02-25-2007, 07:44 AM
Web site connects teens with Christian resources
Posted: Thursday, February 22, 2007 6:14 AM EST
Community: Billboards appearing across the valley
By Christin Runkle - Idaho Press-Tribune
BOISE — Billboards advertising a Christian Web resource for teens are cropping up around the Treasure Valley.
The Rev. Anthony Harper, publisher of Treasure Valley Christian News and one of the people behind the Web site and the billboards, said www.TreasureValleyTeens.com is a “cooperative effort for different church resources to help youth.”
The Web site provides contact information for local youth groups and campus groups; provides answers to teens’ questions about alcohol, bullying, suicide and sex; lists upcoming teen events; and gives links to other Web sites.
The site also includes phone numbers for two national hotlines: HopeLine, which teens can call for advice for their biggest problems, and 888-NEED-HIM, which helps teens “connect with God,” Harper said.
The billboards, donated by local billboard company Lamar, also advertise 888-NEED-HIM and Air 1, a national Christian radio station.
The Web site has special meaning for Harper.
“I used to be one of those troubled youth,” he said.
Harper was on the verge of suicide as a young man, but when he tried to seek help, his counselor introduced him to illegal drugs instead.
Harper finally found help through a Christian commune — and he also developed a passion for helping teenagers facing similar problems.
“Fear is keeping people from getting help,” he said.
Harper hopes to expand the resource to include local help hotlines and youth concerts. He also wants to someday create a hospital that provides faith-based mental care for youth.
“We really want people to know we’re trying to make a difference,” he said. “Churches care about youth here.”
Posted: Thursday, February 22, 2007 6:14 AM EST
Community: Billboards appearing across the valley
By Christin Runkle - Idaho Press-Tribune
BOISE — Billboards advertising a Christian Web resource for teens are cropping up around the Treasure Valley.
The Rev. Anthony Harper, publisher of Treasure Valley Christian News and one of the people behind the Web site and the billboards, said www.TreasureValleyTeens.com is a “cooperative effort for different church resources to help youth.”
The Web site provides contact information for local youth groups and campus groups; provides answers to teens’ questions about alcohol, bullying, suicide and sex; lists upcoming teen events; and gives links to other Web sites.
The site also includes phone numbers for two national hotlines: HopeLine, which teens can call for advice for their biggest problems, and 888-NEED-HIM, which helps teens “connect with God,” Harper said.
The billboards, donated by local billboard company Lamar, also advertise 888-NEED-HIM and Air 1, a national Christian radio station.
The Web site has special meaning for Harper.
“I used to be one of those troubled youth,” he said.
Harper was on the verge of suicide as a young man, but when he tried to seek help, his counselor introduced him to illegal drugs instead.
Harper finally found help through a Christian commune — and he also developed a passion for helping teenagers facing similar problems.
“Fear is keeping people from getting help,” he said.
Harper hopes to expand the resource to include local help hotlines and youth concerts. He also wants to someday create a hospital that provides faith-based mental care for youth.
“We really want people to know we’re trying to make a difference,” he said. “Churches care about youth here.”