Justin's Story: How Teen Challenge Restored My Life

My name is Justin Hurst, and I am 30 years old. Growing up, I had a good faith-based childhood, but around the time my mom and dad separated, my life took a turn. I blamed myself for a lot of things, including their divorce, so I started trying out different ways to cope. That quickly transpired into me using any drug I could get ahold of to numb the pain.

I became a father at 21 but wasn't the father I needed to be. Fast forward, I became a father again at 24, but I was still living in sin and doing things according to my understanding and will.

My addiction took me to places I never thought I'd go. It completely overtook every aspect of my life. It destroyed my family and left me homeless.

Finally, I reached a breaking point and called my mom. We contacted Adult Teen Challenge, and that's where I found God, and everything clicked. I graduated from the program in November 2019 and have been free from addiction ever since.

Romans 12:2 was my verse for that year: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Clearly, I had been doing the opposite, choosing earthly things over everything else in my life that mattered.

Teen Challenge gave me the biggest blessings of my life. Knowing I couldn't return to my hometown and stay clean, I settled in Salem, close to one of my brothers from the program and the love of my life.

Fast forward, and God has been with me every step since I surrendered it all to Him.

I now have three beautiful girls, am married to my best friend, and am living the life God has paved for me.

I have a life I never thought I'd have.

God is so good, and I am so thankful for five years of freedom!

— Justin Hurst