Adult & Teen Challenge Society of BC is excited to announce that God has brought a new Centre Director to the Okanagan Men’s Centre, Joel Shunmugam.
Joel’s vision for ministry is anchored in delivering healing and deliverance to individuals battling addiction and life controlling issues. This mission stems from his own experience of redemption from the throes of drug addiction and despair.
Joel grew up in a Hindu household before his remarkable conversion to Christianity. Joel found himself in the cycle of addiction during his early adulthood, his family tried their best to help him. Then Joel’s sister came across an article about Teen Challenge Singapore and suggested he enrol in the one-year program, and he reluctantly did on September 2, 1992. Once Joel graduated Teen Challenge, he spent most of the next 9 years serving at Teen Challenge Singapore until eventually settling in Vancouver in 2001. Joel met and married his wife Ruth in Singapore, after his time as a student, and she also served at Teen Challenge Singapore in Administration.
He and Ruth envision a world where individuals are set free through the power of Jesus, leading to healthier, restored relationships with God. Joel’s heart is set on evangelism, with an unquenchable desire for souls to be saved, driving his work both locally and internationally. Joel is a revivalist at heart. He burns with an evangelistic passion to see people reached with the Gospel.
Joel has spent the last 20 years serving as a pastor in the Vancouver area, but God kept bringing Teen Challenge to his memory and how his time there had transformed his life.
As of January 6, 2025, Joel will be taking on the role of Centre Director at the Okanagan Men’s Centre, overseeing the program department and centre activities. This will allow for Grace Absolom to focus on her role as Regional Development Director in the whole Okanagan Region, including community outreach, social enterprise opportunities and cultivating business relationships.
Joel and Ruth have two sons, Joshua and Josiah, and a daughter-in-law, Hannah, who are all actively involved in the worship ministry. The family is also accompanied by their loyal German Shepherd, Judah.
