Bismarck’s ” 2025 All Things New” Was “All Things Perfect”

What an event, and what a great night last Friday was

Sometimes in life, you are bestowed upon you an honor, and that was the case a while ago when I was asked to emcee the 2025 Gala "All Things New" - Adult & Teen Challenge in Mandan. I was out at the Teen Challenge facility last August, recording my podcast "There Is A Way Out," and Pastor Dave asked me if I would help out with their annual event. What an honor! Last Friday was the date.

What is Adult & Teen Challenge all about?

Adult & Teen Challenge is a proven solution to the addiction crisis. Adult & Teen Challenge is known throughout the world for providing successful recovery programs. I have lived in two recovery homes in my lifetime, and I know what it's like to feel lonely and scared, to feel that uncertainty of where your life is going, and to know your life must change, OR succumb to the bottle forever. Let this impressive statistic sink in with you - NDATC ( North Dakota Adult Teen Challenge ) has a 78% success rate after graduation - that's incredible.

November 14, 2025 - Bismarck Event Center

I have to admit, I was a little nervous. I mean, I'm used to sitting behind a microphone in a tiny little studio, and here I was about to step in front of a sold-out event. All the jitters went away after standing on stage and looking around to all of the wonderful people who were there to show support. I quickly felt at home.

( SEE ALSO: "RIDE 4 RECOVERY - ROAD BEGINS AND ENDS IN MANDAN" )

So many great things happened

There was a silent auction, NDATC's Freedom Choir, directed by Connie Sjostrom performed throughout the evening, Keynote speaker was Rickey Bolden, ex-NFL football player, and an inspirational man who continues to travel and speak throughout the world sharing the love of God through racial reconciliation. One of my highlights was introducing the special guest of the night - Governor Kelly Armstrong. He looked around the room and gave praise to Pastor Dave and his program. I especially loved one of the things he pointed out, which is so true. If you have a problem with addiction and are familiar with the world of recovery, and "it takes 15 tries to get sober", NDATC is always there for you. Feeling the strength of everyone who was at the Gala, I had one last honor, sitting next to Wayne and Marilyn Brostrom. They kept me relaxed and at ease, they were charming as you can be, they sat politely through the three hours we were at table 6 - they were there to support the students ( two of whom had just recently graduated ) - their smiles were what it was all about - love and support.

Thank you to everyone who was there that night!