Yesterday I got a message from a middle schooler, Darius. I have a lot of history with him and his family. He comes from a tough background and really struggles with his family life. As you know, it can be very easy for negative thoughts to form as tough home situations persist. Here’s what I read, “I need a daily verse to stop my thoughts and get the demons away please.” So I met with him and we talked about his thoughts and how to combat his negative thoughts, and how to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5).

 

Thank you for joining with me in Darius’ process by allowing me to spend the time it takes to build trusting relationships that lead to hope in Jesus!

 

I’ve had the privilege of serving Jesus through youth ministry in 5 different countries. I’ve seen so much need in this world, but I’m amazed by how much need is right here in our own back yard. That’s why I’m so committed to the mission of Youth 71Five Ministries. 71Five is reaching kids in our own community. You don’t have to go across the ocean to find kids who are confused, hopeless, abused, and neglected. You see them all around us right here in the Rogue Valley. 71Five reaches out to these kids through trusting relationships. It’s sometimes a long road breaking down the walls they’ve built up due to a lifetime of broken promises and abuse. Jesus is the answer and He’s great at breaking down all those walls. Jesus gives hope and transforms lives, giving youth a new identity that never changes. I am honored to be a part of Youth 71Five Ministries and the hope that it brings kids and the global impact it has because of the changed lives of this future generation.

 

You are changing the world! Interested in going deeper? You can start right here at home by getting involved with Youth 71Five Ministries. Give us a call at (541) 779-3275 or check out our website at 71Five.org. There are kids who need hope today!

 

Not long ago I received this note after following up on a voicemail we received at the office from a woman who felt compelled to reach out and share her story. 

 

 

 

It’s amazing to see the hand of God, transforming lives through a person, building trust, and sharing the love of God. Thank you for continuing that work!!

 

71Five VoTech – Medford just completed a cooperative project with Medford Online Academy and Central High School to build an electric vehicle kit. During this seven-week endeavor there were many, what we call, Jesus sightings. One of these was the growth seen in a young man named Jason. When he first entered our program he was very shy. When he would speak, it was so soft unless you really leaned in, you could not hear him. As we progressed through the EV car build, Jason was given the assignment to construct the main electric motor control box. This control box is the nerve center for the vehicle. He had many questions at first, but he learned quickly, and the questions became fewer. After several nights the control box was completed and installed on the vehicle. When the taillights were added to the vehicle and the wires ran into the control box Jason again went to work. This time there were no questions from Jason. Then he beamed as he told me how he had relocated some of the previously installed wires to the other side of the connection block to make the connections for the taillights. Finally, we were ready to install the main battery pack and start testing the vehicle. I asked Jason to go through and make one final check of the dozens of wires in the control box. He just smiled and said, “I don’t have to. They are correct.” When we turned on the power it worked flawlessly.

 

Isn’t it amazing how someone can speak into our lives and encourage us to do things that we would never consider trying? We are wired for so much more than we could ever imagine. We are all like Jason. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.