Restoring the broken: James Bolin of Teen Challenge of Mid-America shares what the ministry means to students and the community

__Business Today: How did you come to be director of Teen Challenge in Cape Girardeau?__

__James Bolin:__ I was pastoring First Assembly of God in Malden, Missouri. God began speaking to my heart that change was coming to my ministry. When I heard that Teen Challenge Mid-America was seeking an executive director, I knew immediately that was the place He was preparing me for.

__BT: You have a background in ministry and criminal justice -- how did these areas come together in your role at Teen Challenge?__

__JB:__ It's like God set me up! Having the knowledge and experience in law enforcement/criminal justice has helped me not only coordinate with the courts, prosecutors and corrections, but has equipped me to assist students in their legal matters. Then the fact I was a pastor for over 10 years equipped me in a big way to handle the spiritual side of Teen Challenge.

__BT: Your organization is very active in the community through the choir, thrift shop and more. Why is this such an important part of the Teen Challenge mission?__

__JB:__ It's a tremendous help in getting out the Teen Challenge message. Our staff and students working and volunteering in the community allows them to meet people face to face and allows them to see firsthand what this program is about.

__BT: The carwash at Independence and West End Boulevard in Cape Girardeau is one of your newest projects. How did that come about, and how's it going so far?__

__JB:__ I knew for a long time I wanted a Teen Challenge carwash. We're a 100 percent male facility, and washing/detailing cars fits well with our center. It just so happened the folks at Rhodes 101 Stop heard we were thinking about a carwash. They contacted us and said they had a carwash they weren't using and would help provide it to the ministry! This is a win/win for everyone. It provides great training for our students and much-needed finances to the ministry, and at the same time provides a great service to the community.

__BT: What is something many people don't know about Teen Challenge?__

__JB:__ Teen Challenge in the past five years has doubled in size. We currently house approximately 180 students from all across America. We are one of the largest Teen Challenges in America.

This Oct. 1, 2015 photo provided by the SCAD FASH museum shows guests arriving at a preview for the new museum on the Atlanta campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design. The museum's opening exhibition shows more than 80 designs by the late Oscar de la Renta, including gowns worn by Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Oprah. (SCAD via AP)

__BT: What does Teen Challenge mean to the students, past and present, as well as their friends and family?__

__JB:__ It literally saves their life. Most of the students/graduates/family will tell you had it not been for Teen Challenge Mid-America, their son would not be alive today. It offers a hope and a future. In addition, it restores broken families back together.

__BT: How about you -- what do you love about your work?__

__JB:__ Seeing miracles every day. Just to know I'm playing a small part is seeing lives changed is very rewarding. Having families call or write and thanking me for giving them there son back, WOW!

__BT: What are some different ways people and their businesses can support Teen Challenge?__

__JB:__ There are many ways to be involved and to support Teen Challenge. When you use our thrift stores, carwash or lawn care service, this provides not only training for our students, but also provides financial support. You can make monthly donations directly to Teen Challenge Mid-America, and 100 percent of your donation stays right here in Cape Girardeau.

__BT: Is there anything else you'd like to add?__

__JB:__ We are currently in a five-year building project, adding new dorms and housing for new students and staff.