I’m David Rosenblum, a U.S. Missionary serving with Teen Challenge.

At Heartland Boys Academy in Georgia and Kentucky, I show up week after week for teenage boys whose stories are being rewritten by Jesus.

For more than 17 years, I’ve led worship, developed teams, and helped people connect with Jesus. Along the way, some of the most meaningful parts of ministry have been the relationships formed—getting to know people, being welcomed into their lives, and walking with them through different seasons.

I’ve always loved hearing someone’s story. I want to know what has shaped them, what they’ve walked through, what makes them come alive, and what they’re hoping for. There’s something special about being trusted with that part of someone’s life. Whether I’m investing in a young leader, encouraging a friend, or walking with someone through a difficult season, I want them to know they matter to me and that I see something worth investing in.

People over platforms is a conviction that has shaped the way I serve. I love helping people recognize the gifts God has placed inside them, giving them room to grow, and being there to celebrate when they take a step they once thought was impossible.

In 2024, my friend Pastor Bryan Rule invited me to a Super Bowl party at Heartland here in Georgia. He mentioned a thousand wings, which was a pretty convincing invitation! I had no idea how much that evening would mean to me. I started coming back, spending time with the guys, teaching music, and getting to know their stories. Somewhere along the way, they became like family, and I began to recognize that God was calling me into something new.

Today, I get to walk alongside these young men through counseling, mentoring, music lessons, and preparation for district and national Fine Arts. I also support the staff through prayer, encouragement, and help with events and outings. All of it creates opportunities to build relationships—to listen, pray together, work through hard conversations, and celebrate progress.

I want these young men to know they are deeply loved by Jesus, that their lives have purpose, and that their past does not have to determine their future. They have gifts worth developing and callings worth pursuing. Getting to walk with them as they begin to believe that for themselves is one of the greatest joys of my life.

That’s the heart behind Change the Story: helping young men discover hope, identity, and a new beginning through the power of Jesus. I’m grateful you’re here, and I’d love for you to meet some of the young men who have become such a big part of my life.