Rev. Richard Longo
I am 56 years old and alcohol and drugs had me bound for over thirty-five years. At the age of eighteen I bought my first Harley Davidson motorcycle and within a couple years I hung out with a notorious motorcycle club. I ran with them and others for twenty years. We did whatever it took to get money; we stole cars and sold large quantities of drugs and guns. In the process I got addicted to speed and cocaine. I had a $400/day habit injecting drugs. I have had many overdoses and car accidents and it is truly a miracle I am still alive. After a three day crack cocaine binge in 2001 I was ready to kill myself when I heard a voice tell me to call my sister. I did and she helped me get into Teen Challenge in Brockton, MA. When I walked through the doors I felt funny. I knew something was different. I fought the system at Teen Challenge for the first four months but then, by the Grace of God, He filled me with the Holy Spirit and the rest is all history. I found out two and a half years ago I had HEP.C with a viral load count of over 7 million. After one month of treatment my viral load was undetectable and it is still that way today. THANK YOU JESUS! I was married to my wife Marlete in February 2006. In April 2007, she and I moved to Rio Maria, Pará, Brazil and started a Teen Challenge (Desafio Jovem) there as missionaries from Teen Challenge New England (TCNE). In April 2009 we were called back to TCNE in Brockton and now I am serving here as the general manager of the two Starshine car washes. I have just completed my studies and have become an Ordained Minister with the Assembly of God. Teen Challenge was the vessel God used to change my life and I give Him all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.