The launch of our Phoenix/Talent Youth Center Club at 71Five Campus happened to fall on the exact same day that Oregon announced school closures due to COVID-19. During our time together at club, a student named Xander said, “I’m sad that school is canceled, I love school.” This time can be hard on kids. Hearing the concern around us, led to us sharing a message of hope for our first night of club. We shared that our God is sovereign, works out all things for good, knows and loves each of us, and promises to be with us through all things. I looked at Xander and told him that we are going to make the most of this time, that we will use this time off of school to gather together outdoors and have some fun. His face filled with a smile and before he left, he mentioned that he loved coming to 71Five Campus!

 

We always have the goal of bringing hope to young people. During this uncertain season, that mission is set even heavier on our hearts. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [Romans 15:13] If you would like to hear more about ways that you can get involved in bringing hope to these kids, contact me or check out our ministries at www.71Five.org. MELANIE CIENFUEGOS 71Five Campus Area Director – Phoenix /Talent  (541) 779-3275 melanie@71Five.org

 

God is always working on many levels to answer prayer. Israel was a young man who was reached by Youth 71Five Ministries staff while in custody at Jackson County Juvenile Detention, 15 years later he is the answer to my prayers as a key volunteer with 71Five’s Justice Break the Cycle Bike program. I have the privilege of watching him grow in his faith as he has committed to honoring the call God has placed on his life. He heard the Lord direct him to help me in any way he could and he has been faithful. What a blessing he has been on so many levels. It is truly amazing to witness God pour into his life as he pours himself out to help these hurting kids and it comes as no surprise to see all the pieces fit together so perfectly.

 

If you would like to hear more about all the rad opportunities to volunteer with Youth 71Five Ministries, give me a call or you can check out our ministries at www.71Five.org. Our programs have changed to meet the current Corona Virus situation but kids still need trusting relationships that lead to hope. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org

 

 

• We will adhere to the mandates of state and local government and follow the precautions of the schools and agencies we work with in their response to the threat.
• With the closure of schools, we are cancelling indoor ministry activities as of March 14th. We will work to provide for the needs of young people by offering activities where we can meet outdoors.
• We will cancel or postpone trips that use our vans for the month of March. We will reassess this on Wednesday April 1st.
• No one with cold and flu symptoms will be admitted to ministry events including both youth and staff (paid or volunteer).
• Extra cleaning— Staff will take the time for extra cleaning and disinfect hard surfaces in their ministry space. (e.g.- door handles, counters, bathroom surfaces, pool sticks, controllers and computer keyboards.)
• We will remind youth to wash or sanitize hands frequently and not share food or drinks.
• We will make sure to communicate to youth and volunteer staff to stay home if they feel at risk.

 

Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. [Psalms 33:22] BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director (541) 779-3275 bud@71Five.org

 

It was only Ari’s second time in the North Medford Youth Center. Our new College & Careers group that she came for had only been running for about 1 or 2 months. She came because my wife, who she trusted, invited her. We taught her and the few others how to play a fun new board game. After the game, as is our tradition, I gathered everyone into the living room of the youth center where we did our “talk”. We pass out Bibles and show them how to get to the passage we are covering that night… Matthew 4, the temptation of Jesus. Using a Bible was new to her. I showed how Jesus used scriptures as he was tempted. Afterward, Ari wanted to talk more. She started asking my wife about how to read the Bible. She saw its importance and wanted to try to understand it but was overwhelmed by how big it was. My wife called me over and soon the two of us were showing her how to get started reading her Bible which led to us sharing what the Bible was all about. Eventually, I asked her if she knew how to go to heaven. She didn’t but really wanted to know. Ari accepted Jesus as her personal Savior that night at 71Five Campus! There were lots of hugs and Ari had an enormous smile on her face as she realized that her sins were forgiven and that she now was part of the family of God. What started as a trusted relationship with my wife led Ari to a relationship with Jesus.

 

Thank you for making these relationships possible and being a part of the team of people that reaches young people that need the hope found in Jesus. TIM HARDY 71Five Campus Area Director – North Medford  (541) 779-3275 tim@71Five.org

 

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 icb

Do you remember the stories we’ve shared? Here is what you’ve accomplished in the lives of several young people… There are so many more.

