Teen Challenge Northern California / Nevada - My name is Mark.  I am 48 years of age, and was raised in Oakland, California.  I was raised in a Christian home and had excellent examples of how to live my life.  Being the oldest child, I had a lot of expectations placed on me and it seemed to be too much for me to handle so I became rebellious and turned away from what my parents taught me was right.  I was trying so hard to do everything on my own and it finally paid off when I was able to move out of my parent's home.  Little did I know that I would be falling into a trap of alcoholism.  I had my first drink was I was 19.  I liked the feeling alcohol gave me, but most of all I liked the feeling of independence I had.  I started playing music in night clubs and continued to perform off and on for several years.  This lifestyle went on for over 20 years.  As much as I wanted to change, I was caught in a yoke of bondage that I could not get out of on my own.  I knew I needed the power of God to save my life, and when I finally reached the end of my road, I surrendered my life to God and came to Teen Challenge for help.  Now I finally know the feeling of freedom in Christ, and having my sins washed in His forgiveness.  I have finally come to a place of complete repentence and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am a child of God.  I look forward to each day as an opportunity to serve Him and do His will.