They were once addicted and on the fast track to death. Rick and Donna Fernandez have seen some of life’s darkest moments while in the throes of opiates and cocaine. In their most hopeless hours, they encountered God and were able to turn their lives around. They spent 35 years serving as the Executive Directors of a faith-based recovery program (for adults and teens) called Teen Challenge near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Today they’ve turned a new page in a lifelong calling to serving God, and people in need, through a 501c3 titled Ambassadors for Christ Outreach.
In the above interview Donna shares, “I believe that the greatest miracle that can happen is a changed life. And I’ve been able to see that over and over again throughout the years.” Rick and Donna didn’t just witness the transforming power of God to free others, they experienced it personally. This is one of the factors that makes Teen Challenge unique. The majority of the staff have lived through and overcome addiction first-hand.
After both had completed Teen Challenge, Rick and Donna were married on October 29, 1988. They launched into full time ministry as leaders in the SouthEast Florida region as directors of the Davie Women’s Home. The Fernandez’s Facebook page shows years of memories and accomplishments while serving as leaders in the recovery ministry.
A new mission for the Fernandezes
Today the couple still lives in Davie, Florida. About a year has passed since they stepped down from Teen Challenge. After so much time in the same role, Rick says, “I used to question, what am I gonna do now after 35 years ministering in a ministry like Teen Challenge?” But it didn’t take too long for God to show them their next assignment.
Rick and Donna continue to share the hope they found in Jesus to overcome addiction, through their new outreach and evangelism ministry. They recently founded Ambassadors for Christ Outreach, and have a goal to train and equip churches in Florida, to reach their communities, and help people find God’s purpose and plan for their lives.
Ambassadors for Christ Outreach provide the following services; substance abuse consultation and referrals, speaking in churches, support groups, schools, jails, and prisons, and assisting with community outreach.
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