In most of these stories you receive from us the names are changed to protect people’s privacy but not this time. . . Ellie came to juvenile detention in October 2017. Though her first time in detention, the charges were huge with consequences life changing for many. During the year and a half for her case to move through the system trusting relationships with 71Five staff were built. Today, Ellie resides in a youth correctional facility where she will stay for the next decade or more. After that she will transfer to adult corrections to complete her sentence. With good behavior and God’s blessing, Ellen Friar will walk into freedom about the time she turns 35. In a statement Ellie told how her heart and life have been changed through her introduction to and forgiveness from Jesus Christ. She publicly declared; “it was the 71Five ministry team that introduced me to God.”

 

We are committed to Ellie’s ongoing growth, healing and discipleship. Through her journey many more broken lives will likely be touched by the love of God. From one generation to the next, the Good News brings hope and you provide the bridge of trusting relationships. Thank you! MATT SWEENEY 71Five Connect Director & Ministry Coordinator (541) 779-3275 matt@71Five.org

 

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

At Youth 71Five, I’ve witnessed firsthand how difficult it is for some students to feel like they ‘fit in’. Kids are desperate to understand who they are and where they fit in this world. The truth is… each of us was created to stand out and be unique. That means there’s only one of us in the whole world and when you know the real you, why would you want to be anyone else? This is what I recently shared with Braden, a young boy in middle school. Each week I see how other kids look for him to share his thoughts and opinions during our discussions at the Gold Hill Youth Center. Unfortunately, he’s usually too afraid to share and instead goes along with the crowd. I know he typically has an amazing perspective but he’s afraid to stand out. I took the opportunity to encourage him by saying, “The world needs and values what you think! Be your true self and you’ll attract authentic friends into your life.”

 

Braden is on a journey of discovering his true, authentic self. It’s through these simple caring connections, where seeds are planted that have the power to shape the lives of young people. Your care and loving support make it possible to build amazing relationships like this one. Thank you! JOSHUA LOOMIS 71Five Campus Area Director – Gold Hill (541) 779-3275 joshua@71Five.org

 

We were fairly surprised to see that Rodjanae, 17-year-old mom of Armani, had signed up to attend our very first retreat. Up until this point our connection with her had been limited to high school visits and an occasional group gathering.  The retreat was filled with firsts for us all and we were excited to see how God would use this extended time together. The first event of the weekend was a performance that portrayed the Gospel through theater and dance. It’s difficult to describe the impact it had on our teens but I can say for sure that it was POWERFUL. I was seated next to Rodjanae and as I glanced over at her I could see tears in her eyes. At the end of the performance, the young actors said they’d like to pray with each of our moms and immediately a young woman approached us. When Rodjanae was asked if she would like prayer she responded, “Yes, I want everything I just saw. The freedom. The forgiveness.” And so we prayed together. One teenager being led to the Lord by another. Afterwards I asked Rodjanae what watching the Gospel felt like to her. She said, “It was so beautiful. It inspired me to do better and it made me feel good about myself – that there is more in store for me. It taught me that I still have a chance to turn things around for the best.”

 

Through your love, prayer, and giving… you have provided this opportunity to share the Gospel with Rodjanae and other young parents just like her. If you would like to get involved or hear more about what God is doing at 71Five Parents, contact me at missy@71Five.org. – MISSY GETSINGER 71Five Parents Director (541) 779-3275 missy@71Five.org

 

Since I started working as the area director for Phoenix and Talent, the big goal has been to get into the schools and build relationships with the youth in my communities. I thought that would be a simple and quick process, but I learned I needed to connect with staff before I could volunteer at all. It took some time but as God worked on my patience the connections started rolling in, and now I have invitations to volunteer at Phoenix Elementary, the High School, and Talent Middle School. At the Elementary school, I help with recess. There’s chaos as children run around, yell, laugh, play games, and I get to join the fun. Many kids are excited to have an adult give them special attention – even if it is just in playing a game of soccer – and it isn’t hard to see some crave attention because there’s no one at home to give it. “Thank you so much for volunteering,” a staff member said, “so many of them come from broken homes. They need a positive influence in their lives.” Many of them have single parents, who struggle to make ends meet and raise their kids at the same time. These kids are hurting, lost, and aching for the empty place in their heart to be filled with love.

