Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada announced an impressive turnout of 275 supporters at one of the organization’s key fundraising banquets at Winkler Bible Camp on Monday. The evening brought together donors, volunteers, and staff in a celebration of unity and purpose.
"Evenings like tonight are incredibly special," Derek Neufeld, Pembina Valley Development Director, shared. "It's like a big family gathering where we can connect with our supporters. Plus, these events provide essential financial resources to continue our ministry."
Mission of transformation and freedom
Adult & Teen Challenge works to help people overcome life-controlling issues, offering pathways to freedom and transformation. Neufeld spoke passionately about the reward of his work, describing the best part as "seeing a life transformed." The organization encourages attendees to support its mission, hoping that more will join to help make an impact in their communities.
Ethan Keesic’s journey of renewal
Ethan Keesic shared a few words at the banquet Monday. He marked a pivotal milestone: his one-year anniversary in the program. Reflecting on the past, Keesic shared how the organization saved his life, helping him break free from addiction, homelessness, and the cycle of arrests and instability that had once defined his life.
“Before, I was a broken person,” Keesic recounted. “I was stuck in a cycle of messiness, in and out of housing, and involved in drugs and violence.” Today, he has experienced a complete turnaround. “God’s just renewed my mind,” he said. “I have zero desire to ever go back to that lifestyle.”
Community events that save lives
Keesic emphasized the power of events like the Teen Challenge banquet to rally the community around the cause of life transformation. “It’s such an amazing thing,” he said, noting the impact of gathering people together to support those fighting addiction. “It changes lives. It saves lives.”
To those struggling with addiction, Keesic’s message is one of resilience and hope. “Never lose hope…never stop trying,” he encouraged. “Just think of better days and never give up.”
Jeremy Hiebert’s faith-filled transformation
For Jeremy Hiebert, the decision to join Adult & Teen Challenge was filled with both hope and fear. A nearly 30-year smoker, Hiebert worried that quitting would be his greatest obstacle, even more daunting than giving up drugs or alcohol. But on September 29, 2023, at 10 a.m., he had his last cigarette—a milestone he credits to faith and support from the Teen Challenge community.
A year of growth and giving back
Reflecting on his journey, Hiebert explained, “As soon as I started the program, I prayed and asked the Lord to change the desires of my heart.” The transformation was profound, leading him not only to complete the program but also to join the 'Surge Leadership Emerging Leaders Program,' an initiative designed for graduates to develop leadership skills and inspire others in their recovery journeys. Encouraged by his children, Hiebert took the opportunity with a commitment to give back.
The importance of community support
Speaking at a Teen Challenge banquet, Hiebert emphasized the significance of these gatherings for community support and funding. “Raising money is incredibly important. We need staff who genuinely care to guide the students. Without the staff’s patience and care, I wouldn’t have made it through,” he said. He also stressed the necessity of expanding the program to address the rising rates of addiction.
In his final message, Hiebert shared his gratitude and a heartfelt message to those listening. “Adult & Teen Challenge changed my life. They gave me time to recover and build a personal relationship with God. If you want the answer to addiction, it’s Jesus Christ.”
To learn more about Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada or to donate, click here.