Church on Sundays, Lost the Rest of the Week | Kevin's Story
Kevin is 52 and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie before moving down to Holland, Michigan. He describes his younger years in church as routine, something he did without truly knowing the Lord. By the time he reached adulthood, he found himself lost and confused, missing significant stretches of work and unsure how to pull his life back together.
One Phone Call
Kevin's turning point came down to a single decision: calling a good friend and telling him he needed help right now. That friend came and picked him up and brought him to Adult & Teen Challenge.
Learning to Cope, Learning to Talk
Since arriving at Western Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge (WMATC), Kevin has worked on something he describes honestly as a real challenge: learning how to cope with people. Talking through his issues with the pastors made a difference, and he points to chapel time as the best part of his experience, worshiping God, studying Scripture, and getting to know him personally.
New Relationships, New Discernment
Kevin describes God working significantly in his life by shaping new, healthier relationships. Out in the world, he says, his relationships were bad ones. Since being at WMATC, God has given him a clearer sense of what's good for him and what isn't.
Taking What He Learns Back Into the World
What's impacted Kevin most has been the ability to take what he studies at WMATC and actually apply it once he's back out in daily life, rather than keeping it confined to the program.
Prayer and Worship as Structure
Prayer and worship have given shape and structure to Kevin's life, clarifying what he should be doing in light of God's word. He simply says he loves being in God's presence.
What Comes Next
After leaving WMATC, Kevin's plan is to find a Bible-believing church and stay connected with other believers, getting into Bible study and building a real relationship with a pastor he can talk to regularly, staying rooted in the community of Christ.
His message to anyone watching: you are not alone. Jesus faced temptation himself, three times, and faced it fully. Kevin's encouragement is to rely on him and on his word.
Why Kevin's Story Matters
For donors, Kevin's story shows how the program reaches people who grew up with some exposure to church but never developed a personal relationship with God, closing that gap later in life.
For prospective students and families, especially those who've watched a loved one withdraw from work and relationships without a clear explanation, Kevin's story shows that reaching out for help, even with one phone call, can be the turning point.
For the WMATC community, his focus on applying what he's learned once he's back in the world is a good reminder that the goal of the program extends well beyond graduation itself.
If someone you love is quietly missing work and withdrawing from life, there is a way forward.
Help make stories like Kevin's possible.
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