THE HISTORY OF ADULT AND TEEN CHALLENGE

Led by incredible faith, David Wilkerson made a seemingly bizarre step from his country pulpit in 1958 to the streets of New York City, where a murder trial of seven teenage boys churned society’s antipathy toward them. Even Wilkerson was bewildered by his sense of compassion, but despite doubt, he followed the Spirit’s prompting to help the boys.

Wilkerson’s outreach to gangs in New York led to the development of Teen Challenge. From our simple beginnings, Teen Challenge has grown to over 215 locations in the US and over 1000 around the world. The explosive growth of Teen Challenge continues to be a true move of God.

The History of Shenandoah Valley Adult Teen Challenge

A Word from our Founder

People often inquire about the origins of the Teen Challenge Ministry. My journey began in a supportive role at my local church, where I felt a divine call to assist my pastor rather than lead. A few years prior, due to health challenges, I had to abandon my chosen profession. This led me to resume my education, with an initial focus on counseling. My aim was to assist my pastor in addressing the congregation's needs and provide guidance to those grappling with life's challenges. Pastors, I observed, were frequently overwhelmed by their responsibilities, and I believed I could ease that burden.

Two years into my studies, a group from a Teen Challenge Center in Philadelphia visited our church. I was deeply moved by a student's testimony about overcoming drug addiction through faith. It was my introduction to Teen Challenge, and it dawned on me that my calling might be grander than I had anticipated. A few months later, I volunteered at a Teen Challenge Crisis Center in South Carolina. During my tenure there, I visualized a map highlighting the locations of all Teen Challenge Centers in the U.S. Noticing a gap in my home region, and recalling media reports about rising drug issues there, I felt a divine nudge to establish a center locally.

Though the vision was clear, I hesitated for three years. However, a turning point came when a visiting evangelist discerned that someone in our congregation had been summoned to ministry but hadn't responded. I felt an unmistakable spiritual affirmation that the message was for me. That day, it was foretold that I would not only initiate a ministry, but my wife and youngest son would join me. This prophecy eventually materialized.

From that defining moment, God granted me a vision for the Shenandoah Valley. Fast forward 15 years, our mission is rooted in the belief that true freedom and hope can only be found in a deep relationship with Christ.