Connections

The Reverend Carl D. Smith, ordained as a minister in 2002 with the Evangelical Church Alliance, struggled through years of addiction, incarceration and homelessness as a young man.  A California boy who enlisted in the Navy in his teens, Carl became addicted to heroin while he was stationed in Guam.  Though addiction shattered his early life, and many felt he had no hope or future, in 1991 Carl found his way into  a Teen Challenge center where he discovered a new life and a Kingdom purpose. After graduating from the Teen Challenge Ministry Institute in 1994, Carl saw God work through him and the other crew members of Friend Ship’s pride and joy, “The Spirit of Grace.” For the last thirteen years, Carl has been a minister at San Diego Teen Challenge, taught Bible classes and counseled men struggling with addictions.

Carl is the author of his autobiography “The Ultimate Pursuit”, a poignant, true-life story that will grip your heart as you follow his journey to freedom. This story will absorb and entertain while it inspires. It will strike a chord with those in dire straits, who are thinking of giving up. It is a great encouragement no matter where you are in life. These are available at https://store.teenchallengeusa.com/merchandise.html