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http://www.teenchallengemidamerica.com
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Teen Challenge International of Mid-America Charity Profile
In the late 1960’s, a long held burden for young people prompted Mr. and Mrs. Roy P. Johnson to donate a 263 acre farm five miles north of Cape Girardeau to establish Mid-America Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc.* The land was donated in 1968 and a Board of Directors of concerned individuals began working toward the establishment of a ministry that would touch the hearts and lives of thousands of people.
At the beginning of 1969, Reverend Dumitri Turk came to begin construction of the facilities and the establishment of the program. Ground was broken in March on the main dormitory. At the same time, Reverend Turk was communicating to churches, civic clubs, schools and other concerned persons about this new ministry to help those who were addicted to alcohol and drugs. The hopes and dreams of Reverend Turk and those early supporters were realized on October 5, 1970 when the first students were accepted into the program. Reverend Turk continued as the director until the spring of 1972.
In July of 1972, Rev. Herb Meppelink, who had founded and directed Detroit Teen Challenge, came to serve as the director. Under his leadership there was consistent growth, both in the number of students ministered to and in the many new buildings and projects that were added. An aggressive building program resulted in 13 additional buildings and a second story being added to the main dorm. More importantly, by the end of his tenure in 1990, there was an average of 100 men or more in residence who were experiencing the life changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The decade of the 90’s continued to see God’s blessings. Community and donor support led to the dedication of a new chapel in 1994. A capital campaign, begun a year later, has led to the addition of a new wing to the main dorm, raising the capacity from 108 to 138. Additional staff homes were built and several staff homes have been remodeled. In 2008, we dedicated three important new buildings, a new learning center, a activities/gymnasium, and an expansion to our dormitory.
The New Creations Choir, in their 38th year, continues to bless churches and minister in schools and youth groups with a positive message that real life begins when we say "no" to drugs and "yes" to Jesus. A new evangelism ministry, begun in 1999, has already seen hundreds of individuals give their hearts to the Lord and many others touched in wonderful ways. The Teen Challenge Auxiliary continues to do a great work that blesses not only Teen Challenge but the community, as well, through the Thrift Store at 61 N. Clark Street and other projects.
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Teen Challenge International of Mid-America Donation Information
Teen Challenge International of Mid-America is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all gifts are fully tax deductible.
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Teen Challenge International Of Mid-america
