Even before David Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge, God was working in the life of Don Hall to prepare him for ministry. From being a rebellious teen with drug abuse issues, Don turned his life over to God in 1955 and in 1963, he became the first Executive Director of the new Teen Challenge organization in Southern California. Here is his story.

Radical Rebel Restored
By Don Hall
(Excerpt from ASSIST News Service)

I was a rebellious 17-year old, in my senior year at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles. While an assembly was taking place in the auditorium, I was called out in front of the student body by the

Before: Don, age 15, at Camp Hondo Correctional Center, Downey, CA

Vice Principal and taken to the school office. Two LAPD officers questioned me about suspected drug use and sales. They searched my ’41 Ford coupe outside and found marijuana and other banned substance. I was arrested for the fourth time as a teenager and taken to the nearby jail and booked.

Sitting in a 6 x 9 foot cell on a hard cot, I was both angry and disgusted with myself. I had already spent one year locked up for burglary and auto theft. I knew that this would likely be the beginning of a much longer sentence. For the next few hours I sat alone seriously reflecting on my life and circumstances.

Later that day, my heartbroken parents once again had to visit their wayward son in a jail. I heard them say through their tears, “Don, we’ve done all we know to do for you. The Lord can change your life, but you’ve got to make that choice. He is your only hope!” For the first time in years, I listened to them with an open mind. It started to make sense. Before leaving, my father gave me a bookmark with the story of Jesus called, “One Solitary Life.”

Back in my cell, I read it thoughtfully, along with some scriptures. Suddenly, my hard, agnostic heart began to melt. I found myself down on my knees on the cold cement floor weeping and praying — “God, if you are real, come into my heart . . . forgive me for all the rotten things I’ve done . . . the people I’ve hurt . . . change me . . . and give me a new reason for living. If you do, I’ll serve you the rest of my life!”

After: Don, age 18, at Vanguard University (Costa Mesa, CA) preparing for a lifetime of ministry

That was the day — 60 years ago on January 6, 1955 — that brought about a radical change to a radical heart! I will be forever grateful to my Lord for His forgiveness and love, and for the many who prayed and helped rescue me, a hopeless rebel, from the clutches of Satan.

Along with a changed heart, God soon planted a strong desire within me to help others. As a result, after ministry training and marrying the love of my life, Patti and I have been privileged to share God’s love in over 60 nations including: the slums of inner-cities; preaching freedom in Christ to prisoners; discussing life issues on school campuses; providing ministry to churches in cities and tribal villages; offering hope and healing to the hurting; training future leaders in third-world nations; encouraging US military troops; and helping rescue many troubled and addicted youth and adults. What a joy and blessing to serve the Lord.

“What Satan meant for evil, God turned it into good!”

Currently Don and his wife, Patti, pastor at Colfax Assembly near Sacramento, California. He is also Correctional Chaplain in the Placer County jail system and continues to be involved in the ministry of Teen Challenge in many ways.