Nick's story begins at age 12, when his addictions first began. He experimented with marijuana, and when he got to high school his destructive behavior became an open practice. Nick says "Everyone seemed to be drinking and using drugs, so I was free to continue my behavior. After graduating (by the grace of God) I enrolled in college-- that's when my life totally spun out of control." Nick soon found himself facing DUI charges and possibly jail time. With encouragement from his family, he decided to enter Teen Challenge. Nick says "The path wasn't easy and I tried to rebel somewhat, but I soon saw the need to give my life to Jesus and let Him order my steps." Now he plans on entering the City Intern program at Atlanta City Church in the fall.1 Peter 4:1-4 "So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. And you won't have to spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy-- their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you."

Phillip Bowden grew up going to church with his family and got baptised at the age of twelve, however he lived a dual life, one foot as a christian and one foot in the world. He got married, had two daughters, a good job, but still led a double life. He was gambling, drinking, and cheating on his wife, which led to his marriage falling apart. At the age of forty, while living in New Jersey, he experimented with crack cocaine and from that day on he was addicted. For years his life revolved around obtaining and using cocaine. He didn't realize it but his life was spiraling down to the lowest depths and one day while at a bus stop, he remembered the story in the bible about the prodigal son and said to the Lord, this is not what you had planned for my life. That same day he entered a twenty eight day program and after completing it, he went to Teen Challenge in Brooklyn, NY. After spending five months there, he went to God's Mountain in Pennsylvania where he completed eight months in their training center. He also served as an intern in Brooklyn, then attended Teen Challenge International Ministry Institute. After completing his study he came to Sharpsburg, GA to help establish A Better Way Ministries. He has been at A Better Way for six years and recently married his lovely bride Ms. Betty. Philip said that he thanks God daily for restoring his life, for picking him up out of the muck and the mire and for His forgiveness. It now gives him great joy and pleasure to serve God by helping other men see that there is A Better Way.

Bobby Lopez began his journey at Teen Challenge in 2005. He was addicted to crack and heroin for twelve years. In Teen Challenge, Bobby found out that the drugs were just an outlet and that the real issues laid deep within himself. He was searching for someone or something and what he found was a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In the year he was there, the Lord began to stir-up a passion for ministry. He wanted to take what he learned and help others who were hurting, Bobby currently helps disciple men at A Better Way. The scripture he stands on is Psalm 107:14 He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.

Taylor came to A Better Way in January of 2006. His addictions began at the age of 12, and he eventually found himself addicted to Heroin. After accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior he was led to A Better Way Ministries, where he could begin the path of restoration that Christ had laid before him. In our May Newsletter Taylor tells us... "When I first entered A Better Way, I thought I was going to be bed-ridden with terrible withdrawals" "However, my brothers in Christ prayed over me day and night and my withdrawals were more like a bad cold." Anyone who has met Taylor, knows what a great future God must have planned for him. Now he can offer other individuals going through painful addictions hope in Jesus Christ! James 4:10 "Humble yourself before God, and He will lift you up."