KAYLA

I am 25 years old and I have been battling addiction since I was 19. I was an IV drug user for the past three years. I started using for the thrill and adrenaline rush. But it wasn’t long before I became numb to everything around me and was completely empty inside. I was arrested June 16th, 2021 and facing time so I filled out multiple applications for different rehabs, not because I wanted to go but to try to get out of my pending charges. I was then sentenced to 90 days and thought I was off the hook.

Turned out my application went through and was accepted. I fought tooth and nail coming here and thought I could stay sober on my own, but God had a different plan and knew me better than I know myself. Looking back now, I can see that it was divine intervention that I made it here to Life Challenge. I grew up in church and always knew who God was but it wasn’t until I got here, I realized how lost I really was. I am now 7 months sober and am happier than I have ever been.

God is helping me to become the woman & mom He designed me to be. He has restored my relationship with my mom and my son and he has blessed me with new sisters in Christ, lifelong friendships, and amazing leaders here at Life Challenge. I have been redeemed by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I can’t wait to see what all God has in store this next year.

KRISTI

I’m 37 years old and have been battling addiction and running from God all of my adult life and the majority of my teen years as well. My whole world was in chaos and I’d lost everything; my home, my children, my family, my freedom, and myself. After being in and out of jail and overdosing this last time, I knew something had to change.

Coming to Life Challenge has been truly the biggest blessing I’ve ever had in my life. I now know what it is to actually have a relationship with Jesus Christ and to have peace that no one can take from you. I’m currently 14 months sober, and I graduate the program in March. Because of this ministry and Jesus, the relationships with my children are being restored and I’m becoming the woman and mother that God made me to be. I now have a wonderful relationship with my mother and have reconciled with my father after over a decade.

I have my family back, which I consider a miracle. I’m excited to graduate and actually live life, to have a job, and be going back to school and most importantly to be a mother to my children. I’m so thankful for all the amazing staff and volunteers that have taught me so much about Jesus and how to have a relationship with Him; as well as for the amazing women I was privileged to go through the program with, who are now my sisters for life. Getting to come back and volunteer here is one of the things I’m looking most forward to honestly, and I’m blessed to get that opportunity. I’m excited to see what God has planned for my future!

SAM

Attending Life Challenge was one of the most challenging yet most rewarding and beautiful experiences I’ve ever been part of. I knew of Jesus before, but I didn’t really know Jesus until I took part in this program.

I graduated from Life Challenge almost 8 years ago. Leaving the program was scary and exciting all at the same time. Through the year I spent with them, I not only got sober, but I learned about Jesus and was able to really form a relationship with Him. I bonded with others in Christ, found structure and purpose in my days. Through the amazing partnerships with local churches, others in Christ, Bible studies and digging deep into the Word, Life Challenge introduced me to the amazing works of God, helped me understand the sacrifice that was made for me and showed me how worthy I am. Through Jesus, I found purpose again. The trials and tribulations Jesus experienced, his mercy and grace, his forgiveness and unconditional love are the foundation of what has helped me stay sober.

Life Challenge helped me have self-awareness to really see my actions, my words and see the world through Jesus’ lens. My learnings through this program of Jesus, his love and forgiveness, the power of faith and prayer, have all helped me get to where I am today. Also, the importance of having the right relationships with others in Christ to continuously be fed. Through his grace, I am healed and still sober today. My life is more than I ever thought it would be. He has provided for me and my family and blessed me more than I could ever imagine – things I never thought I’d have. On the hard days, and there are hard days, I lean on Jesus, prayer and His word to give me strength.

“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out
His special special favor on me…(NLT)”
(1 Cor. 15:10)

BRITTANY

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I graduated Life Challenge in July of 2015. Life Challenge laid the foundation for me to become who I am today. Throughout that year, I was provided a safe and loving environment to solely focus on myself. The structure and unwavering support allowed me to grow as a person. The staff and volunteers gave me the tools and resources that completely changed my life.

I developed a personal relationship with Jesus that affected me to my core. I had hope and I could finally see my self-worth. Through our quiet time, prayer, and classes, Jesus taught me forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love. These things have shaped how I live, think, and raise my family. As the years have passed and I look back, I wouldn’t change my time at Life Challenge. The fun we had and the memories we made will always be close to my heart. I have made lifelong friendships and decided to raise my family in Sylva. Lastly, I know a year seems like a long commitment – but what’s a year when freedom could last a lifetime?