STUDENT TESTIMONIES
“[At CEM] I’ve made new friends, new memories, and I look to the future with new eyes. I’ve realized that I came to a place where God lives, a place where you can truly encounter God...” |
Thank you, Christian Encounter, for a second chance at success." |
“CEM and the vast family and staff that continually poured their positive affirmations and love into me at such a pivotal age helped me believe in myself and see my value.” |
"The best thing I did was agree to come to the Ranch. I encourage you... [to] seize the opportunity to get the education and help you deserve and become the person God intended for you to become. I would give anything to come back and squeeze out everything I ever could from the Ranch… Thank you, CEM, for making my new life in Christ even possible and for giving me a safe haven to grow." |
“Before my arrival at Christian Encounter Ministries, I had no foundation for life....I was a medicated, angry, bad-mouthed teenager....It wasn’t until I came here that I started getting the help I needed to start the reconstruction of my life...[Now] I am gaining more self-control, and I am starting to be open to receiving instruction. I am a new person." |
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Dustin Berlin, CEM 2003 graduate,
“CEM and the vast family and staff that continually poured their positive affirmations and love into me at such a pivotal age helped me believe in myself and see my value...I am so thankful that situations led my life to the Ranch at that age. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Ranch family. Thank God for loving discipline.” |
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Zack, 2016-2017
“[At CEM] I’ve made new friends, new memories, and I look to the future with new eyes. I’ve realized that I came to a place where God lives, a place where you can truly encounter God...”
Annemarie, 2016-2017
“When I came to the Ranch, I was depressed and suicidal. I could not see God in my life, and with all that I had done and gone through, I couldn’t see why He’d want to be a part of it. I was masking a lot of my pain and fear with just about anything that could make you feel like anything you’re not. Thanks to an old friend, I found the Ranch. This is where I met Christ. All of what I had tried to do on my own to get better, to move on, to find healing and peace was ultimately worthless in comparison to the all-powerful God who can redeem every chapter of our lives. Since knowing Christ, He’s given me the peace, healing, strength, and power to let go of what is behind me.”
Jake, 2016
"For too long I identified myself through my past experiences. A lie that I believed is that who I am is defined by who I have been, what I have done, and where I have gone…There was nobody that I wanted to be. There was nothing that I wanted to do. There was nowhere that I wanted to go…I always looked backwards, dwelling on what I have done and where I have gone…There is this guy, I will tell you his name in a moment, but I look up to him more than anybody else. When he was asked who He was, He gave an answer that remains simple and profound: “I AM WHO I AM.”
True.
It is a good name, and it really applies to all.
I want to follow in His footsteps. I desire to be as he was, as He is, and as He will be. I want to do what He did, what He does, and what He will do. I want to go where he went, where He goes, and where He will go."
Alyssa, 2016 (Excerpt from spoken word)
"I needed help so bad because all I wanted was to die. And what I did was deny, lie about my consistent thoughts to cut through the night. It wasn’t successful. Obviously this wasn’t working for me. And apparently, therapy didn’t help at all either…Fast forward to today, and all I can say after an adventure of change, Which started when I finally stopped playing Satan’s game. And believed God created life to be so much better then what I could ever explain… so why not live it? And live it to the fullest…I made a choice of where I was going to be. Look at me I’m finally free; And placed where God wants me. Living joyfully…God offered a relationship I couldn’t pass up. Every bad desire, wrong mindset is gone when I’m submerged in Gods unfailing love, I’m trusting the Lord above, and living abundantly, without any drugs…I thank everyone who made it possible for me to come to the Ranch, I’ve obviously been given another chance, but most of all I thank God … my Rock, my Hope, my Love, My Salvation, My Savior, my Creator, my most high Possession…And here I go to make my profession to be a light, a life worth living for only in his direction."
Cheyenne, 2013-2015
"In my time at the Ranch I saw my weaknesses and strengths so clearly...The best thing I did was agree to come to the Ranch. I encourage you... [to] seize the opportunity to get the education and help you deserve and become the person God intended for you to become. I would give anything to come back and squeeze out everything I ever could from the Ranch… Thank you, CEM, for making my new life in Christ even possible and for giving me a safe haven to grow and get out of high school for good."
Shane, 2014-2015
"The Ranch helped me realize my potential in school as well as in my ability to succeed in life. I came to the Ranch a broken, drug-addicted, selfish, and angry person. I left the Ranch a completely different person. I left as an applied, disciplined, high school graduate. The Lord has shown me my intellectual abilities and has given me self-control, but most of all, He has shown me grace…His undying grace. Through the staff, interns, and students with whom I was here, I learned what grace is. Here I have built friendships that will last for years. Sure Ranch life was difficult at times, but it was a necessary difficulty that the Lord used to refine me into the man I am today."
