While at 71Five VoTech, one student, Thom, was very open to share his love for Jesus with the other students. Admittedly, his bible knowledge was sometimes a little off, but he told me that he felt called to help anyone that needed to hear a good word. I usually didn’t correct him on the spot as I knew his heart was in the right place. I realized I hadn’t seen him for a while, so I shot him a text. I asked if he would like to come to my house for dinner sometime. He texted me right back saying, “Yes, how about tomorrow?” The next day I called him. So, where are you, I asked. He said he was downtown walking. I asked if I could swing by and pick him up. He agreed and as we drove, we talked. I found out that he moved out of his house and was living in the laundry room of a family that took him in. Also, he was working almost full time and trying his best to do well. At our house we had dinner and watched a little TV. Then on the way home he started to talk. He shared how important God was in his life and he new that God was there taking care of him. As I let him out in the middle of town, I told him he can come over anytime. He smiled and thanked me and as he turned to go, with tears welling up, he told me that I was a very special person in his life. As I drove off, noticeably harder to see and the wipers were no help, I thought back and answered my own question. I know where you are Thom. In the center of Gods love.

 

You my friends are the reason there is Trust that leads to Hope for so many youth who have no meaningful adult relationships. Thank you for continuing to build these trusting relationships.

 

Billy, who faithfully attends our high school club, told me how he has been reading the book of Colossians and was excited about what he’s learning. He mentioned he wanted our high school club to read and talk about it during our discussion time. He said, “I like how it shows a new way of life… I also like that it shows that the family of God is multiethnic.” For Billy to see how relevant and life changing the book of Colossians can be, is awesome.

 

To see our youth read and understand the Bible for themselves is super cool! I recently read a study that said 4% of Gen Z has a biblical worldview and is the least Christian generation in US history. The study also said they’re the loneliest generation in history, but amazingly are willing to trust adults who take the time to get to know them. Because of your support we can do this.

 

Thank you so much for bringing the only true hope in the world to the kids of this generation!

We met Beth when she was just 19 years old… 12 weeks pregnant with her second child, detoxing off a recent high, and preparing to go into rehab. Beth shared that she has only known addicts. Her desire was to get clean, be a good mom, help her boyfriend get clean, and truly seek God. After 5 weeks of rehab, she was moved to a facility near her boyfriend. She escaped at her first chance to go back to her old life. Beth really wants to change, but the trap of addiction controls her and hinders her ability to change. Her time with 71Five Parents was cut short, but the connections she made with our 71Five volunteers and peers can still lead her to hope, and help break the cycle of destruction in her life.

 

Thank you for caring about 71Five, and the lives that are being reached. I hope one day soon you can read about Beth’s freedom from addiction.