As I stood in the parking lot after club, I overheard one of the leaders mention he was going mudding with his truck. This talk about driving up to the top of a mountain, turned into a plan. We invited a couple of youth who were excited about going and they invited a couple of their friends as well. What began as a mudding adventure, now entailed a bon fire, roasting hot dogs, and making s’mores. As we headed up the mountain, none of us really knew what to expect until we arrived at the peak. As we overlooked the city of Grants Pass it was covered with a majestic blanket of fog; all of us were in awe of its beauty. The day turned to night as quickly as the bon fire engulfed into flames. We gathered around eating, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Throughout the night, there was an unspoken appreciation we all felt about being there and being with one another. Before long, the fog cleared away and the city lights could be seen for miles! The full moon rose and not a single cloud covered the stars. God’s creation surrounded us and completely took our breath away.

 

Moments like these can be once in a lifetime. At 71Five, conversations turn into adventures that build relationships that lead to hope.

 

 

 

Joy to the World… You know the Christmas carol, right? Joy is a rare commodity these days. We may even wonder if we can sing it authentically right now. Well, it’s good to look at the next line and remember what the source of joy is. That line is, “the Lord is come.” I have sung those lines at least a thousand times in my life but I don’t think they’ve ever been put to the test globally like they are now. I have a hard time even imagining life or the world if the Savior had not come. It’s amazing how much hope hangs on that truth for me. Because of it, I’m completely confident there are better things in my future because I have peace with God through Jesus.

 

So many kids in our community live without that hope. Many have never even heard of the possibility of that hope. What a dark place to live as our world seems harmful and out of control. Jesus calls himself the ‘Light of the world’ but amazingly he also calls us the ‘light of the world.’ What a privilege to be included in that work! Your “light” helps kids see the “Light,” and then they can experience the joy of an eternal and indestructible hope!

 

Thank you for shining the “Light” into dark places in the lives of young people!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d like to share with you a message I recently received from a key 71Five Justice Volunteer. . .

 

 

 

 

 

Why did God create me so ugly?” That was one of the questions written by students after a recent middle school club at the 71Five Campus North Medford Youth Center. Another note asked, “What’s the point in life?” Still, another note asked, “Why is God making my life so hard and having me have so much anxiety and crying so much? It’s making it hard for me to go to school or even do anything.” Some of these notes really broke my heart as I read them. These reveal glimpses of what young people are really thinking and going through. We are always seeing glimpses like these at 71Five. During summer camps, we hear kids pour out the burdens and pains in the safe glow of a big campfire. On day trips, we do activities together with the kids and have long conversations during the van ride where kids often open-up about their lives. At club, we see kids week after week and notice when they aren’t doing well. Through trusting relationships we meet kids right where they are and start getting deeper and deeper with them over time. The hurts come to the surface, and we have a real opportunity to minister to kids and share the love of Jesus. A lot of our kids wouldn’t step foot inside a church. But they will go to a Youth Center. So, we have Youth Centers where we can share Jesus with those kids and answer their hard questions.

 

Are you willing to join us? Are you interested in being part of a team of people that have a passion for sharing the Gospel with young people who desperately need Him? Call us at (541) 779-3275 or visit 71Five.org because we would love to get you involved in the life of a young person who is in need today.

 

 

With a mix of sadness and joy I attended the memorial service of Don Hildebrand to honor a life well lived. As part of the service, Don’s daughter Holly read a poem written to celebrate Don. What an amazing poem! The part that struck me personally was a line that referenced Sir Isaac Newton’s quote about how he could ‘see further because he stood on the shoulders of giants.’ That comment really captures how I and Youth 71Five Ministries connect with Don.

 

Don came to Oregon to be the Director of a tiny chapter of Youth for Christ in 1973. Over the next 20 years he turned that tiny organization into a well-known and much respected ministry to kids in the Rogue Valley. By the time Don hired me in 1991, everyone around town seemed to know the “oldest teenager in the Rogue Valley.” Radio shows, haunted houses, Mexico trips and golf tournaments put the name of Rogue Valley Youth for Christ into the headlines but much more importantly; an adventuresome spirit, a love of fun, a caring heart and a passion for Jesus brought hope into the lives of kids.

 

So here I am almost 30 years later sitting in the same seat Don sat in with an active and thriving ministry, but I can tell you this, we’ve reached this height because we stand on the shoulders of a giant. Rogue Valley Youth for Christ and now Youth 71Five Ministries have a tremendous heritage and the trust of our community because of what God did in and through the life of Don Hildebrand. A few things I’ve personally learned from Don and think about almost daily: first, don’t be too busy for those who need you; second, lead with fun: and last, love kids toward Jesus. These qualities of Don’s legacy are still hallmarks of 71Five.

 

I will miss his energy and bounce, his skill in sarcastic repartee, and the best work-related compliments I’ve ever been given. But… I know I’ll see him again, and in the meantime I’ll keep serving God, grateful to be standing on the shoulders of a giant.