“[At CEM] I’ve made new friends, new memories, and I look to the future with new eyes. I’ve realized that I came to a place where God lives, a place where you can truly encounter God...”
Annemarie, 2016-2017
“When I came to the Ranch, I was depressed and suicidal. I could not see God in my life, and with all that I had done and gone through, I couldn’t see why He’d want to be a part of it. I was masking a lot of my pain and fear with just about anything that could make you feel like anything you’re not. Thanks to an old friend, I found the Ranch. This is where I met Christ. All of what I had tried to do on my own to get better, to move on, to find healing and peace was ultimately worthless in comparison to the all-powerful God who can redeem every chapter of our lives. Since knowing Christ, He’s given me the peace, healing, strength, and power to let go of what is behind me.”
Jake, 2016
"For too long I identified myself through my past experiences. A lie that I believed is that who I am is defined by who I have been, what I have done, and where I have gone…There was nobody that I wanted to be. There was nothing that I wanted to do. There was nowhere that I wanted to go…I always looked backwards, dwelling on what I have done and where I have gone…There is this guy, I will tell you his name in a moment, but I look up to him more than anybody else. When he was asked who He was, He gave an answer that remains simple and profound: “I AM WHO I AM.”
True.
It is a good name, and it really applies to all.
I want to follow in His footsteps. I desire to be as he was, as He is, and as He will be. I want to do what He did, what He does, and what He will do. I want to go where he went, where He goes, and where He will go."
Alyssa, 2016 (Excerpt from spoken word)
"I needed help so bad because all I wanted was to die. And what I did was deny, lie about my consistent thoughts to cut through the night. It wasn’t successful. Obviously this wasn’t working for me. And apparently, therapy didn’t help at all either…Fast forward to today, and all I can say after an adventure of change, Which started when I finally stopped playing Satan’s game. And believed God created life to be so much better then what I could ever explain… so why not live it? And live it to the fullest…I made a choice of where I was going to be. Look at me I’m finally free; And placed where God wants me. Living joyfully…God offered a relationship I couldn’t pass up. Every bad desire, wrong mindset is gone when I’m submerged in Gods unfailing love, I’m trusting the Lord above, and living abundantly, without any drugs…I thank everyone who made it possible for me to come to the Ranch, I’ve obviously been given another chance, but most of all I thank God … my Rock, my Hope, my Love, My Salvation, My Savior, my Creator, my most high Possession…And here I go to make my profession to be a light, a life worth living for only in his direction."
Cheyenne, 2013-2015
"In my time at the Ranch I saw my weaknesses and strengths so clearly...The best thing I did was agree to come to the Ranch. I encourage you... [to] seize the opportunity to get the education and help you deserve and become the person God intended for you to become. I would give anything to come back and squeeze out everything I ever could from the Ranch… Thank you, CEM, for making my new life in Christ even possible and for giving me a safe haven to grow and get out of high school for good."
Shane, 2014-2015
"The Ranch helped me realize my potential in school as well as in my ability to succeed in life. I came to the Ranch a broken, drug-addicted, selfish, and angry person. I left the Ranch a completely different person. I left as an applied, disciplined, high school graduate. The Lord has shown me my intellectual abilities and has given me self-control, but most of all, He has shown me grace…His undying grace. Through the staff, interns, and students with whom I was here, I learned what grace is. Here I have built friendships that will last for years. Sure Ranch life was difficult at times, but it was a necessary difficulty that the Lord used to refine me into the man I am today."
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Kareem, 2014-2015
"Before coming to Christian Encounter, I was messed up in a lot of ways and in a lot of ways I still am today. But during my time here, I've gone through turning points that were hard, yet oh-so transforming. … If it wasn't for the Greater hands urging on the changes, I would've given up long ago…. I thank those who loved me enough to urge on changes even when I didn't want them for myself…I thank God that I have been able to see layers of my inner being grow to changed completeness, but I recognize the whole of me is not done, yet. Through life, I will continue to be molded and transformed so that when I'm gone from this too-quick-breath-of-a-life I will be presented to my Maker blameless and complete. Thank you, Christian Encounter, for a second chance at success." |
Thank you, Christian Encounter, for a second chance at success." |
Lindsey, 2010
“About two years ago I had no hope, nothing big enough to touch the hurts in my life. My parents divorced when I was ten, and then my mom’s sudden death when I was fourteen left me feeling so broken and empty. Pain pervaded my soul. It affected every aspect of my life; how I did in school, my relationship with my family, my self-image, and the way I felt about God.
