Testimonials

Testimony of Stephen McGinley (Parent)

Thank you so much for the awesome conference last week. It was so good to spend time with Jonathan, meet the dedicated staff of ALA and also get to connect with other parents who have similar stories to tell. I was especially impacted by Saturday's final session. I greatly appreciate the time spent that you spent with us in the word as well as your insight and conviction on some hard, but important truths. I believe that Father was working in a mighty way throughout this time. I also believe that because you were willing to talk about your own life and your dad that other people were able to take the risk of being real. Thank you for that gift. God has you in a much needed place of ministry for which we are benefitting. I am praying for you and your dad and your family.  

Peace in Christ, Stephen McGinley

End of Stephen McGinley's Testimonial (April 2008)

Testimony of Amanda Hansen (Student)

During my time here I have learned to love without emotionally attaching myself. There was a little girl at superstar who was the cutest thing ever. She told me that she was going to miss me so much. I showed her the love she had wanted or needed. She didn't get that from her parents. I was really touched by her words. I was amazed by how much I meant to her. I was brought to my knees with love. I haven't experienced that kind of love in so long, it made me realize how much more I have to offer my family and friends. I am going to love my family with more love than I have. I will be more open to trusting people and letting them love me more than I was before. Also, the book "Failing Forward" has put a new perspective on how I look at life.

End of Amanda's Testimonial (on a Mission in Feb 2008 to Costa Rica)

Testimony of the parents of Mark goode

Bob and I just wanted to say thank you for everything you are doing for our child Mark Goode.  From the time I first heard Wendy Riddles voice on the other end of the phone, me asking for help I knew God wanted my
child there.  Wendy counseled me through 2 and 1/2 months of worry about my child being out on the streets.  She told me you might not be the right place but just to pray about it and God will provide.  Hearing her
story inspired me.  She told me you would accept my child exactly where he was at, just like Christ accepts us.

The first words that came out of my child's mouth on the first phone call home was "I can't believe they
accepted me for me"  because we never wanted to accept him for who he
was.  You guys did and that has aloud him to open up to this program.
We saw a different kid this week.  He was a man in my eyes.  There was
never any awkward moments we just all loved on each other.  We never
really discussed any wrong doings on Marks part but defiantly on ours.
Mark brought it up several times that he was sorry and we told him that
we were glad this happened because God may have sent him here not just
for him and his family ,but maybe to help someone at the academy.  He
told us he loves helping others and he has become a leader.  We never
knew he was  a leader because we never aloud him to lead.  What a
blessing it was to see him in conversation with other parents telling
them why the new program was a good change for the academy.  We just
stood there in awe!  This is our child a mature adult, all without us
doing it. 

Mark thinks he's doing this himself but we know different.... <<READ the FULL TESTIMONIAL>>

Testimony of Brittney in Costa Rica, Jan 31th, 2008

Costa Rica for me has been an amazing experience so far. The kids here are outstanding. The looks on their faces when you hand them something as simple as a candy or school back pack, is something that has got me thinking about all of the things in life that people take for grated. People in America take so many things for granted, and are always wanting more, myself included. Seeing the children and how thankful they are of their parents and everyone around them, has made me realize that God has blessed my life and answered many prayers, by putting so many wonderful people in my life. Not materialistic things. I have parents that love me with all their being. I have an amazing guy in my life, that for the first time, makes me feel respected and safe, I have friends that can’t get enough of me, and I have staff members and directors at my Boarding School, that have taken the time out of their lives to help teenagers come to Christ. And for the first time in my life, I couldn’t ask for anything more. Materialistic things fade over time. But the love and bonds, that you build with the people that come into your life are things that will be there forever.

God has really been speaking to my heart throughout this trip... <<READ the FULL TESTIMONIAL>>

Testimony of Malicia (Student)

When I first arrived at ALA the staff and peers helped me realize some problem that I had. These problems were drug/alcohol, manipulation, lying, authority problem, and inconsiderate to others. ALA didn't help me with any of these problems the only thing they did was bring me to Gods door so that he may help me. At Gods door I knocked and he let me in on January 23rd, God healed me of my selfishness and helped me everyday with my lying and manipulation. God also helped me realized that drugs and alcohol were used as an easy way out. One thing I had to realize is that taking the easy way out just hurt me more in the long run. I don't need drugs and alcohol in my life I lived fine without them for 4 months and that right there is proof that I can do it for the rest of my life.

My Authority problem has gotten much better... <<READ the FULL TESTIMONIAL>>

Testimony of Anthony (Student)

Well my life never did start of to well. Back when I was two my mother was a heavy drug user I mean very heavy drug user she would use drugs all the time to take away the pain inside her. It hurts now to know that your mom left you when you were two for drugs. My father was in the navy at the time so I never really saw him.

Well back when my mom was doing drugs my grandparent's finally had enough of me and my older sister living that life and they came to come and pick us up. I kept on moving back and forth with my parents and grandparents. Finally when I was eight I moved to live with my grandparents for good. After that move I never did see my sister again.

The reason that I moved for good ... <<READ the FULL TESTIMONIAL>>

Testimony of Olivia (Student)

Where do I start? I guess I might as well start off when all the real trouble started. It was the summer right before my junior year of high school (2003). I had just spent a week a church camp and during the week I was gone my parents moved to our new house. The house was beautiful, but the location wasn't and it just didn't feel like home to me. I told my parents this before the bought the house although they thought it was the best thing for us at the time. I guess it still just rubbed me the wrong way.

I ran upstairs to my new room and cried for two hours. I told myself there was no way this was going to work out. So I called up a friend of mine and asked her if I could stay the night. Within twenty minutes she showed up to my house and I told my parents I was going to stay with her that night. All I thought all we were going to do was watch movies all night. Then plans changed.

That happened to be the pattern for the next year and a half...<<READ the FULL TESTIMONIAL>>