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Unsure How to Navigate. . .

Posted on Sep 16, 2024 by Aaron Faust | Life Change Story | 0

In our Wednesday 71Five VoTech wood shop class, Zack and Travis were visibly excited yet nervous from the start. Their eyes widened at the sight of saws, drills, and lumber, and they tried to blend into the background, unsure how to navigate the intimidating machinery. On the second day, we began building birdhouses. Both men meticulously measured their pieces, but their apprehension returned when it was time to use the saw. They hesitated, clearly unsure of the next steps. I guided them through the process, showing them how to handle the saw. Slowly, their confidence grew with each cut. By the third or fourth cut, Zack and Travis moved with increasing assurance, handling the tools like experienced craftsmen. By the end of class, their birdhouses were taking shape, and their pride was evident. The transformation from doubt to joy was remarkable. This experience reminded me of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a powerful lesson in overcoming self-doubt through faith and support. Watching Zack and Travis grow in confidence and skill reinforced the belief that with a little encouragement and determination, we can achieve more than we realize.

Moments like these, where young people step out of their comfort zones and flourish, are truly rewarding. As their teacher, witnessing this transformation is a beautiful reminder of the potential within us all, supported by faith and guidance.

AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.761.5143 | aaron@71Five.org

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

Great Summer!

Posted on Sep 9, 2024 by admin | General | 0

Here at 71Five, we had an awesome summer with camps being the focal point. The last camp of the summer we had was Middle School Camp. Which was an excellent time to pull away from the business and busyness of life and have an adventure with our middle school kids and our high school helpers. It was a great location and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Southern Oregon. More importantly, it was a time to focus on building up these kids spiritually, focusing on their long-term spiritual formation (Galatians 4:19). At the personal level with kids there’s nothing like camp to break down barriers to authentic relationships when everyone is sun-burnt, tired, sweaty and a little dirty! One kid there when we were casually talking about how long he’s been a part of 71Five clubs, remarked that he felt like my biological kids were his siblings and that he was part of my family! This young man has been through so much trauma in his life and it was touching to see how he felt about us. We are only able to reach his life and be a part of his life because of your generous donations of time and money to enable us to reach out to him.

Apostle Paul says how will people go and do ministry if they are not sent by others, Paul goes on to say how will people call on and believe in God if they never even get a chance to hear about Him, and they can’t hear without someone intentionally preaching to them and people can’t preach unless they are sent [Romans 10:14-17]. It’s because of your vital support we can reach the young people of this generation! As Apostle Paul says it’s a beautiful thing! We are all concerned about the growing darkness in our society and world, and this is how we shine a light into that darkness! Your incredibly important support is for such a time as this [Esther 4:14]!

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

Used by God.

Posted on Sep 3, 2024 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

Here’s an excerpt from a letter I recently received:

“God’s peace washed over me when I learned of what you did in my grandson’s life. We had been praying fervently that God would speak to him in his troubled mind – you were an answer to our prayers. We hope this somehow impacts you, that it gives you confirmation that you are doing what God meant you to do.

Though he died before we could see total transformation in his physical life, God gave us assurance through you that He made him whole and took him into His presence on the day he left this life. Again, I want you to know you are being used by God. I am thinking that much of your ministry is a struggle, not knowing if your day-to-day work is making an impact. You make a difference. Keep listening to God and let Him use you to impact lives and draw lost souls to Christ. He redeems and can make all things new.”

To the author of this letter… I have mourned the loss of your grandson deeply. Thank you for your encouraging words, they are precious. I am grateful for your financial partnership with 71Five Justice to share the Gospel with other hurting kids. God Bless you.

BEAU JESKA, 71Five Operations Director
541.601.9631 | beau@71Five.org

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

Overcoming Anxiety

Posted on Aug 26, 2024 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 0

Imagine you enter a room, immediately your heartbeat intensifies and your mind races. Afraid to speak, you sit alone. You try not to make eye contact, listening to music, looking at your phone, and keeping your distance. You’re there because you know you need to make some friends and want trustworthy adults in your life. Your anxiety is crippling but you attempt to settle into the new space with new people. Sophia felt this when she first started coming to 71Five. After a few weeks she decided to find a 71Five Mentor to help her overcome her anxiety and just have a friend to talk to.

Now, (thanks to your prayers and financial gifts) … Sophia goes to club and summer camp and because of her mentor’s willingness to give time, Sophia’s life has changed for the better in just 6 months! She feels more confident, makes friends more easily, has grown in her relationship with God, and has support as she walks through life.

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

Past & Present

Posted on Aug 19, 2024 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0

We recently celebrated the ministry’s 60th anniversary. In preparation for that, I did a little research regarding our history. Our 71Five/YFC records only go back to 1985 but since that time we’ve worked with about 78,000 young people, and about 6000 of those young people professed faith in Jesus. We know that thousands of young people were involved prior to 1985 and many of them began relationships with Jesus. We also know that many others came to know Jesus later in life. I was blown away by how many lives this ministry has impacted over the years.

