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Not Your Everday “Joe”

Posted on Jun 10, 2026 by Robert Manning | Life Change Story | 7

I remember the first day I met Joe, he and his Grandmother approached me at the front door of 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass the evening before our new class was to start. His grandmother pleaded with me to let him attend our course as Joe had a rough childhood and struggled in school and could desperately use some guidance. Joe is a rather short stocky young man with a head of hair on him standing there next to his grandmother looking down. I said we could rush the paperwork through as long as he was able to make it to class 15 minutes early the next morning, they both agreed and took the paper work home to complete. The next morning Joe was the first one at the door waiting for me, with a new stylish haircut ready to go. He has always been our quiet reserved student that each class seems to have, he never complains and is always on time for class even though he catches two buses to be here by 7:45 am. In the past eight weeks he has opened up to the other students and participates in everything he can get his hands on. In a recent community event Joe showed up 4 days straight to volunteer his time to help out our team in fundraising activities and was also recently spotted at our Directors Church on a Sunday. I thought I would be the teacher, but in Joe’s situation it is he who has reminded me of the importance of daily small acts of kindness and perseverance along with the power of morning prayer in class that found this young man in Church on Sunday. Joe has stated he would like to return in the fall to join us in another VoTech training course.

I thank you for providing what’s necessary and giving the opportunity for young people like Joe to join us at 71Five. I’m looking forward to watching this young man grow and getting to learn a little more about him as God continues to bless us with each learning day.

ROBERT MANNING, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.951.7591 | robert@71Five.org

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

Amazingly Matured…

Posted on Jun 3, 2026 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 17

Caleb is a young man who when he joined our clubs sometimes had to be asked to leave for a while. He struggled with anger during games and being disruptive when we weren’t playing games. He kept coming though and amazingly he’s now matured into a great high school kid who actually is a helper in the very Middle School Club he used to get kicked out of. Through 71Five he has connected to a local church and has become part of their youth group. It is so awesome to see a young man who has struggled and had much adversity in his life actually turn around through the ministry and give back to young people who are in the same spot that he once was in.

It is the glory of God to see souls pulled back from a dark path to one filled with light! It is because of faithful donors, givers and volunteers that we are able to participate in what God is doing in this generation. The book of Acts is given to us to see how God works in every generation! God is not dead, He is alive and well and is rescuing people! It’s because of people like you, we are able to see a harvest in the Rogue Valley among our young people! Thank you so much for bringing life to our youth!

SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – North Medford
(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org

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

Walking out the change!

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 16

The week after Easter, I had the privilege of baptizing a young man named Izaac. I have known Izaac for several years, and much of that time has been connected to the Justice system, either in jail or residential programs. I have seen him in some of the lowest moments of his life. I have seen the weight of his choices, the struggle of his circumstances, and the fight it takes to keep moving forward. That is what made his baptism so powerful. Standing in the water with Izaac was more than just a special moment. It was a visible picture of the work God has been doing in his life. Izaac has made huge strides in his faith, his character, and his desire to live differently. He is not just talking about change, he is walking it out. Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” For Izaac, this verse carries weight. His story is a reminder that no young man is too far gone for God to reach, redeem, and redirect. The same young man I once saw in his lowest lows is now declaring his faith publicly and becoming a light to others.

It was an honor to baptize Izaac, but even more than that, it has been a gift to witness God writing a new story in his life. Your support helps make stories like his possible… Thank You!

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five Area Director – Grants Pass

541.941.3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

Arabella’s Life

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 25

When you think about mentoring, I want you to picture Arabella… You may not be the one building a connection with her but you’re part of her story. Arabella is in her twenties and she moved to the area to attend college. No family nearby. No built-in support system. Just a lot of newness, uncertainty, and a longing to find someone she could trust when life felt heavy or confusing. Because of your prayers, your giving, and your willingness to simply make 71Five Mentors known, Arabella didn’t stay alone in that season. She was connected with Lisa and that connection has grown into something bringing Arabella God’s hope.

You make that possible. You are the reason Arabella now has someone she can talk to, build trust with, and grow with in life. Lisa’s quiet, faithful compassion has become a grounding presence in Arabella’s life, helping her to slow down a bit, think a little clearer, and make space for her mental and spiritual growth. She’s someone who listens with patience, laughs with ease, and offers biblical wisdom without pressure. If you want to be the person walking alongside another in this kind of way reach out today to find out more about 71Five Mentoring.

WENDY COLLINS, 71Five Mentors Coordinator

541.441.2495 | wendy@71Five.org

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

“Let your light shine before others . . .”

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 20

One of my favorite people became interested in things of God simply by being on a boat watching his Campus Life mentor. They were sitting in a broken-down ski boat in the middle of Lost Creek Lake. When the boat broke down, this young man waited for his mentor to fly into a rage like his father would… but instead, his mentor was calm and relaxed, accepting what happened as a part of God’s plan for their day. That difference started a journey where this young man came to know Christ, has been in active ministry for many years, and has led many people to trust in Jesus.

