The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the world and the way we go about our daily lives. It has been especially draining for ministries that are trying to do their work while dealing with the economic impacts and restrictions that also come along with it.

One of the ministries being impacted by this global health crisis is Adult and Teen Challenge. 

Adult & Teen Challenge is a Christian discipleship program aimed at helping people who are struggling with addiction. It was founded in 1958 by the late Rev. David Wilkerson (author of The Cross & The Switchblade). There are now 1400 programs operating 125 countries.

Steve Paulson is the president and executive director of the Central Canada chapter of Adult and Teen Challenge, he says, for the most part, they have been able to weather the storm pretty well, but they are definitely feeling the effects.

A couple of employees had to be laid off but graciously offered to volunteer their time to allow for consistency for those participating in the program.

Paulson says times like these are when programs like Adult and Teen Challenge are most important. He says the biggest way that people can help out is to pray.

Rev. Steven Paulson (Brother Steve) has devoted his life to providing others the opportunity to change theirs. In 1993, he founded the Central Canada chapter of Adult & Teen Challenge, where he currently serves as president and executive director.

Under Steve’s leadership, Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada has grown to include numerous residential and non-residential programs throughout the region, dedicated to helping put hope the hope of the gospel within reach of addicts and their families.

Steve is an ordained minister with the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies, and a member of the executive council for Global Teen Challenge, where he serves as a regional director for Canada/North America. He provides direct leadership to programs in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thunder Bay, Denare Beach, Abbotsford, Chilliwack & Kelowna.

Rev. Paulson has served on the board of governors at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) and currently serves on the board of trustees for Adult & Teen Challenge USA and as an advisory board member for Winnipeg’s Lighthouse Mission and Flin Flon’s Freedom Outreach. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal by the former federal justice minister for his work.

Steve has been married to his wife Margaret for 45 years. Together they have four children and six grandchildren and make their home in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Today on Connections, Steve will share with us how he got involved with Adult and Teen Challenge and how the ministry has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part 1

Part 2