Not long ago I received this note after following up on a voicemail we received at the office from a woman who felt compelled to reach out and share her story. 

 

 

 

It’s amazing to see the hand of God, transforming lives through a person, building trust, and sharing the love of God. Thank you for continuing that work!!

 

71Five VoTech – Medford just completed a cooperative project with Medford Online Academy and Central High School to build an electric vehicle kit. During this seven-week endeavor there were many, what we call, Jesus sightings. One of these was the growth seen in a young man named Jason. When he first entered our program he was very shy. When he would speak, it was so soft unless you really leaned in, you could not hear him. As we progressed through the EV car build, Jason was given the assignment to construct the main electric motor control box. This control box is the nerve center for the vehicle. He had many questions at first, but he learned quickly, and the questions became fewer. After several nights the control box was completed and installed on the vehicle. When the taillights were added to the vehicle and the wires ran into the control box Jason again went to work. This time there were no questions from Jason. Then he beamed as he told me how he had relocated some of the previously installed wires to the other side of the connection block to make the connections for the taillights. Finally, we were ready to install the main battery pack and start testing the vehicle. I asked Jason to go through and make one final check of the dozens of wires in the control box. He just smiled and said, “I don’t have to. They are correct.” When we turned on the power it worked flawlessly.

 

Isn’t it amazing how someone can speak into our lives and encourage us to do things that we would never consider trying? We are wired for so much more than we could ever imagine. We are all like Jason. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

 

 

Recently I had a chance to talk to some young people at 71Five about the claims of Christ. The discussion was a no holds barred Q&A session lasting about an hour and half. The questions came primarily from an atheist point of view and it was incredible to hear what these kids are dealing with! Later, I connected with the same young people and was surprised when a young girl Sarah said frankly “Oh Shane, I believe in good and evil. I’ve seen some real evil before!” We had a great conversation where she told me about some of her experiences with darkness and the occult. I shared with her about how Jesus can set her free from all darkness regardless of past ties. Sarah said she wanted to follow this path and wanted to start reading her Bible!

 

It’s wonderful to share Christ with kids who have “intellectual“ questions as well as with kids who are looking to be set free from darkness and the occult. Thank you for bringing this great Hope into all circumstances and situations, no matter where our kids find themselves.

 

We meet new faces weekly at 71Five and first impressions aren’t always pleasant. Youth often come with preconceived notions of how this “club” works. There will be authority, rules, and the whole “God” thing. Along with the preconceptions, they’ve already decided they will be rejected and labeled as one of “those” kids. My first impression of Taylor as he entered the room reminded me of Taz from Looney Toons. Throughout the next hour, my initial observation was verified. After addressing him about several instances where boundaries were pushed, Taylor was beckoned to the “principle’s“ office. I confronted Taylor about the “chaos” that surrounded him and how I know there’s pain bottled up in there. He agreed his behavior was chaotic and was quick to respond with the habitual “sorry.” I told him I appreciated his apology however the next time I wanted it to come from his heart; I wanted to have a relationship with him, one where he cared for me as I have cared for him. I ended the conversation with “I can’t wait to get to know you better and I’m looking forward to you returning next week.” I sealed our meeting with a hug before he walked away mystified by the ‘irregular’ encounter.

 

At 71Five City, when a student is called to our “principle’s” office, they are shown the basic principles of God’s way as mentioned in Hebrews 5:12 (milk vs. meat). Thank you for bringing hope to kids in words and actions they can understand.

 

A few days ago, I got a text from a student who comes to the Phoenix/Talent club. He asked, “Do you know how to fix a broken relationship?” The situation was from a couple hours earlier where he and his best friend ended their friendship. After he cooled off a bit, he realized ending the friendship was not what he wanted even though they’ve been fighting a lot. I was surprised to find out I was the first person who came to mind when he was trying to get advice. You see, this young man and I are very different, coming from different backgrounds and perspectives. It’s been tough building a relationship with him over time.

 

Trust is foundational to a relationship. The problem is, trust can be hard to establish when the kid has been hurt and their trust has been broken. This young man has seen his parents going through a divorce. Divorce is hard for a kid; it makes relationships scary to the point they’ll end them before they get hurt. I don’t know of a better feeling than when I realized this kid trusts in me enough to ask for advice. He doesn’t even trust in God yet, but… he’s taking a step in the right direction. You provide the trust that leads to hope. Thank you!

 

“OK, What’s next?” David asked. He was excited to help prepare dinner for our Teen Night at 71Five City in West Medford. This was a total turn around from the David I first met. He came into Station 71Five with his face almost completely covered. His eyes were barely visible between his mask and his hair hanging low over the front of his head. He kept his distance and when I tried to make conversation he would respond with one-word answers. A few weeks later we had a dilemma, the person scheduled to make dinner for Teen Night cancelled. We had to act fast. so I asked David to accompany me to the store. Something amazing happened. On the way there he started talking and continued while we shopped. The conversation went on as David stood next to me helping me cook. At the completion of each task he asked, “OK. What’s next?” He transformed into a talkative teen who was having fun while serving. This excitement flowed for the rest of the evening.

 

As I drove him home he said, “Tonight was fun. What are we doing next week?” Thank you for giving David a place where he feels safe to transform.

 

In youth ministry, and ministry in general, it can be very easy to feel like the work you have just done was ineffective. In my case, that work is running 71Five Campus in Gold Hill. About a month ago, I invited a friend as a guest speaker to come and share his story with the youth. Though he did a great job, it’s like the kids had no interest in what he was saying and seemed it was a big waste of time. Things did not go as I had planned that night. I also thought for sure the new girl who was there for her very first time would not want to come back (ever) again. Well, I’m glad I was wrong this time! Right after club ended that night, Miley came up to me and asked, “Is there anything I have to do to be apart of club?” To which I joyfully responded, “Nope, you’re already a part of it! All you have to do is show up”

 

When reading Romans 12:11 I was reminded to never give up and not to lose hope! It says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord”! Thank you for providing the opportunities at 71Five for kids to see the hope found in Jesus.