The Heart and History of Abundant Life Academy

Miracles, Provisions from Heaven, Persecution, Betrayal, and Opposition, and ultimately faith that has been tried…

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according tot our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…” 2 Timothy 1:8-9

Abundant Life Academy began as a “calling” of Craig and Wendy Rogers. This calling was to create a Christian alternative to the secular-based therapeutic boarding school/program for troubled teens. At that time of ALA’s conception there were very few Christ-based programs and Christian parents had little to no choice but to place their troubled teen in a secular program or school. The Rogers, who had built a successful career through various secular-based schools and programs, stepped out in faith and obediently created Abundant Life Academy. Five hard years later Abundant Life Academy is enjoying its third expansion and growth phase and we are honored to share our experience and testimony of God’s love and provision. To say the least this journey has not been easy, and has been forged by faith, in tears and in persecution. However, may God get all the glory as He reveals His love for us in our tribulations and trials.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18

Craig and Wendy Rogers started Abundant Life Academy (December 2000) with absolutely no financial backing, no property, and no material support of any kind. They stepped out in faith and believed that God would prevail with His promises. At the time Craig and Wendy lived in a one-bedroom basement apartment with no furniture. There was no startup capital, no employees, no web site, and most importantly, no students. There was only a vision mixed with faith. To the outside world Abundant Life Academy looked like a pipe dream and a failure waiting to happen. When it comes to the ways of God, the outside world always has it wrong.

“…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;” Philippians 3:10-11

Three months after Craig and Wendy left their secular jobs and stepped out in faith God miraculously provided Abundant Life Academy a fully furnished Victorian home, three vehicles, full cupboards/refrigerator, and four students. Literally, all the Rogers did to move Abundant Life Academy from vision to reality was to pray and trust God. Along with the miracle provisions came tremendous opposition and persecution.

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11

Right from the beginning the Rogers’ own family members came against them, vehemently opposing the project. Craig and Wendy Rogers had built successful careers and had three young children to raise. Craig’s parents, who are believers, doubted the Rogers’ decision to follow such a wild dream. Besides the opposition from the Rogers kin, the local body of believers failed to stand behind the Rogers, instead choosing to watch the development of the ministry from afar. Lastly, the city that the school was first located also opposed the project and were successful in stopping the first attempt of ALA to expand beyond four students. Thus, the pattern of opposition and persecution began.