Solutions For Life Controlling Issues

DECEMBER 2019

P.O. Box 181794 | Dallas, TX 75218

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO 94

MESQUITE, TEXAS

HANDLING - THE FRAGILE GIFT

T E E N C H A L L E N G E D A L L A S . O R G

God’s gift to us came in the most fragile package – a baby. Sometimes we imagine that �rst Christmas day as a beautiful scene on a postcard, but any mother can tell you it wasn’t so. Mary was tired – the lengthy trip – walking and the ride on the donkey. This was her �rst child and He was born in the most unsanitary conditions. She “wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger – because there was no room for them in the inn”. (Luke 2:7 NKJV).

In addition, babies need constant care. Babies cry, eat, sleep and completely depend on parents. God chose to send His Son to earth the fragile way – because Jesus had to be like us – in order to save us.

I read how Ray Tomlinson sent the �rst email message from his computer, through a network, to a di�erent unit in his o�ce. Millions of emails messages are sent daily – WOW!

Continued on Pg 2

ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE DALLAS: Solutions for Life Controlling Issues

God sent us a message in the Person of His Son. How, and how often, do we share The Message?

Some years, as a part of our family’s celebration of Christmas, we visit Branson, Missouri, where we sense the excitement and joy which are evident because of God’s Fragile Gift that �rst Christmas.

When leaving the di�erent auditoriums I often watch the crowds step out of these moments of grace – into the “Real World” and wonder: how will each of us handle the message of the “Fragile Gift”? Will I, will we, continue to look for ways to follow the “Fragile Gift’s” command to share the “gift of hope” we have received with those who haven’t?

Your gifts, throughout our 38 years of ministry here, has given the Adult and Teen Challenge sta� so many opportunities to present the message of God’s Fragile Gift to many.

Thank You is our gift to you…not only during this season but ALWAYS…

Paul, Linda and The ATCD Team

I’m glad that God has blessed me with this time to be a part of Adult & Teen Challenge – this program has helped me in the area of my addiction. Now I am living a life free to live for Christ as my Lord and Savior. (Clentis)

A d u l t & T e e n C h a l l e n g e D a l l a s P. O. B o x 1 8 1 7 9 4 D a l l a s , T X 7 5 2 1 8 T E E N C H A L L E N G E D A L L A S . O R G

An ATCD team jpoins Convoy of Hope in helping local tornado victims Removing tornado debris

FRAGILE GIFT Continued from Pg 1

TESTIMONIES of Some You Have Supported

I was lost in this world trying to do it on my own. Thankfully, I came to realize that doing it on my own would lead me into the hands of Satan. I started using drugs! In June, 2019, I came to Adult & Teen Challenge where I received Christ as my Lord and Savior. With the help of my brothers, here, I have hope for my life and I’m super excited to see what God has planned for my future. (Tucker)

I’ve been in the program for a short time, but in that time the Lord has shown me I was living all wrong. I was a Christian and was raised in a Christian house, but money ruled my life. I would work and work to make as much money as I could, but wouldn’t plan anything else in my life. Because of that I ended up going down a dark path. Now the Lord has shown me the error of my ways and has freed me from my addictions. Christ now rules my life. (Cole)

While I’ve been at Adult & Teen Challenge, God has revealed my true worth in life. I have found true joy as I

N E E D H E L P ? C A L L ( 2 1 4 ) 8 2 4 - 6 1 8 1Solutions For Life Controlling Issues

DECEMBER 2019

have allowed God to work in my life, become a new creation and serve the most powerful living God! God is truly showing me my strengths, allowing me to encourage my other brothers in the program that God can really impact their lives, like He has mine. I am truly grateful that God has allowed me to come to Adult & Teen Challenge to change my life and learn to live for God. (Jason)

I was wandering aimlessly through life! When I came to Adult & Teen Challenge I found a direction. It is focused on following Jesus. Through Him I have found a HOPE for my future. (Earl)

Boots on the ground Pizza: some assembly (line) required.

