On February 2, 1998 I started a journey that would forever change my life. That was the day I went to Teen Challenge. Charged with a felony as adult, I had the option to either go to prison or Teen Challenge. Reluctantly, I chose Teen Challenge. Looking back I realize the hand of God in that situation. I was a broken young man. Actually, I was hardly a man. I lived only for myself. For the next high, the next rush, the next relationship. I lived for whatever would make me feel better. That lifestyle was costly. After 2 serious (almost life ending) drug overdoses, several costly treatment facilities, many broken relationships, God stopped me long enough that He could get my attention. I don’t know that I would have come to Him another way.

To say that everything changed that day twenty years ago wouldn’t be totally accurate. God gave me the opportunity for everything to change but there was a cost. It was an incredible opportunity! But it took years of renewing my mind, relationships that had to end, relationships that had to mend, acceptance of my actions, belief in myself and I needed God. Not the Sunday only God that I learned about as a kid. That God always seemed distant and angry with me. But the God that loved the sinner enough to do something about it. I needed the God that loved me in my mess. This love changed my life. God surrounded me with people that were full of this love. They dedicated their life to help me become the man God wanted me to be. This was motivation! I didn’t want to waste this opportunity. So I embraced what God put before me and He did more than I could have ever imagined.

In my first meeting with my counselor at Teen Challenge, I remember him asking, “What do you want in life Travis?”  There was no hesitation, “I want a family. I want to be a father and a husband.”  That answer still surprises me. An 18 year old drug addict that hadn’t been sober for a month says he wants to be a father? That counselor could have said many answers. He could have said, “You need to work hard and that can happen.” or “That is the last thing you should be thinking of.” But what he said were words that still burn in my heart. At the time, I didn’t know what prophecy was but those words were prophetic. He wept while he said, “That is a desire from God. He put that in your heart. If you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart. (reference of  Ps. 37:4)”  I broke. The hope that one day I could be a father and husband was a light to my soul. Somebody believed that for me! After all I had done. I knew I had encountered the grace of God.

Fast forward to 20 years later. I have 4 beautiful children and have been married 16 years to an amazing lady. They are my greatest legacy. Of all the things that the last 20 years have brought, I look back and realize they were motivation before they were a reality. God has brought me on some incredible adventures.I truly believe they are just beginning!  My family and I have devoted ourselves to helping other people find this hope! 

This picture is evidence of that hope is real.  My daughter Kinzey wrote this (she is 9).  20 years later those desires are a reality.  To God be the glory!