After buying more cocaine, I was arrested and charged for purchasing drugs from an undercover police officer.  This was the Lord answering my cry.

    A man visited me in jail and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ and Teen Challenge.  One month later I was standing in front of the judge.  My lawyer told the judge about my plans to attend Teen Challenge.  He issued a Prayer for Judgment and I was released on bond.

    I couldn't believe the opportunity I was given to attend Teen Challenge and have this felony removed from my record.  Jesus was by my side every step of the way; all I had to do was cry for help.

    I arrived at Teen Challenge on April 17th.  Four days later, I attended a church service and the pastor extended an invitation for anyone who wanted to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.

    A burden came over me that I have never felt before and I knew it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me.  One part of me wanted to accept the invitation but the other part was too scared to stand up in front of everyone.

    At that point, the Holy Spirit took control and I was on my feet!  I went to the altar and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.  That was the beginning of my new life!

    I was baptized in water on Mother's Day.  What a beautiful gift to give my mother and daughter.  I was no longer a crack addict shadowed by my past;  I was a beautiful child of God, washed by the blood of His precious Son.

    I was ready to give in and leave Teen Challenge many times but the Lord gave me a verse that has been a tower in my times of weariness, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things shall be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).

    I am thankful that I have applied this verse to my life.  I know that He is responsible for all the blessings that have come my way simply because I put Him first.  He will always be at my side, just as He was when I cried out from that hotel room.

    I praise the Lord for His guidance and direction while I have been at Teen Challenge.  He has brought me out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.  I look forward to tomorrow knowing that I will never have to be alone and afraid again.  All I have to do is hand everything over to God.

    Although I have to go back to court, I am not afraid because I know that Romans 8:28 is true.  "And we know that in all things God works for he good of those who love Him who have been called according to his purpose."  As I stand before the judge, Jesus will be right beside me holding my hand.