Tara, 24, isn’t the only Minnesotan looking forward to graduation. But Tara won’t be walking across a stage in a cap and gown, accepting a diploma. Instead, she will simply be heading home, 13 months sober.

Tara started using heroine at 16 years old. The drug “deceived” her, leaving her homeless, sleeping in cars and battling depression. It wasn’t until eight years later that she reached out to her father—“I need help,” she said. “I don’t wanna die.”

For Tara, the secular treatment her parents suggested didn’t work. The only way she learned to heal was through God.

Now, every Sunday, she and about 15 other students travel throughout the region as a guest church choir, representing Minnesota Teen Challenge, a faith-based rehabilitation program.

Being one of more than 220 Teen Challenge centers in the U.S., Tara’s group came to visit Winona Faith Assembly of God Church from Minneapolis. Like many local students, Tara and a majority of the choir will graduate this summer from the 13-month drug and alcohol rehab program.

During their time together, the group, ranging in age from 13 to 73, shares more in common than just a past with substance abuse—they share a deep relationship with God.

“Other programs just teach you what will renew your brain,” Tara said, after singing “Amazing Grace.” “God will help you get better.”

After 37 years of using cocaine, Annie went to prison and developed her relationship with faith. Now, Annie is 50, singing solos in the choir and nearing the end of her rehab with Minnesota Teen Challenge.

Her “radical Christianity” has grown so strong that she plans to go into a ministry institute for two years after graduation.

“For a long time, I had no idea what love was,” she said. “I now have joy in my life.”

The choir and the Winona Faith congregation shared in that joy through an informal, energetic service, allowing for open, interjected prayers.

“There are no rules,” said Pastor Aaron Lindholm.

Lindholm also emphasized the importance and “honor” of “giving back to God.” With the addition of the Minnesota Teen Challenge choir, the Winona Faith Church gave back with their voices, singing contemporary hymns.

After singing a solo and conducting for the choir, Travis, 25, gave his thanks to God through reliving his story in front of the congregation.

Growing up on a farm in Minnesota, Travis’s parents divorced when he was 11 years old, and he struggled with the loss of his “family structure.” At 12, he began drinking, and by high school, he started using methamphetamine.

It didn’t take long for his life to take a turn for the worse: enduring four automobile accidents, obtaining three DWI’s and cycling in and out of jail, rehab and a psychiatric ward.

On May 25, 2010, the depression Travis felt in his life had reached an intolerable level that led him to attempt suicide by hanging.

“I woke up on the concrete of my garage,” he said. “By the grace of God, I failed. I just can’t thank God enough.”

The guests from Minneapolis said that the Winona Faith Church was the perfect “home” for “connecting with Christ” and atoning for their sins. Because the church roots much of its praise in song, the Minnesota Teen Challenge choir was grateful to share in the Winona Faith Church’s tradition.

“I just want the Holy Spirit to work through me while I’m singing, so I make sure to leave myself open to that,” Annie said. “Angels can’t sing. We’re meant to sing.”