It’s amazing when Matthew 5:16 comes to life! It says: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

This is where trusted adults have the greatest impact in the lives of kids. It happens in the ‘between times’ where young people are shown how Jesus makes things different, makes people different. It opens a door to a hope that there is something real, strong, and good to trust in.

Thank you for bringing the light in the context of trust that leads to a powerful hope!

BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director

541.301.0897 | bud@71Five.org

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

Always Good!

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Logan Schockelt | Life Change Story | 40

God’s plans are often different from our own; but always good! Thanks to the support of people like you across Southern Oregon, Youth 71Five’s vocational training facility (VoTech) offers men’s dorms for students who need housing while attending class. These dorms were never intended to be a shelter or transitional living program, yet God had other plans for one young man in need of hope. At 18, he came to us carrying the weight of past mistakes, including juvenile detention and probation at age 15. Though he had several red flags and was not an ideal dorm candidate God moved us to give him grace. While living on campus he struggled to follow the rules and stay committed. One day he really slipped up and at noon I found him in the dorms sick from alcohol. Normally he would have been asked to leave then and there but the Holy Spirit urged me not to give up on him. Two days later, we met with his probation officer and connected him with ROC Recovery and Celebrate Recovery. Soon after, he moved into HOPE House where he is receiving the support he needs. Today, he is sober, employed at his first real job and growing closer to God daily.

His life is changing because people like you choose to care. Remember, when you pray for those in need or lend a hand to help, sometimes, it can change someone’s life forever.

LOGAN SCHOCKELT, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Medford
541.646.5706 | logan@71Five.org

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

Living in the Goofy

Posted on Apr 30, 2026 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 33

Sara is one of our longest attending students at the Eagle Point Youth Center. She is fun, energetic, and always enjoys living in the goofy and care-free demeanor that God gave her. Her quirkiness allows her to be herself and not care what others think, but has also prevented her from fully participating in our group discussion times. She would always give one word answers or make off handed comments that would typically not be relevant to the topic. Something happened recently though, that surprised us: while we were going around the room giving the highlight of our week, Sara gave a genuine answer, and the following week she raised her hand to add a well thought-out comment about the discussion we were having.

You make a difference… It may seem small, but over time 71Five Campus has given this young woman an opportunity to grow, and be supported and loved. She continues to come back week after week, and always enjoys playing games with all of the safe and caring adults there, and her life has been impacted by the message of hope that we share.

PETER KUHL, 71Five Campus Director – Eagle Point
541.630.0648 | peter@71Five.org

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

“Wait… for… it…”

Posted on Apr 23, 2026 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 35

Jerry Seinfeld used to say, “Wait… for… it…” and then deliver the punch line to a good story. I know that dates me but that’s okay. I received a call just this morning from a former student. James came from a rough home life. It has been quite a while since we’ve spoken. He said that he was calling me to say that he is going to be attending Rogue Community College’s automotive class in the fall and will be working towards his ASA certification. He said, “Larry, you were instrumental in my life, and I wanted you to know how I was doing.” He also said that he got a job working on a ranch and the owner is teaching him heavy equipment servicing and handling. He said, “The teachings about mechanical technology and more importantly the life skills that I received helps me stay on the right track.” That was great news and I am so grateful to be part of this young man’s life.

More importantly is that you are instrumental in this young person’s life through your prayers and support. You provide him, and others like him, a safe place to learn, and grow, and hear the most important message of all. That he has a hope and a future though God’s love and the work of Jesus. “Wait… for… it…”, James said, “After working for a while now on the ranch, the owner has offered to pay his tuition at RCC in the Fall. Now that is a life changed and a great punch line!

LARRY LICATO, 71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator
(541) 860-3275 | larry@71Five.org

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

Raising Hands High to God!

Posted on Apr 15, 2026 by Emma Kuhl | Life Change Story | 55

At 71Five’s Winter Camp recently, there was this quiet and reserved teen boy that had come with the 71Five City Grants Pass ministry area. Throughout most of the weekend he was keeping to himself and didn’t really engage with worship and teachings until the last night and I saw him raising his hands high to God and paying attention during the teaching as well. That following Sunday at church while I was leading worship during communion this same teen boy was the only one standing and lifting his hands high to the Lord. It was incredible to see the dramatic change in his life and the light of Jesus shine bright in him.

Thank you for helping young people get to go to 71Five Camps. Your partnership provides trust and hope for thousands of young people throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties.

EMMA KUHL, 71Five Director – Grants Pass

(541) 295-5458 | emma@71Five.org

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

She was chosen!

Posted on Apr 8, 2026 by Melissa Frazier | Life Change Story | 86