 

In God’s perfect timing, He’s brought me to these schools to reach these young people with the only love that can bring them eternal comfort – the love of Jesus Christ. When you support our ministry, you provide for these lost and broken children who ache to be loved. Your involvement brings trust that leads to hope for the youth in Phoenix and Talent.” – CAMERON HOEHNE  71Five Campus Area Director – Phoenix /Talent  cameron@71Five.org

 

I could tell you plenty of shocking stories of trauma and brokenness… But this time, I want to share about a young man who went through just the right amount of pain to make some big changes in his life. I met Israel at the detention center and after the group meeting, I had a chance to talk with him alone. He told me my story spoke loudly to him. He said, “I’m ready to turn my life around, never again to return to detention.” We talked through the steps and changes that would be necessary for him to experience freedom in his life. He then asked the Lord to come into his life and direct him. After he was released, I gave him a new Bible and took him to church. He said the message really applied to his life and he liked it. We grabbed a burrito afterward and he shared how he’d quit drinking alcohol, smoking pot, and cigarettes. He deleted all of his social media accounts and was loving it.

He’s now planning to join the biking program 71Five Justice offers and I plan to meet with him regularly. Please pray for this young man as he begins his new life, and thank you for partnering with us, you are making a difference! BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director beau@71Five.org

 

How do you bring hope to a young gal who just received a 25-year prison sentence? She won’t be free until her late thirties and she carries the weight of guilt. What can be done to convince this gal there will be good in her future? It started with a caring adult who met her in detention, consistently spent time and built trust. Over the last few months this girl and her adult friend talked and talked about life, this girl’s pain and her fears. During these conversations the girl heard she could be forgiven, accepted into the family of God and He’s always there to watch over her no matter where she goes. This little gal ‘went all in’ and hasn’t looked back. She still struggles with fear and wishes she didn’t have to face the consequences of her crime, but she looks toward the future with real hope. She’s even now experiencing a hope that has brought her to life in what would seem the darkest of circumstances. Thank you so much for caring enough to provide this! You bring trust into the broken lives of kids which leads to love, peace and hope in the darkest places. – BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director bud@71Five.org

Miranda is soft-spoken and reserved but has a smile that fills the room! Over the last several months Miranda has increased in her sociability with others in our 71Five Mentors Elementary Club… students and adults alike. She actively participates in the group by asking and answering questions, shares her memorization skills by telling us the Bible verses she learned last year, and one night she brought her new guitar to share her musical abilities. It is an honor to witness this amazing young lady grow and blossom right before our eyes. She is not yet matched with her own mentor but we already recognize her confidence sprouting in the group mentoring setting.

 

Many kids like Miranda are on a waiting list to receive a mentor. Would you pray about ways in which you could participate in sharing the love of Christ to these incredible young people? MISTY DUKE 71Five Mentors Director misty@71Five.org

Each Tuesday we have our 71Five VoTech life-skills training class… Many people today call them ‘Adulting’ classes. We cover 12 topics ranging from personal banking to workplace communication. Last week our topic was “the myth of happiness.” Anyone who’s connected to modern media has been deeply affected by the happiness myth. Over time we begin to believe our purpose in life is to be happy. If we could just have that new car, house, boat, hairstyle, vacation, etc… We’d be happy. Sadly, as soon as we get what we want the happiness begins to fade and we find ourselves looking for the next thing.

 

All 6 young adults in the class shared they often felt sad because they didn’t have the money to buy the things they needed and wanted. Chris shared “I’m going to be a millionaire so then I’ll be happy and help my family be happy.” When I explained money couldn’t make him happy, he disagreed. Which led to a great group discussion about what really makes us happy. During the discussion we explained, happiness is the body’s response to achieving goals.  As we set and then achieve a goal our body rewards us with a good feeling. As a result, happiness is not a constant state in which we can stay. Happiness and sadness are just feelings that come and go based on circumstance. At this point Anthony asked, “so what is my purpose?” Great question!

 

I wish every struggling kid could have been with us to hear what our true purpose in life is. The look of hope that follows this message is amazing; that our purpose is to love and be loved by Jesus, and in doing so bring glory to God. Come join our team and help us reach young people with the message of their true purpose. – TODD SORENSEN 71Five VoTech Director todd@71Five.org