Episode 85
#85. Complete Transformation in Addiction Recovery
Alex Willis is the Intake Coordinator for Brooklyn Teen Challenge. His main objective is to introduce broken people to Jesus, get them enrolled into the Brooklyn Teen Challenge program, and help them cultivate a life free from addiction.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- A typical day in the program
- 3 phase approach to recovery
- Transition back to society
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Alex Willis was born and raised in a small town called Shell Lake, WI and served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 to 2011. He is a full-time student at Regent University, attaining his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and Pastoral Care. He serves on staff at Brooklyn Adult and Teen Challenge, the flagship program that began in 1958 by Pastor David Wilkerson, and is also a graduate of the program.
RELATED LINKS:
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:
03:23 - Mission and Vision of Teen Challenge
03:57 - Healthy Spiritually leads to Healthy Physically
04:02 - Pastor David Wikerson convicted to speak to boys on trial in NYC for murder
04:21 - Wilkerson stayed in NYC meets gang leader, Mickey Cruz
04:51 - Mickey Cruz convicted and gave his heart to the Lord
04:58 - 250 Teen Challenges centers in the US
05:00 - 1400 Teen Challenge centers worldwide
05:15 - Pastor Wilkerson also the founding pastor of Times Square Church
05:47 - Process of the Teen Challenge Program
05:54 - Duration: 1 year live-in program
06:17 - Phase 1 of 3 (6 months): Basic introduction to scripture and Christianity
06:43 - Brooklyn Teen Challenge caters to adults
06:59 - Phase 2 of 3 (3 months): Learning hermeneutics and how to read scripture
07:07 - Teen Challenge is a Discipleship program
07:13 - Learn skills in the workplace & Work therapy at the center
08:08 - Phase 3 of 3 (3 months): Develop next steps to transition back into society
08:44 - Some may have a calling to serve at Teen Challenge
08:53 - Internship program
09:17 - Criteria for the internship program
09:34 - Plan for success at the 12-month mark
09:47 - Pastor Winston Trumpet helps formulate exit plan
10:06 - A typical day in the program
14:22 - Steps to take after completion of the program
16:18 - Alex's personal testimony of Teen Challenge
19:28 - Sent to the Brooklyn school of ministry
25:44 - Teen Challenge outreach opportunities
28:09 - How can my church come alongside Teen Challenge?
30:55 - Success rate of Teen Challenge upon completion
32:23 - Alex Willis' contact information (917-982-8448, alex@brooklynteenchallenge.org)
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