Tornado damage - Thank God no lives were lost! Homemade pizzas New riding mower donated - thanks!

Will you help provide a Christmas love o�ering for our ATCD dedicated sta�, including sta� trainees? Thanks!

STAFF CHRISTMAS?

NEED HELP?1. Call 214.824.6181 to discuss your situation. Ask for Paul. If I’m “active”, I’ll get back to you later. My objective is to give others the opportunity to receive Christ. 2. If you live within 1 hour, you will be requested to come in for an interview in Dallas or Desoto.3. If you live over an hour from these locations, you can order the application packet - $25 - complete and mail in. 4. If the choir is scheduled in your area, you will be invited to attend the service and an interview can be scheduled after the service.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU!A leviathan bundle of thanks to The Congregation of Kiestwood Assembly of God (Dallas) and their Pastor - Gordon Butler (also a NTD Executive Presbyter and ATCD Board Member) for the huge load of groceries, laundry detergent and paper goods they sent home with us after our service there.

THANK YOU!…Pastors & Churches where ATCD ministered during November. We appreciate your hospitality and look forward to the next opportunity. Thanks for telling others. …Jake’s Family gift of a First-class, 5-star Smoker. Bring your burgers & trimmings and come celebrate what God Is doing at ATCD! Call us to schedule a time we can host.…Casa View – Assortment of groceries.…Chick.�l.a – Ready-to-serve meals.…Sam Ireland – Much needed support items.Please encourage others to GET INVOLVED with ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE DALLAS!

ATCD @ YOUR CHURCH?We are a North Texas District "Home Missions" ministry. Call 972.223.2503 or email TLCLighthouse@gmail.com to schedule a choir and speaker. Thank You!

SHOP LOCAL KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS UPDATE!Our New Acct.# is JU617. Please visit KROGER’s Service Desk, where you shop, and ask that your card be updated. WHAT A DEAL: YOU SUPPORT ATCD as you buy your weekly groceries.

HOW TO HELP...

DONATE ONLINE!Visit the Donate page on TeenChallengeDallas.org for details.

PROJECTS: BY THE END OF DEC.SAM’S GIFT CARDS - For items not available at The Food Bank CANNED VEGETABLESGOOD - USED VEHICLES (Preferably Mini Vans). Income Tax Credit for you or Missions Credit for Your Church!Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

SHOP AMAZON SMILEAmazonSmile is a simple, automatic way to support ATCD. Go to the General Support page on our website and click the amozonsmile button, then start shopping. Amazon will now donate 0.5% of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to ATCD!

A d u l t & T e e n C h a l l e n g e D a l l a s P. O. B o x 1 8 1 7 9 4 D a l l a s , T X 7 5 2 1 8 T E E N C H A L L E N G E D A L L A S . O R G

A NEW WAY TO BLESS ATCD! APPROVED / SIGNED BY CONGRESS... ANOTHER CREATIVE WAY TO BLESS ATCD (and save you taxes!)

If you are 70-1/2 or older, you may request the trustee of your IRAs to annually transfer up to $100,000.00 tax free of your Required Mandatory Distributions (RMD) to Adult and Teen Challenge Dallas an "approved" 501(c)(3) NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION. The funds must be transferred directly by the IRA trustee (bank or investment company) to Adult and Teen Challenge Dallas in order for it to be tax

free to the donor. We suggest you talk with your accountant / �nancial adviser who will be able to walk you through the process.

WHO WE ARE…Adult and Teen Challenge Dallas (The Lighthouse in Desoto), is a 501(c)(3) non-pro�t, faith-based ministry, supported by area churches, businesses and individuals. Currently we have many partnering churches and individuals that support us through prayer, donations and volunteers. We appreciate and need all the support we receive as we work to liquidate our LIGHTHOUSE indebtedness!