Parent Testimonials of Christian Troubled Teens

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 allowed him to open up to this Christian Boarding school.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 allowed 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. You can't change without God and He is the one changing him. He may not realize that for several years, who knows, we just know that the seeds you are planting there and the ones we spread at home some day will blossom and God has great plans for him. We only brought up God one time during our stay there and Mark was talking about Zac and said "he doesn't believe" and my husband Bob said, " I challenge you to ask God to reveal Himself if He is real" and Mark said "What if He hits me right in the face?" Those were the only words said about God but the answer speaks for itself. Mark truly loves everyone there. There isn't one that he says he doesn't like. He told us, "thank you for sending me here." I didn't think we would ever hear those words, but praise God to Him be the glory. Mark never once ask to break a rule or even give a hint that he wanted too. We are so proud of him.

Thank you again for all your hard work this week was one of the best weeks of our lives. We are so excited and on fire to share this information to everyone we know. We are so proud of Mark and his community that is why we had to video tape him because we are proud. Wow, for a long time I didn't think I would hear those words out of my mouth when it came to Mark. We always wondered why Mark had such a low self esteem. We never told him he wasn't good but we never told him he was good. There is a big difference in not saying it and showing it in our actions. I always thought that if we said "that was stupid" and not "you are stupid" there was a difference. I have learned there isn't a difference because the kid hears "you are stupid" any way. We are certainly changing the way we parent at home with Mark's sister and brother 13 and 11.

Parenting is fun again and it is wonderful to watch them make bad and good choice sand learn from them. We can't thank you enough. We have a huge prayer list praying for the staff and Mark everyday. If you guys need anything we have a lot of people that may be willing to donate things. Let us know. We believe in what you are doing there. God bless you

End of The Goode's Testimonial

Testimony of Karen Lindsay (Parent)

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the most incredible, loving, transformed relationship and extreme weekend home visit!!! It was a love fest from beginning to end!!!! We had great conversations, spend every minute together, and sat as a family at Temple, and THAT was for me the sweetest of all!! You've not just transformed one sad, hurting boy, you've changed us all! Isn't God able.....!!!!!!!!!!!! With love, thanks and a truly grateful heart, Karen Lindsay

End of Karen Lindsay Testimonial (September 2008)

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 benefiting. I am praying for you and your dad and your family.

Peace in Christ, Stephen McGinley

End of Stephen McGinley's Testimonial (April 2008)