Beacons of Hope, Doug & Anthony's Story

At the heart of Fresno’s correctional system, Doug Ghan’s ministry has served as a beacon of hope for over two decades. For 26 years, Doug has been driving to and from the juvenile hall and county jails, bringing Jesus’ message of redemption to those who found themselves at a crossroads due to poor decisions and difficult circumstances.
Doug's mission was clear: to extend a lifeline to those in desperate need of a second chance. Throughout his ministry, he has been instrumental in guiding hundreds and hundreds of people to Teen Challenge. His dedication extended beyond visits; he personally interviewed inmates, spoke as an advocate in courtrooms before judges for years, and helped facilitate their path toward Teen Challenge and finding recovery and new life.
One of these inmates was Anthony, who Doug visited when he was only 18 years old. From there he was in and out of prison for many years as he struggled to get clean, but he finally made it to Teen Challenge through Doug’s ministry.
Recently, Doug made the decision to step back from his active role, passing the mantle to Anthony, who graduated from Teen Challenge in 2023. This year, he received his credentials to continue the work that saved him, conducting interviews and ministering within the same walls that once confined him.
Anthony’s journey is not just a continuation of Doug's work; it is a testament to the cyclical nature of grace and redemption. Moved by the life-altering experience at Teen Challenge, Anthony now seeks to give back, helping others find the same freedom and hope that he experienced.
Through the grace of God, Teen Challenge continues to be a place where broken lives are restored and lost paths rediscovered. The annual cost for a student to experience this life-changing program amounts to $24,860, which breaks down to $2,072 per month, or $68 per day. It’s an investment in lives, in futures, and in the very fabric of our community.
As we reflect on the legacies of Doug and Anthony, and the countless lives transformed through their ministry and Teen Challenge, we invite you to join us in this mission. Consider how you might support a student, prayerfully and financially, providing a foundation for someone’s new beginning.
Every contribution, every prayer, and every act of kindness ensures that the ministry of reconciliation continues, transforming despair into hope and hardship into healing. Thank you for your prayerful consideration in making a life-transforming impact in the ministry of Teen Challenge.
You can support this work at teenchallenge.org/beaconsofhope.