Just a little about myself and why this is important to me. I am a 2007 graduate of MN Adult & Teen Challenge. For about 30 years, I worked in the construction industry, 27 of those years were in leadership as a Plastering Foreman & Field Superintendent. I began working for MNTC in 2009, first as a Maintenance Technician for 8 years while working towards ministry credentials with the Assemblies of God. Toward the end of that time, I also taught at the Teen Challenge Leadership Institute (TCLI). I have been in full time ministry for the last 4 years, first as an “Aftercare Chaplain” position created to help graduates or students that left the program early, and now as Dean of Men-TCLI where I have served for 3 years. I also am ordained with the Assemblies of God and serve as the Men’s Ministry Director at Redeeming Love Church. I have been married for 9 years and my wife is also a graduate of the MNTC program 2009. She has attained a Masters degree in both Licensed Drug & Alcohol Counseling and as a Mental Health Therapist. She also is employed at MNTC and has been over the last 10 years in various roles. We both love serving this amazing organization and the clients who come here to find freedom.

This is why missions are important to me: it produces so much growth in our students, as well as, helping other Teen Challenges in the world. Over the last 12 years employed by MNTC, I have seen the value of coming alongside others in their walk of faith. Since increasing mission opportunities at TCLI, our students that get involved have grown and matured at a level that we have never seen before. We do a lot of teaching, counseling, and preaching; but missions accomplishes more toward raising up disciples because now they are out doing. It creates character, purpose, and destiny. Those involved in missions develop much faster and are becoming more successful in all areas of life. Many end up working for us, work towards ministry credentials, or become very successful in the marketplace. Our graduation rate is probably around 80 percent for those that come into TCLI and missions is part of the reason.