Winkler's Adult and Teen Challenge thrift store is changing local lives.

Local Teen Challenge thrift store staff member Victor Sawatzky explains he struggled with his identity throughout his adult life, while wrestling with anger, addiction and spending time in jail. But through Adult and Teen Challenge of Central Canada, he's found his self-worth in Christ and a new calling.

"I'm working for Him, trying to do God's will whether it's sorting clothes in the back, or sharing my testimony," he says.

When he left the Pembina Valley 25 years ago he never looked back, now he says God called him to the area, he's even shared his story in his home town of Lowe Farm.

"It's like the story of Jonah, you can't run away from God."

Growing up in the foster care system, fellow staff member Steve Kernaghan says it wasn't until joining a church community that he felt love and acceptance for the first time.

It was there he learned about Teen Challenge. "My life has never been the same since."

Steve Keesic, Development Officer, explains those stories are just a few examples of the ripple effect the faith-based organization is having in the Pembina Valley.

He notes they are holding weekly prayer meetings for the community on Fridays over the lunch hour, as well as starting a regular chapel event at the Bunker March 16, which will return the second Thursday each month.

Keesic says they believe their unique mission is to help unify Christians from different denominations.

Looking ahead, he says they're dreaming of a new, larger space to expand their retail store, as well as house their 12-month Residential Program for men and women 18 and older."I'm just so excited about all the things God is doing and we're really believing we're gonna see amazing miracles this year," Keesic says.