I needed healing and I was searching for anything but God to take the pain away. I had a longing in my heart that needed to be filled, but I was looking in all the wrong places to find that fulfillment. Life was just getting worse and I felt completely hopeless. But at the right time, God intervened and opened the doors for me to come to CEM. He saved me and brought me to the Ranch. I didn’t know why I was here, but God did. It was a part of His plan.
Over these two years I have allowed God to come into my life and heal the hurts within. I have been getting to know him on such a deeper level! I’m so thankful that He has given me another chance...He has given me a hope for my future."
“About two years ago I had no hope, nothing big enough to touch the hurts in my life. My parents divorced when I was ten, and then my mom’s sudden death when I was fourteen left me feeling so broken and empty. Pain pervaded my soul. It affected every aspect of my life; how I did in school, my relationship with my family, my self-image, and the way I felt about God.
I needed healing and I was searching for anything but God to take the pain away. I had a longing in my heart that needed to be filled, but I was looking in all the wrong places to find that fulfillment. Life was just getting worse and I felt completely hopeless. But at the right time, God intervened and opened the doors for me to come to CEM. He saved me and brought me to the Ranch. I didn’t know why I was here, but God did. It was a part of His plan.
Over these two years I have allowed God to come into my life and heal the hurts within. I have been getting to know him on such a deeper level! I’m so thankful that He has given me another chance...He has given me a hope for my future."
I found out that Jesus can wash away the past so I can become who God wants me to be.” |
Travis, 2010-2011
“Ages 0-17 were all about the first birth; now age 18 is all about new life in Christ. I found out that Jesus can wash away the past so I can become who God wants me to be.” |
Jamia, 2010-2011
“Coming to the Ranch, I had a distorted perspective of what being in a relationship with God and with people could look like. However, being in such close quarters with the same seven people for fifteen…days has caused my view of relationships to change tremendously." (referring to CEM's 15-day backpacking trip)
“Coming to the Ranch, I had a distorted perspective of what being in a relationship with God and with people could look like. However, being in such close quarters with the same seven people for fifteen…days has caused my view of relationships to change tremendously." (referring to CEM's 15-day backpacking trip)
Sean, 2009-2010
“A little over a year ago, I described my life as simple ‘existence.’ I was not living; I was simply breathing. I had no job, no money, no degree. My family had been torn apart by divorce, and all of my friends had deserted me. Suicidal thoughts began; I felt that I would rather die than go through one more day. My heart was crying, screaming, for a reason to live. God heard my cry. He reached down…plucked me out of my darkness, and brought me to the Ranch."
Annie, 2009-2010
“Before God brought me to Christian Encounter, my life was very different than it is today. I knew little about who I was, or what I wanted to be. I spent a lot of time running from my problems. I turned to parties and drugs, and eventually ended up with not much of a life at all. Thankfully, God got my attention and allowed me to see that the life I was living was not His plan for me. He gave me a desire to start over and pointed me in the direction of a place where I could.
Being a student at the Ranch has been the hardest and the most wonderful nineteen months of my life. I have faced problems, relived painful memories, asked for forgiveness, and learned the meaning of obedience before understanding—and I have seen the rewards that come with that hard work. I have been blessed with a family who loves me, and I have learned how to show that love to others. I have discovered so much about myself and my creator, and have formed a bond with Him that is unbreakable and undeniable. I can say with confidence that I know who I am, and that I stand on a solid foundation. I will leave here knowing that I am loved, taken care of, and known by the ruler of the universe, and that there’s really nothing more important I could learn."
“A little over a year ago, I described my life as simple ‘existence.’ I was not living; I was simply breathing. I had no job, no money, no degree. My family had been torn apart by divorce, and all of my friends had deserted me. Suicidal thoughts began; I felt that I would rather die than go through one more day. My heart was crying, screaming, for a reason to live. God heard my cry. He reached down…plucked me out of my darkness, and brought me to the Ranch."
Annie, 2009-2010
“Before God brought me to Christian Encounter, my life was very different than it is today. I knew little about who I was, or what I wanted to be. I spent a lot of time running from my problems. I turned to parties and drugs, and eventually ended up with not much of a life at all. Thankfully, God got my attention and allowed me to see that the life I was living was not His plan for me. He gave me a desire to start over and pointed me in the direction of a place where I could.
