My name is Wayne and I’m 39 years old.  I grew up in the system in foster homes, residential centers, juvenile detention centers, and prisons. I was physically, sexually, and mentally abused every step along the way. When my mother finally received custody of me, she would often come and wake me up out of my sleep to say goodbye before she attempted suicide.  I found my first escape from this life of pain and survival through weed, at the age of 9 or so, I thought.  Little did I know this would cost me 27 years of bondage through addiction and over 40 overdoses.  I was in jail and I saw the light of God in a two-time murderer.  This man was very different in a very dark place.  I never saw him have a bad day or argue with anyone.  In fact I saw him ministering to people and feeding people that couldn’t afford canteen.  I noticed he had the bible in his hand everywhere he went.  I thought if God could work in this man’s life, maybe I had a shot.  I went back to my cell and started praying and asking God to give me some proof, something to stand on and immediately he gave me an image of 40 overdoses, to let me know he had been with me this whole time, and was patiently waiting for me to come to the end of myself. 
When I entered the doors of Adult and Teen Challenge I had 5 warrants out of 5 different courthouses and a 27 year addiction that clearly had the best of me.  Today I’m not involved with the courts, no longer an active criminal, and I no longer struggle with addiction.  God has used the vessel of Adult and Teen Challenge to bless me with peace, power, purpose, faith, and hope.