Life Challenge

Primary Contact Person: Jeff Bonzelaar, Executive Director
Phone: 313-531-0111
Fax: 313-531-8320
E-mail: lifechallengesemi@earthlink.net

Location:
17667 Pierson
Detroit MI 48219

Everyone has been in desperate need of another person at some time in their life, and for some this need becomes obvious. Life Challenge of southeastern Michigan offers residence to adults with life-controlling problems (currently about 65 men and 10 women) who take part in a one-year Christian growth program. It seeks to provide "a future with hope," understanding that hope ultimately comes by a denial of sin and faith in Jesus Christ as our road to God.

Nestled in the midst of a residential area of Detroit, Life Challenge of Southeastern Michigan (formerly detroit Teen Challenge) operates in a university-like brick building, complete with living rooms, a chapel, an impressive kitchen, weight rooms, a thrift shop, an auto repair garage, a computer center, a library, gardens, a full basketball court, and offices for staff and interns. Students participate in a variety of programs that teach positive character traits. They live on a strict schedule every day.

One staff member described the center as a "spiritual cocoon." It is a safe haven where students face their problems and experience deep-seated change, but it is also meant to help them become healthier members of the outside community. Students can receive their GED and be trained in employment skills. And with the spiritual attention to the worth of each person the whole effort is a work of compassion.

LCSM was opened in 1965 and is affiliated with Teen Challenge International, USA. there are more than 400 centers throughout the world.

Interestingly, LCSM is mindful of both local and international activity. Recently the staff and some students took four trips to Jamaica and built an orphanage there.

LCSM is a non-profit ecclesiastical corporation, funded by individuals, churches and businesses that support its mission.

Target Group of Ministry: Men and women who find themselves in personally destructive situations with few people to turn to.

Current Needs: Volunteers are needed and appreciated; compliance with program regulations and Statement of Faith is required. Opportunities include transportation, landscaping, teaching, preaching, outreach (drama, music), office skills, decorating, auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical, painting, construction, photography, cosmetology, graduate housing, graduate mentoring, graduate employment, tutoring, prayer, vocational training and overseeing. Contact Life Challenge in order to be sent a Volunteer Packet.

Prayer: Blessing and guidance from God in the task of making people holy unto Him.