Being a student at the Ranch has been the hardest and the most wonderful nineteen months of my life. I have faced problems, relived painful memories, asked for forgiveness, and learned the meaning of obedience before understanding—and I have seen the rewards that come with that hard work. I have been blessed with a family who loves me, and I have learned how to show that love to others. I have discovered so much about myself and my creator, and have formed a bond with Him that is unbreakable and undeniable. I can say with confidence that I know who I am, and that I stand on a solid foundation. I will leave here knowing that I am loved, taken care of, and known by the ruler of the universe, and that there’s really nothing more important I could learn."
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Michelle, 2009
“…A year-and-a-half ago I was very broken and hurt. But not many people would have guessed it... I was longing for a deeper meaning for my life and those in it. I was dying for change. I was living for myself and running after all the wrong things to satisfy the deep longing I had in my soul. My sins had me in chains and I could not escape. I felt hopeless, and life was hollow. |
God has shown me what forgiveness really is through His Son, Christ Jesus |
I had no understanding, conviction, or appreciation for what Jesus did for me on the cross. I had a superficial relationship with God. Many seeds had been planted by my mom and family, but I had no desire to give myself completely to Him. However, God was after me, and He had other plans for my life. He snatched me up from where I was and brought me to the Ranch. He wanted to give me the fullness of life. The seeds were finally being watered. Over this past year and a half God has been pouring His love, wisdom, and discipline into me.
Life wasn’t always a walk in the park living at the Ranch. I had to learn many hard and painful lessons. I had no idea how to deal with conflict with others in a healthy way. I did not know how to keep healthy relationships with people. I was unable to forgive myself for past mistakes, or those who had hurt me. I had plenty of garbage to work through, but God has shown me what forgiveness really is through His Son, Christ Jesus."
Micaela, 2009
I want to thank God for opening up the door to CEM, to a new life and to his family. He has blessed me beyond anything I could have expected, and I hope that my life can be a testimony of his amazing works.”
Chris, 2009
“Before my arrival at Christian Encounter Ministries, I had no foundation for life... I was a medicated, angry, bad-mouthed teenager. I could be described by the staff as easily angered, defiant, disrespectful, irritating, and over the top—showing poor self-control, argumentative, frustrated, frustrating, and impatient...It wasn’t until I came here that I started getting the help I needed to start the reconstruction of my life. Within a few months, I heard of this Great Contractor who wanted to oversee the rebuilding of my life. Finally, I asked if He would come into my life and start to rebuild me. He did. This Contractor…is Jesus, the Son of God, the King who died on the cross for me....[Now] I have a solid relationship with God, I am gaining more self-control, and I am starting to be open to receiving instruction. I am a new person."
Andrew, 2009
"When I first arrived, I was…reluctant to change and …unable to do so of my own accord. Lazy, disrespectful, argumentative, these are to name just a few of the flaws…I have, in some small way, overcome while at CEM. The ranch provided a means for a different perspective on my life, a perspective from which I could sort through all the clutter and come out with something slightly resembling a sensible and rational individual. Which is what I would like to think I am today.”
Life wasn’t always a walk in the park living at the Ranch. I had to learn many hard and painful lessons. I had no idea how to deal with conflict with others in a healthy way. I did not know how to keep healthy relationships with people. I was unable to forgive myself for past mistakes, or those who had hurt me. I had plenty of garbage to work through, but God has shown me what forgiveness really is through His Son, Christ Jesus."
Micaela, 2009
I want to thank God for opening up the door to CEM, to a new life and to his family. He has blessed me beyond anything I could have expected, and I hope that my life can be a testimony of his amazing works.”
Chris, 2009
“Before my arrival at Christian Encounter Ministries, I had no foundation for life... I was a medicated, angry, bad-mouthed teenager. I could be described by the staff as easily angered, defiant, disrespectful, irritating, and over the top—showing poor self-control, argumentative, frustrated, frustrating, and impatient...It wasn’t until I came here that I started getting the help I needed to start the reconstruction of my life. Within a few months, I heard of this Great Contractor who wanted to oversee the rebuilding of my life. Finally, I asked if He would come into my life and start to rebuild me. He did. This Contractor…is Jesus, the Son of God, the King who died on the cross for me....[Now] I have a solid relationship with God, I am gaining more self-control, and I am starting to be open to receiving instruction. I am a new person."
Andrew, 2009
"When I first arrived, I was…reluctant to change and …unable to do so of my own accord. Lazy, disrespectful, argumentative, these are to name just a few of the flaws…I have, in some small way, overcome while at CEM. The ranch provided a means for a different perspective on my life, a perspective from which I could sort through all the clutter and come out with something slightly resembling a sensible and rational individual. Which is what I would like to think I am today.”