At the Diamonds and Decades celebration, we saw a video testimony from Nick Ristow. He was a young man coming from a destructive family background in the late 90’s and is now a pastor, husband, and father. The most impactful part of his message was when he shared that his three kids have been spared the harm of generational abuse because 71Five/YFC brought the story of Jesus into his life.

As we look toward the next 60 years, I’m excited to think about how many thousands more will experience trust that leads to eternal hope, and thank you for making these life transformations possible!

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

‘Socially Awkward’

Posted on Aug 13, 2024 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 0

As you may know, many of the youth today lack a direction and a purpose for living. Here at 71Five our goal is to assist young adults to find that direction and purpose. One wonderful example of this is a young man that has attended 71Five VoTech Training and came back again and again. He was the first to arrive and always the last to leave. I was very impressed with his dedication and willingness to help as needed. The only drawback was that he almost never spoke and in his own words is ‘socially awkward.’ As I sat next to him at graduation a thought came to me to invite him to become a volunteer here at 71Five VoTech in Medford. He said, “Can I do that?” I told him that he would be a great asset to the program and that he could be a great help to the students. He nearly immediately went to our main office and filled out an application and has now finished the process of becoming not only our youngest volunteer but our first alumni student to become a volunteer. On his application there is a question that asks, what is your greatest challenge to being a volunteer. He answered, “I lack social skills.” I am sure that will change in time, but I see this also as an asset, as he can relate and connect with so many of our students that also lack social skills.

Jayden, I am excited to have you on the team and looking forward to seeing how God will be leading you in this exciting endeavor as you began as a student and now a volunteer with 71Five VoTech.

LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford

541.890.1819 | larry@71Five.org

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

TJ Witnessed God.

Posted on Aug 6, 2024 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 0

Has God ever shown up in your life when you really needed Him? Odds are you just nodded your head “Yes.” TJ experienced God showing up in his life recently in a profound way. It was 11:30 at night, and he called me to tell me about what God had just done for him. He told me that he had been struggling with forgiving himself for his past, and God kept putting Mark 2 on his mind, which he had never read before. As he opened his Bible, TJ witnessed God reveal Himself in a way that spoke directly to what he was dealing with. He found that the passage teaches about God’s power and authority to forgive sins. He said, “I just knew that God was telling me that I am forgiven.”

God showed up in a miraculous way, and TJ now has a story that he can share with others. He shared the story with his friends, he shared it with me, and now I am sharing it with you. The testimonies of God’s children are so powerful, and I am incredibly privileged to have been a part of TJ’s story. Through 71Five, I have been able to build a trusting mentor relationship with TJ, and he was excited to tell me how God showed up for him. Thank you for empowering kids to share their story.

PETER KUHL, 71Five Ministry 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

First Youth Trip

Posted on Jul 29, 2024 by Isaiah Abney | Life Change Story | 0

This was Lena and Laya’s first day trip with 71Five. The day started like any regular youth trip with us first gathering and prying for fun and safety. We headed out for the coast, stopping in the famous California Redwood National Park, home to some of the tallest trees in the world. The drive was semi-pleasant for them, accounting of course for all the twists and turns through the monster trees towards the coast. The twins were hesitant at first to sign up to go on this day trip because up to now they have only been to club a limited number of times, didn’t know very many of us, and didn’t know what to expect. Then the van broke down. Unfortunately, we were stranded on the roadside for a couple of hours waiting for a second van to come rescue us. The amazing thing is when the twins approached me, they joyfully said, “This is an awesome first trip!”

Thank you for caring for Lena and Laya… God used our van breaking down on this youth trip to show the twins they don’t have to be afraid!

ISAIAH ABNEY, 71Five City – Liberty Park Intern

(706) 748-1999 | isaiah@71Five.org

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

“I’ve never done this before and I’m nervous.”

Posted on Jul 22, 2024 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 0

At a recent club event at 71Five City in Grants Pass, we hosted an art night where youth tested their skills by painting portraits of each other on canvas. It turned out to be a lively evening filled with laughter and camaraderie. Some paintings were remarkably impressive, while others were more experimental, but regardless, it was a joy to witness the kids enjoying themselves and forming new friendships. Prior to painting, some of the girls expressed doubts, saying things like, “I’m terrible at art” or “I’ve never done this before and I’m nervous.” However, as the night progressed, these same girls surprised themselves by creating beautiful portraits of their friends. I made sure to affirm their talents and reassure them of their abilities.

Many of the young people we work with come to us lacking confidence and affirmation in their lives, burdened by insecurities. It’s heartwarming to see their faces light up as they realize their potential and take pride in their creations. Your support through prayers and donations makes these transformative experiences possible. We are deeply grateful for your partnership!

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

Self Sacrificing Love

Posted on Jul 10, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh | Life Change Story | 0