• You brought a message of forgiveness to a gal guilty of crime and facing jail.
• You communicated that life has purpose to young people who are discouraged and depressed.
• You bring safety and fun into the lives of kids whose homes are not safe.
• You’ve brought kind words and compliments to a boy who hears nothing but criticism and insults at home.
• You offered faithfulness and trust to a young man with no one in his life he can trust.
• You bring direction to lost kids with no ability to navigate life.
• You have guided hundreds and hundreds of kids through trusting relationships to real hope— an eternal and indestructible hope in Jesus.

Someday I hope you can hear the thanks you deserve directly from the kids whose lives you’ve changed, but until then, hear the gratitude from me… Thank you!! BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director (541) 779-3275 bud@71Five.org

 

A sweet coworker gave me some chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Hidden inside was one Dove dark chocolate, my favorite! I truly adore the little messages they put on the inside of the wrappers, a treat within a treat! This one’s a gem: “Believe in those you love.” So simple yet so deep. But that’s exactly what we do at Youth 71Five Ministries. We welcome at-risk youth from all walks of life, sometimes unimaginable walks of life, and we simply love on them. We pour out our hearts, our love and our energy to let them know that they truly are loved. Through unconditional love, we’re showing them that we believe in them just as they are; just as the Lord does with us. Through this love, they find encouragement, friendship, a safe place to “fit-in,” be accepted, and best of all, it leads to the eternal love of Jesus Christ which leads to hope.

 

Thank you for believing in the young people, for your overwhelming love, and continued generosity in supporting 71Five. You are reaching out to the many at-risk youth throughout the community and sharing God’s love and God’s story with them. DARLENE HARPER 71Five Mentors Director (541) 779.3275 darlene@71Five.org

 

I have found amazing things happen by treating young people with respect, giving them projects to work on, and allowing them to make mistakes. We also need to listen to our youth. When we do these things… What I found is “They thrive.” Many of the youth come from horrendous home lives or no home lives at all, like the youth from 71Five Justice who spend 2 days a week in our 71Five VoTech training program. The boys recently built a large scrap wood box. As we painted it, one of the boys exclaimed, “I have never painted anything before in my life.” Later, while eating pizza after class, another young man called out, “Someday I’m bringing my family here to show my sons where I got my start.”

 

Pslam 22:6 states: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. The NIV renders train as “Start” This is how you are effecting the youth of our Rogue Valley build trust that leads to Hope. LARRY LICATO 71Five VoTech Director (541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org

 

 

We recently took a group of High School students to Sunriver. This year’s trip seemed to impact all who attended. With tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat, Connor shared, “I have always been afraid of being alone. But, thanks to 71Five, I know now… I will never be alone!” Connor went on to share that because of the loving relationships he’s found at 71Five, he gave his life to Jesus. Connor knows God will always be with him in good times and bad. This knowledge has brought him hope. Connor also shared how grateful he is for all of his friends at 71Five… Friends that love well because they love Jesus!

 

Thanks to your partnership, young people like Connor have hope. Hope that can only come from Jesus through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for bringing trust that leads to hope. ROBERT MILTON 71Five Campus Area Director & Ministry Coordinator (541) 779-3275 robert@71Five.org

 

 

He reminds me of my own son at that age— anxious, angry, scared. I see TJ my first night at 71Five City, pacing the parking lot murmuring rage and fear to nobody-in-particular. I invite him to join us, suggesting safety could be found inside. On club days, he spends 6 hours playing Xbox and jumping up and down right in front of the screen talking to, sometimes shouting at, the other characters. It’s what he needs to do, so we don’t hassle him. When we invite him for games and again for the lesson, he responds only to say no. After several weeks, he joins us at the game table, then at the sofas for the lesson. He even answers: one whispered word to the question, “Who is God?” — “Savior.”

 

You never know what they’re going to hear or when they’ll hear it… I’m glad there’s a safe space with caring adults who murmur the love of God and the hope of Jesus to anyone who will listen. 71Five City needs more caring adults who will support that safe space and make a difference in kids’ lives. Please contact us at www.71five.org or call (541 )779-3275 to find out how you can offer a message of love and hope. MICHAEL COOKE 71Five City Director (541) 779-3275 michael@71Five.org