Above and Beyond

(Based off the Life Hurts, God Heals Celebrate Recovery Teens Model)

"A place to belong, a place to grow strong"

Our goal at Above and Beyond is to cultivate an environment and develop relationships so God can transform us. Let's face it, life can hurt. Death, divorce, anger, abuse, abandonment, addictions, low self-esteem. These are just a few of the things that today's youth are dealing with. They can be overcome! They can be things of the past that no longer control one's life. Above and Beyond is a place where teens can share their issues. Chances are they will find out they are not alone. Our youth adopt a new way of living that is based on faith, trust, hope, forgiveness, and service.

How does it work?    
Each week we have about a 20 minute lesson or personal testimony. There are 13 lessons written by Saddleback Church. The series is called Life Hurts-God Heals. The lessons take the youth through 8 steps, which when applied to their lives, should lead them to a new freedom and a new happiness. After the lesson or testimony, the teens go to small groups facilitated by our adult leaders. This is where the kids are able to share without the fear of being judged or ridiculed.

Where?: Real Life Family Center  17708 28th Ave. E. Tacoma, Wa. 98445
In portables behind main building.

When?: Friday nights 7:00-9:00 pm

Personal testimonies from Above and Beyond youth

"Before I came to Above and Beyond my life was filled with pain from my dad abandoning me. I started blaming myself and was always sad. I was very anti-social. Now that I've been coming to Above and Beyond I'm happier. I'm filled with the Holy Spirit and I'm learning more and more about God's love for me each time I come each Friday. Here you can tell about your life struggles and your week without being judged. I'm very happy I've been coming for the last 6 months because it has helped me with forgiveness, trust, and grace which I try and use in my everyday life." Emily

"Before I started coming I was a messed up child. I did everything in the book. Alcohol since I was 9. My parents split when I was 13. At that point I started having sex and dealing drugs. When I started coming to Above and Beyond it made me see there was something out there better than what I was living. I can now say I am way happier. Cody

"Above and Beyond has helped me realize that I need help to work on a lot of my relationships. And now all of those relationships are a lot better." April

"At Above and Beyond you can say anything about your problems without being judged." Teddy Bear

"I had trust issues and drank and did drugs. I felt so down and then I came here and totally turned my life around! I feel so accepted." Melynie

"Above and Beyond helped me get over my trust issues. If I didn't have the leaders’ help I don't know what I would have done.... They are great!" Kaycee

 "When I first started coming to Above and Beyond I didn't know who I was. I didn't know where I belonged. I didn't know God. Today, after 2 years of coming to Above and Beyond, I know I am a daughter of "The King." I know I belong here with God, helping others. I know who God is. I am happy! Jamie

"When I first came to Above and Beyond, I was a giant, in flesh among men, but the shortest in spirit. In time I became a giant among men, and have risen in height with spirit." Mark

"Lonely? Down? Drinking? Drugging? You know there is an easier and better way to deal with your pain. Above and Beyond and Real Life Family Center. Jesus died for your pain." Anonymous