09/11/2025
Meet Michael Payne!
Michael serves as our Program Manager here at Teen Challenge Southeast – Dublin. For the past three years, he has been one of the main leaders on our campus — walking daily alongside our students, mentoring, discipling, and showing what it looks like to walk by faith and not by sight.
Michael’s testimony is one of God’s redeeming power. For many years, he lived in a destructive cycle of m**h addiction, in and out of jail and prison, and often absent from his children’s lives. But when the Holy Spirit led him to Teen Challenge, everything changed. Through surrender, discipleship, and continued trust in the Lord, Michael not only found freedom himself but also began to see the pieces of his life restored — especially his relationship with his children.
One of the most powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness in Mike’s life came through his daughter. After being shot, doctors told their family that she would never walk again. But Michael refused to give up hope. Day after day, he prayed both privately and at her bedside in the hospital, believing for a miracle. Today, against every medical prediction, his daughter is walking — living proof of the miracle-working power of God.
Beyond his role at Teen Challenge, Michael treasures his role as a father and grandfather. His love for his grandson Mason is evident to everyone who knows him, and he considers that relationship one of God’s sweetest gifts in his life.
As a leader, Michael says his greatest joy is seeing lives changed. He finds purpose in discipleship, helping men discover their identity in Christ and walk in true freedom. His prayer for every student is that they would not only find recovery but also experience a successful walk with the Lord that carries them far beyond their time in the program.
His life is anchored by this verse:
📖 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
And, on a lighter note — when he’s not leading or mentoring, you might find Mike enjoying one of his favorites: a hearty plate of lasagna. 🍝
Michael’s journey is living proof that no one is too far gone for God’s grace. His leadership, faith, and daily example have made an incredible impact on the men of Teen Challenge Dublin, and we are so thankful for the way he serves our mission of putting hope within reach.
➡️ Help us celebrate Michael in the comments and thank him for the way he serves with faith, passion, and love!