1000 centres in almost 100 countries!)[2]. Our continued victory is not because of a “program” itself, but only because of the changing power of God’s Holy Spirit, through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe in a Creator who knows our hurts, struggles, and deepest desires – and if we submit ourselves to Him, He will give us more than we could have ever imagined.

More on the ministry of Rev. David Wilkerson and beginning of Teen Challenge:


Video adapted from Teen Challenge USA, http://connections.teenchallengeusa.com/

BC Teen Challenge Mission & Values

OUR MISSION

Overcoming addiction – one person, one family, one community at a time

OUR VALUES

We are Jesus-centred

  • Everything begins and ends with Jesus
  • Life transformation can only happen by the power of the Holy Spirit

We are passionate about people

  • Every life has value

We are committed to experiencing life together

  • Our plans, decisions, and actions move towards life transformation

 

[1] “David Wilkerson – Full Length Bio,” World Challenge Inc., accessed March 27, 2013, http://www.worldchallenge.org/about_david_wilkerson/dw_fullbio.

[2] “The History of Teen Challenge,” Global Teen Challenge, last modified 2009, http://www.globaltc.org/html/the_history_of_teen_challenge.html.