Over the last few years, there have been few economic bright spots. Businesses large and small have been forced to layoff workers or even close their doors. Even the "untouchable" giants have faced their share of financial distress.

In light of the turbulent economy, it would seem that a ministry that relies heavily upon donations - individual and corporate - would flounder as well. That hasn't been the case for the Milwaukee Teen Challenge.

In 1983, Teen Challenge came to Milwaukee. The first men's residential program opened six years later, in 1989, with eight beds available. In 1993, Milwaukee Teen Challenge's program director, Craig Harper, was named its new executive director. Over the next decade, along with other accomplishments, Harper shepherded the program to offer 30 beds for men, and a women's program was launched.

But then, in 2007, with companies starting to tighten their belts, a long-time supporting foundation announced its plan to make a huge gift to a place that helped hurting people called "Teen Challenge." Harper asked for a grant to create more bed space and improve the existing properties. This would be the largest amount ever requested by Teen Challenge in Wisconsin and one of the largest private grants ever for any U.S. Teen Challenge.

A million-dollar grant - why not?

For the Milwaukee Teen Challenge, James' words, "You do not have, because you do not ask . . . " proved to be more than a hint when God is involved.

In brief, the terms of the million-dollar grant awarded to Milwaukee Teen Challenge were very generous. For every dollar Teen Challenge raised, the grant would match that gift with two dollars.

Harper

"That meant that every gift of $100 we received became $300 - $10,000 became $30,000," Harper states. Remarkably, the Milwaukee Teen Challenge team quickly raised $500,000, maxing out the grant. They then raised an additional $200,000 to complete the projects.

"We raised the entire amount in about 24 months," Harper says. "When we were done, we had an additional 30-bed dorm, a beautiful new chapel, a basketball court, fencing and numerous renovations to our campus."

Harper explains that the entire effort was something the Lord did. "It was pretty amazing," he says. "It was like the Lord turned on the faucet [donations] so we could complete the project, and when we were done, He turned it off."

Wisconsin-Northern Michigan District Superintendent Larry Liebe says he's very encouraged by the growth of the center, its influence in the district and with the acceptance its had in the greater Milwaukee area. "Its had a tremendous impact - unbelievable testimonies of conversions and freedom from addictions," Liebe states. "We're now seeing the fruits of years of sacrificial work and labor - phenomenal results!"

However, with the cost of treatment at around $1,750 per person and with an average of 65 students in the Milwaukee Teen Challenge program at any given time, fundraising has to be ongoing.

"We have our own resale shop where we sell clothing," Harper says, "We also have a program where people can donate their cars. We fix them up and sell them. These two programs help offset some of the costs."

But recently, Harper and his team landed perhaps the biggest "fish" ever for a Wisconsin Teen Challenge fundraiser. "In past years at our annual fundraising banquet, we've had people such as Don Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz - and they've been great," Harper says. "But every year for the past eight years, we invited 'him.' This year he said yes."

He?

"He" would be George W. Bush, 43^rd President of the United States, and founder of the George W. Bush Foundation. Whenever the topic comes up, Harper can barely control his excitement or appreciation.

"Not only is he going to come speak, but he's also going to have dinner with the Teen Challenge Board and assist us in raising funds by offering an [already sold-out] opportunity for people to meet him and get their picture taken with him," Harper explains.

Harper also notes that President Bush is starting a book tour the day before the Teen Challenge event. "His new book will be released on November 9 and he's spending the first day of the release [November 10] with Teen Challenge," Harper says. "That's just unbelievable. This certainly speaks to the character of our 43^rd President. George W. Bush cares about the hurting."

However, even with the excitement of a newly completed dorm and chapel and the anticipation of President Bush's visit, Harper brings it all back to the purpose of Teen Challenge - transforming lives through the power of Christ.

"There are so many men and women trapped by their addictions," Harper says. "Where other programs boast of success rates often less the 20 percent, Teen Challenge has a success rate of more than 80 percent for those who complete the entire one year program. President Bush knows about the effectiveness of Teen Challenge, and that's why I believe he is coming here to support our efforts."

For more information about the Milwaukee Teen Challenge of Wisconsin, see its website.