Dear Friends,
This month, I want to speak directly to the heart of an urgent battle
facing our youth—substance abuse. In New Mexico alone, the rate
of overdose deaths among teens has nearly doubled in the last five
years. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent sons,
daughters, brothers, and friends caught in a cycle of pain and escape.
At LifeQuest USA, we believe prevention begins with presence. Our
hikes, mentorships, and character-driven programs are not just
outdoor adventures—they are lifelines. Every mile walked, every
honest conversation shared, and every adult who shows up
consistently helps a young person see they matter.
Your prayers, time, and financial gifts allow us to offer a better path
—a path anchored in hope, purpose, and faith. As we continue to
expand the ways to offer both peer mentoring and recovery-
awareness initiatives we ask for your continued support. Together
we can reach even more teens before a joint, a bottle, or a pill
becomes their coping strategy.
Thank you for standing with us. You are helping us mentor not just
bodies, but futures—and we don’t take that lightly.
For hope and freedom,
Ryan “Chance” Butts
President, LifeQuest USA
“Mentoring a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Getting to Know You
Hey friends! Thank you for the kind welcome. It has been a very productive first month for me. I was able to celebrate the Spring 4:13 graduates, helped to prepare supplies for the golf tournament, and had the opportunity to meet and share stories with a few more members of the board. It always excites me to hear what God is doing.
With a focus this month on substance abuse prevention, I’ve been thinking how grateful I am for 4:14. After completing the 4:13 Journey we invite all of our youth to continue in weekly fellowship. We have a faithful group of teens and leaders who meet to have dinner, learn about God’s word, talk about life, and pray for one another. Through guided mentorship, they are being empowered to live full lives that don’t rely on substances to fill a void. What a blessing to get to know them!
With gratitude,
Tiffany Santana
The Community Column
4:13 Journey / 4:14 Continuing Journey
Hey Everyone,
Jim here!
I hope you’re enjoying the start of summer—graduations, vacations, BBQs, and time with family and friends. It’s a beautiful time of year filled with celebration and fresh starts!
This Month’s Focus: Substance Abuse Prevention & Recovery
In our 4:13 and 4:14 programs, we serve a wide range of youth, some are walking through very real struggles, while others are simply looking for guidance, encouragement, and a safe place to grow. No matter their story, every young person who walks through our doors is met with consistency, care, and the love of Christ.
Some of our youth are facing instability at home or the weight of emotional pain. Others may be navigating peer pressure, the temptation of substance use, or just the normal challenges of being a youth. A few are carrying more than their fair share of past trauma, and others are searching for a deeper sense of purpose.
Wherever they are on their journey, our Christ-centered programs provide a space where they can be seen, heard, and valued.
Here, they’re not just hearing about hope they’re experiencing it. They build trusted relationships with mentors who show up week after week. They begin to explore what it looks like to face life’s challenges through the lens of God’s truth and grace. And slowly, they start to believe that recovery is possible. That growth is possible. That their past doesn’t define them and they’re never alone.
It’s awesome we get to see walls come down. We see trust take root. We witness transformation one step at a time as our youth grow in confidence, character, and faith. Most of all, we see them step into the truth that they are deeply loved by God and created for a future full of promise.
What’s Happening in 4:13?
On May 10th, we celebrated the close of our Spring semester with a graduation and hike up the beautiful Pino Trail. This semester, we had three groups finish strong—including our first-ever 4:13 group at First Baptist Bernalillo! We graduated 15 youth, and each one brought something unique and inspiring to the 4:13 Journey
It’s hard to pick just one highlight—God moved in so many ways. But what stood out most was watching both our youth and volunteers grow in grace and courage. It’s an honor to walk alongside them.
Looking Ahead Over the summer, we’ll be taking time to pray, plan, and prepare for the Fall semester, which kicks off in August. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the ways God continues to move through this ministry.
Thank you for walking with us. Your prayers, generosity, and support are helping to change lives—one story at a time.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jim Bayne
Program Director
A Light in the Darkness Column
May was consumed with preparations.
LifeQuest’s 12th Annual Golf Tournament was June 2. 140 golfers, 43 sponsors, 12 volunteers, and over $90,000 raised to support building resilient youth in New Mexico.
Then we rolled right into Ready4Life, a three-day seminar hosted in the juvenile facilities. This program is focused on an individual’s “way of being” and thinking. This innovative positive youth development curriculum prepares youth for a successful transition into healthy adulthood.
37 youth, 8 volunteers, 15 pizzas, 72 sandwiches, 3 nugget trays, and don’t forget cake!
These 37 made the largest group in the six years we’ve held R4L, and the first time all who started finished.
Until next time, Esther