About Mission Teens, Inc.
WE SEEK JESUS AS THE ANSWER
Help For the Desperate - Those Willing To Seek God For The Answer To Their Problems
Mission Teens, Inc. is a non-denominational Christian Discipleship ministry dedicated to helping people who struggle with life-controlling problems by ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them. We believe that the Gospel should be free to all.
"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you" - Matthew 6:33
OUR FOUNDER
Reverend James D. Bracken (1934-2012) founded Mission Teens, Inc. in 1969. He opened the first residential center in Norma, NJ after much prayer. He knew there was a need for a more effective ministry for the troubled young people who were attending his home prayer meetings. After two years of little results in the center, God answered his prayer by dictating to him a program which, when put into effect, brought immediate results in people's lives. This same program is still used today in all of the Mission Teens centers and the results are still phenomenal.
OUR HISTORY
Since 1962, It was Reverend Bracken's desire to minister GOD'S love to people. He was able to see this desire fulfilled as, over the years, he has touched the lives of thousands through not only the residential training program, but also his radio ministry, home prayer groups, newsletter articles, prison outreach, and personal counseling. Jim has given his life to ministering the gospel to the lost and to teaching others to do likewise. The Mission Teens ministry is the direct result and reflection of Jim's own ministry.
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of Mission Teens, Inc. is to witness unto Jesus Christ in the world, in the power of the Holy Spirit, with a particular emphasis on young people but not to the exclusion of anyone. We know that Jesus Christ is the answer to everyone’s needs. We will provide any and all facilities necessary to evangelize, educate and disciple any persons spiritually, physically, vocationally and psychologically as the Holy Spirit of God leads and directs. We reserve the right to engage in any business we feel led to enter into to further the purpose of this mission. This organization is to be non-profit, supported by God, through people as He works individually in their hearts, primarily purposed in proclaiming Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory and honor. Drafted in 1969, this mission statement has provided the framework to lead people nation-wide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and gain freedom from addiction.
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
Applying for Admission
The process of admission at God's New Life MBTC is straightforward. Simply call the Overseer at
(870) 358-4851 to apply. Please take note of the following requirements and instructions:
The program is free of charge.
All medical, dental, and legal problems must be addressed before entering the Center. Only emergency medical care is provided during the program.
All medications must be approved prior to admission. Narcotic, psychotropic,
and anti-depressant medications are not permitted.
Required initial tests include HIV, VDRL, Hepatitis A, B, C, a TB skin test, and a pregnancy test for women.
Residents must place money into a "frozen" account with God's New Life for the purpose of purchasing a return bus ticket, bloodwork, and for gasoline to the bus station. This amount varies with each resident as the cost of tickets varies depending on destination, so the Overseer will go over exact amounts on the phone with the residents upon application.
A DAY AT THE MISSION
We treat each person in our center as a member of the family. Junior staff members and higher ranking residents teach the "younger" residents. Senior Staff and directors handle the major problems and decisions. Each one is expected to do his or her part to make the "family" run as smoothly as possible. There are 5 1/2 hours of Bible study per day, and the training amounts to approximately 1 year of Bible school. There is a comprehensive study of the New Testament and a general study of the Old Testament. The daily schedule varies slightly at the centers, but fundamentally remains the same.
A standard day at God's New Life MBTC begins at 7:30 am with wake-up and concludes at 10:30 pm with lights-out. The day is interspersed with exercise, meals, chores, counseling, free time, and a significant focus on devotions, Bible classes, and community gatherings. Our schedule also accommodates work projects, recreational activities, and special events to ensure a well-rounded experience for our residents.
By participating in the God's New Life program, residents embark on a journey of faith and transformation, guided by the word of God and the support of our committed staff. The goal is not only to overcome addiction but to cultivate a life of faith and purpose.
By participating in the God's New Life program, residents embark on a journey of faith and transformation, guided by the word of God and the support of our committed staff. The goal is not only to overcome addiction but to cultivate a life of faith and purpose.
THE TRAINING PROGRAM
Our purpose is to provide hope to the hopeless. It is our goal to direct the people to the Lord Jesus to find love and a purpose for their lives, and to make disciples of them as the Bible directs. The discipleship training program is divided up into four phases, each lasting 2-4 months. As the person proves that he/she can handle the increasing responsibilities of each phase, their privileges will increase. It is a highly structured program with a rigid daily schedule. Everyone is expected to obey the house rules and follow the schedule.Infractions of the rules or schedule are corrected with writing assignments, loss of privileges or extra work chores. The first phase of the training is a 2-month induction period with very few privileges or responsibilities. Each individual is simply expected to follow the rules and will begin to understand how to seek the Lord.
Our program is divided into four stages, each lasting 2-4 months, and is designed to be highly structured. Strict adherence to rules and the daily schedule is expected of all residents. As they progress, responsibilities and privileges are gradually increased, culminating in a graduation ceremony where a diploma is awarded to successful residents. An optional 10-12 month staff-training program may also be offered upon graduation.
1st Stage: Probationary (2 months)
2nd Stage: Trainee (2 months)
3rd Stage: Resident (2-4 months)
4th Stage: Trainee Counselor (2-4 months)
1st Stage: Probationary (2 months)
2nd Stage: Trainee (2 months)
3rd Stage: Resident (2-4 months)
4th Stage: Trainee Counselor (2-4 months)
The next two phases add some general household responsibilities, which will add normal life pressures and cause the person to seek the Lord for help. Privileges in these two phases include phone calls and visits from immediate family (and pastoral or legal counsel) only. No friends are allowed to visit or call any person in the discipleship training. In the final phase, the person is in "counselor training." They will counsel one person each day and make a report to senior staff. They are expected to be a good example in the house and to learn to help others as they were helped.
Upon completion of the program, the person may be offered an additional 10-12 month staff-training program.