Nancy Lane, Content Strategist
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU)
For Immediate Release
WAXAHACHIE, TX – April 4, 2024 – Recently, the Southwestern Missions Association (SMA) at Southwestern Assemblies of God (SAGU) presented a donation to Global Teen Challenge. The donation, which reached its goal amount by the generous contribution of an anonymous donor, was designated by GTC to Teen Challenge Israel.
Joslynn Bristow, SMA Secretary at the time, chose the giving project for the year and dedicated much of her time and resources to fundraising for this project. “My heart in choosing this project was to educate the student body on the reality of our brothers and sisters around the world and to spur action through our giving,” Bristow says.
This donation comes at a crucial time as Teen Challenge Israel continues providing hope, freedom, and change to individuals battling life-controlling problems. The donation will support the translation and printing of critical materials, ensuring that resources are accessible to all who need them. Additionally, it will facilitate the creation of a platform for collaboration between existing centers, fostering a network of support and solidarity.
President / CEO of Global Teen Challenge, Brice Maddock, thanks SAGU for their partnership and mentions that the donation will “…bring hope and relief to the communities of Israel impacted by the ongoing conflict.”
Global Teen Challenge was established in 2007 in response to a pressing need in Israel. It operates holistically, addressing every aspect of a person’s being – spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, social, and educational. Their mission is clear: to help those trapped by addiction and other life-controlling issues break free and reclaim their lives.
Community involvement and support are integral to their efforts. Teen Challenge Israel recognizes the importance of collaborating with existing rehabilitation and outreach centers, tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of those they serve. To achieve this, they organize training seminars for congregations and individuals involved in assisting individuals. These seminars, conducted in English, Hebrew, Arabic, and Russian, aim to equip helpers with the tools and resources to make a meaningful impact.
Drawing from over 50 years of experience, Teen Challenge Israel offers a range of programs and materials designed to support individuals on their journey to recovery. From “Living Free” resources to group and personal studies and materials addressing abuse and prevention programs for youth, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to reach the lost and bring healing.
The donation from SMA will further enable Teen Challenge Israel to expand its reach and enhance its services. It will support translating and printing crucial materials, ensuring that resources are accessible to all who need them. Additionally, it will facilitate the creation of a platform for collaboration between existing centers, fostering a network of support and solidarity.
Through this initiative, SMA sought to fulfill the broader mission of spreading hope and healing to those in need. “Our responsibility as believers is to love others unconditionally, to welcome them to our tables (even if we cannot physically do that), and to care for them in their times of need,” says Bristow. “I believe the spare change one person gave may impact generations to come. I know the faith SAGU students have in these people’s lives means something. I am just so thankful God allowed me to see that.”
About the University:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private Christian university established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. SAGU is currently in the process of becoming Nelson University. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Pictured above – First Photo: 2022-2023 SMA Team, Second Photo: Presentation of the Check to GTC
