Emily Williams Kirtner
Emily Williams Kirtner,Adult San Antonio Women’s Campus Graduate 2007
My name is Emily. I graduated in 2007 from Teen Challenge of Texas – San Antonio Women’s Campus. I remember my first day there. My younger sister (who would later complete the program herself) dropped me off at the office. All I could do was sob. My life was broken after 10 years of addiction, prostitution, prison, and heart surgery. For years I tried to run my life, but the truth is I only ruined my life.
Because of Christ I am FREE, and he who the Son sets free is free indeed! I have been clean and sober since the day I arrived at TC. One of the coolest things is I have no desire for the old life. What Paul wrote to the Corinthians is so true, “those who are in Christ are new creations, the old is dead and gone and all things are new!”
At TC I learned responsibility, accountability, productivity, and integrity. I am truly thankful for God using this program and the people there to love and teach me new habits and new ways of life. After graduation I accepted an internship with joy. I loved working there. I thought that was the coolest thing…I got paid to read my Bible and share my testimony/experience. At least that’s how I looked at it!
After TC I went on to work in a women’s transition home called Grace House for three years and loved it, too. During my employment there I met Beau, my husband, an amazing man of God with a phenomenal testimony. Currently I am a full-time college student and I volunteer weekly in several ministries. God has taken care of me every inch of the way. Matthew 6:33 says, “First seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”
I want to encourage the students at TC to allow God to complete the work which He has begun. I know it is hard but it is so worth it. Special thanks to those who support Teen Challenge of Texas through prayer, as volunteers, and with donations…thank you for all you do. -Redeemed, Emily Williams Kirtner
