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 Abraham and Ruth Pabon are the executive directors of Mid-Atlantic Teen Challenge. They bring over 54 years of experience working with drug and alchohol treatment centers, 33 of which have been with Teen Challenge.
Abraham has a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Ruth has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Masters of Religious Education. "I could have been a statistic of drugs and crime on the streets of New York City. Thirty-three years ago, God rescued me from a life of drug addiction. My life changed when someone reached out to me and directed me to a Christian program. Today I can tell young people that God can change their lives and has a plan for them." -Abraham Pabon
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 April 2010 )
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Teen Challenge started in Brooklyn, New York in 1958 by Rev. David Wilkerson.
Wilkerson was a young country preacher pastoring a church in eastern Pennsylvania. One February afternoon, Wilkerson read an article in LIFE magazine about seven teenagers who were on trial for murder.
During a gang fight in Manhattan, these teens beat a young man to death. Troubled by what he read in the article, and sensing God wanted him to do something for the teens, Wilkerson made a trip from his hometown in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to the urban area of New York City.
Some time after this, Rev. Wilkerson resigned his church in Pennsylvania and moved to the New York City area to work full time with teenage gang members. This new work was eventually called “Teen Challenge.” Soon, Teen Challenge began to also offer help to those addicted to drugs and alcohol. (Rev. Wilkerson is no longer a part of Teen Challenge International, however the impact of what he started lives on.) |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 28 October 2006 )
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“Your services have aided many in learning how to lead productive and happy lives, while still others have benefited from your programs on how to avoid serious problems. I share your belief that it is vital that we teach our young people about the importance of adhering to traditional values, the dignity of work, acceptance of personal responsibility, love for one’s neighbor, and respect for the Creator. I commend you, for helping to instill such values and for reminding young people that humility and resolve lead to patience and strength. These virtues, by their nature, build self-worth and dignity. Keep up the good work.”
President George H. Bush “The Teen Challenge program succeeds when all of the government programs have failed.”
Charles Colson “In my opinion, Teen Challenge is doing the best all-around job of providing the kids with something meaningful in their lives. And that’s what they all need. . .I thank you for your continuing support for Teen Challenge.”
Art Linkletter “I’ve believed in this ministry since its very beginning. And I continue to support it. I consider it a real privilege to endorse this work. Thank God for Teen Challenge!”
Rev. Billy Graham
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 28 October 2006 )
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