HOUSE OF HOPE
Mission Bible Training Center
5525 W. US Hwy 40 - Brazil, IN 47834
Director's Office: (812) 443-1177
House of Hope: (812) 446-1717 For Applications
Purpose
It is our goal to direct the people to the Lord, to find love and purpose for their lives, and to
make disciples of them as the Bible directs. House of Hope Mission Bible Training Center, a branch
of Mission Teens, Inc., is a non-profit, non-denominational organization with a Christ-centered
residential discipleship program for people of all backgrounds with histories of drugs, alcohol,
and emotional problems.
The Founder
Rev. James D. Bracken founded Mission Teens, Inc. in 1969. He opened his first residential center in
Norma, NJ. He knew there was a need for more effective ministry for the troubled young people
that were attending his home prayer meetings. His desire to help troubled teens led him to establish
his first Mission Center.
The Ministry
Since 1962, it has been Rev. Bracken's desire to minister God's love to people. He has used radio
ministry, newsletter articles, and personal counseling to fulfill this goal. Jim has given his life
to ministering the gospel to the lost and to teaching others to do likewise. The Mission Teens ministry
is a result and a reflection of Jim's own ministry.
Acceptance
Adults, ages 18 and up, can apply to any of our centers for help. Admission is on a bed available
basis. We ask that the person be willing to seek God for answers to their life, and be willing
and able to follow the schedule of programs.
Perspective residents should call the overseer at the center of their choice, all of which are listed at the
on this site. A preliminary interview may be done over the phone, but most centers require the person
to come in to see the facility and meet the staff before being accepted.
We do require some initial blood tests before accepting a person. It is important to know that the
program is highly structured. If a person cannot follow the structure of the rules and schedule,
they will not be permitted to stay.
Any serious health or legal problems should be taken care of before coming into the center.
Only emergency medical care will be sought for the person while in the training program, and any
medical expenses are the responsibility of the resident. All prescription medication must be
approved by the Resident Director at the center. Typically, only non-addictive, non-narcotic
medications will be approved. All medications are administered by the staff according to the prescription.
About the Curriculum
We treat each resident as a member of the family. There are 5 and a half hours each day
spent in Bible study and worship, and the course amounts to approximately one year of Bible
School. There is a comprehensive study of the New Testament and a general survey of the Old
Testament. Each resident matures through four phases of discipleship development, gaining more
and more responsibility and privileges. He will learn to lead devotions, counsel, teach, and
discipline. He will become an inspiration to others, and will be able to direct them to Christ.
He will grow in decision-making and learn to make his stand for the Lord.
Length and Structure
Training takes place in four phases, with increasing responsibilities and privileges in each phase. Upon entering the program, the resident will be given
a two month induction period with few privileges other than sending and receiving mail and will have
no responsibilities other than simple daily chores.
In the next two stages, he will begin to assume certain job responsibilities. With these increased
responsibilities comes increased privileges such as receiving and making phone calls, visits from
family, and weekends at home.
In the final phase of the program, the resident is actually in training to be a counselor, and will council
other residents of lower status, and then will make a report to senior staff. In this way, he will
learn to help others as he was helped.
A Day at the House of Hope
The daily schedule is basically:
| 7:00 |
Wake-up |
|
12:30 |
Lunch |
| 7:15 |
Dressed & Bed Made |
|
1:30 |
Work Chore |
| 7:30 |
Exercises |
|
4:00 |
Free Time |
| 8:00 |
Breakfast |
|
6:00 |
Dinner |
| 8:30 |
Daily Chore |
|
6:30 |
Daily Chore |
| 9:00 |
Devotions |
|
7:30 |
Devotions |
| 9:40 |
Bible Class |
|
9:30 |
Snack |
| 10:40 |
Bible Class |
|
10:00 |
In Rooms |
| 11:40 |
Reading/Counseling |
|
10:30 |
Lights Out |
|  |
Success Rate
Since 1979, over 5,000 people have come in to the various Mission Teens centers. In our annual
review, we hear from about 65% of our graduates. Of those, approximately 90% are doing well.
In addition, approximately 40% of the non-graduates we hear from are doing well. Many have gone
into Christian ministries, and some have stayed on to the work in the centers.
The Staff
Almost all of our staff are graduates of the discipleship training program. They do not receive any
salary, but work as missionaries, giving back their life to serve the Lord by reaching out to others.
The Assistant Executive Directors at each center work directly with Rev. Jim Bracken to train the staff,
oversee the general condition of the buildings, and raise the necessary support, as well as teach, counsel,
etc. Each center also has an overseer who is in charge of daily operations. Anyone seeking admission into
the center needs to call the overseer at that center.
You Can Help Too
There are many opportunities for you to get involved with us and help throughout the year.
All of our classes and night meetings are led by volunteers. Some are teachers at church,
some are previous graduates, some are just Christian friends of the Mission. If you would like to help
by teaching a class, call the center and speak to one of the directors. Typically, we keep a full schedule
of teachers for regular classes, but Saturday nights are reserved for guest speakers.
During the holidays we have many special activities such as talent shows, food drives, special meals, etc.
You can help by donating food or funds, or just by coming out to fellowship with us for a holiday.
Also throughout the year we have a few fund-raising efforts. Any assistance you can provide in
this area it greatly appreciated.
There are some special needs from time to time such as reading tutors, GED study help, transportation, etc.
Let us know if you want to help in any way. We would be grateful for it.
Funding/Expenses
Mission Teens, Inc. is a faith ministry. We do not charge for our services, and we do not receive any funding
from the government. All of our support comes for concerned individuals and a few churches who are sensitive to
the type of work we do. We do not receive any denominational funding. Each of our centers is expected to
raise its own support from local sources.
We do not charge anyone for the services we provide. Our goal is to help people who have life controlling problems,
such as drug or alcohol additions, by ministering the gospel to them.
Mailing List
We publish a newsletter each month which contains information about upcoming events, needs, etc., as well as a
letter intended to minister encouragement to its readers. If you would like to be put on our mailing list,
please send your name and address to our main office. Or you can call and do the same.
Mission Centers
Mission Teens - Vineland, NJ - (856) 691-9855
Restoration Ranch - North Alabama - (256) 381-0930
Mission Bible Training Center - Upper Peninsula of Michigan - (906) 265-6247
Sunrise Mission Bible Training Center - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - (954) 485-0951
Savannah Mission Bible Training Center - Savannah, GA - (912) 234-7000
Northwest Mission Bible Training Center - Portland, OR - (503) 289-7758
Midwest Mission Bible Training Center - Cresco, IA - (319) 547-3286
Contact Information
Peter Latrenta, Executive Director
email