Sunday, right before church I received a call, “I got drunk last night and didn’t come home, now I’m on the run.” Bummer… “Where are you?” I asked. “On the corner of such and such…” To which I replied, “I’m on my way!” My friendship with this young man began in detention 3 ½ years ago. We built trust during his time there and I followed him through the system at various programs and eventually prison. When he was released, we grew even closer as he plugged into 71Five Justice’s Break the Cycle bike program, and he rode with us twice a week. A trusting relationship is key. Sticking with him through the ins and outs, the ups and downs, a foundation of trust was built.

When he trusted me enough to meet up, it led to him turning himself in to law enforcement and getting back on track. You make the vital work of building trusting relationships and standing in the gap a reality. Thank you!! BEAU JESKA  71Five Justice Coordinator  (541) 779.3275  beau@71Five.org

 

Last night, Jonathan, one the high school boys at the 71Five Campus Monday Night Club came up to me after our group talk on who Jesus is and his kingship. He asked me, “Is God ok with the death penalty?” I did my best to answer his question and follow up questions. It probably wasn’t the most life changing encounter, but overall, it’s been a pattern of our relationship. I’ve known Jonathan for years now and we have a trusting relationship where he feels free to ask questions about God or anything else. Jonathan is learning about God and getting answers from someone who knows the Bible and has a relationship with Jesus. That’s something that most kids don’t get in our culture today.

 

Thank you for making authentic trusting relationships like these possible. Through caring adults, kids like Jonathan are coming to know Jesus because people like you give, pray, and volunteer. If you’d like to get involved, call us at (541) 779-3275 or visit www.71Five.org. TIM HARDY   71Five Campus Ministry Director and 71Five Campus – North Medford Coordinator   (541) 779-3275   tim@71Five.org

 

I heard this story the other day… Joey had only met Melanie, our Phoenix Area Coordinator in person once but had connected through online club. He’s also been playing the online game ‘Fortnite’ with Melanie and her husband. One afternoon Joey reached out to them and asked, “Would you be willing to spend a couple hours with me tomorrow to play Fortnite? It’s my birthday and I have no one to spend it with.” You see, Joey has already faced a lot of challenges in life, but because of COVID-19 his big birthday plans fell to nothing; No party, no friends or family were going to celebrate Joey. This isn’t a huge tragedy, but it clearly reveals what kids are facing. They’re struggling everyday with the ‘necessary injustice’ of social distancing. For their safety they’ve had relationships, activities, freedom, fun, and even birthday parties taken from them. They know it’s for their good, but they still feel the sadness and anger… Isolation and loss is difficult for adults to handle, let alone kids.

This is where you step in. You have provided trusting relationships that lead to hope. You provide someone to share the moment, someone to share the hurt and someone to share a path to hope. Thank you for providing the someone!!… If you’d like to be the someone… Come join 71Five and call (5410 779-3275 or go online at 71Five.org BUD AMUNDSEN   71Five Executive Director   (541) 779-3275   bud@71Five.org

 

Derek came to 71Five Mentors as an 11-year-old with a shattered spirit. He comes from a broken home impacted by divorce and a severe accident that left his only parent permanently disabled. Derek’s never had a male role model in his life to encourage him, pray for him, guide him and tell him he’s valued. Derek is very shy, withdrawn and lacks self-confidence all of which reflects in his introverted nature. Since his involvement in the 71Five Mentors program, Derek has been successfully matched with a mentor who has taken him under his wing and fully invited him into his own life. Less than a year into their mentoring relationship, Derek has shown great improvement in different areas of his life. He’s more engaged and open to sharing about himself, he attends a praise & worship group with his mentor and has even taken up sports at school, which is a big deal for him!

 

To God, we are all valuable (Luke 12: 6-7) and God is working through Derek’s mentor to shine His love in Derek’s life. Having a mentor in a young person’s life is proven to increase their chances of making better decisions and in turn having a more positive future. For Derek, having his mentor show him that he’s valued through actions rather than just words is monumental, and it shows from the growth we’ve seen in him. Thank you for being a part of 71Five and showing the youth we serve how valued they truly are. DARLENE HARPER  71Five Mentors Coordinator  (541) 779.3275  darlene@71Five.org

 

Our staff here at 71Five VoTech love the Lord and want to use their craft and skills to further His Kingdom. Our staff here at 71Five VoTech love the Lord and want to use their craft and skills to further His Kingdom. One skill is small engine repair. Now, every once in a while I hear stories of what we call ‘Superhero Moments’ and this one made me laugh. Chad recently learned how to repair a lawn mower and was excited about his newfound skills. Soon after, his stepdad’s lawn mower wouldn’t start. So, he said to Chad, “Well, you learned how to fix lawn mowers at 71Five VoTech, right? Do you think you can fix this?” Chad said, “I sure can!” and he went to work. A few minutes later the mower roared to life and his dad exclaimed how proud and grateful he was for the skills Chad learned at 71Five VoTech. Later, during our bible discussion time, I asked if anyone had a question about a bible passage and Chad immediately opened up and asked some very deep questions about God creating man in His image. I saw this as a great place to start, and I was able to share not only about the passage, but the Gospel as well.

 

You have allowed 71Five VoTech to be a safe place for youth to not just learn skills but to learn about God’s Word as well. Thank you! If you want to join our team and share your craft, skills, and story please contact me at (541) 779-3275 or Larry@71Five.org.  LARRY LICATO  71Five VoTech Coordinator  (541) 779-3275  larry@71Five.org

 

The season of quarantine, staying at home, and not interacting with loved ones has been tough on many, including the youth in Eagle Point. One Tuesday morning as I was getting ready to head to 71Five, I received a call from a number I didn’t recognize. I answered to the unsteady voice of a young girl who was struggling. She said she knew me through 71Five Campus in Eagle Point but for reasons I still do not know, decided to keep her identity to herself. I cannot disclose much about the conversation but I can tell you the eternal effect it would have on this girl’s life. Right away I could tell she was in need of some loving guidance and we ended up texting all throughout the day about Jesus and who He is. How He’s given life to so many, including myself and how He could give her the same life, joy, and love. By the end of the conversation she said she wanted to have what I had. She said she wanted a relationship with Jesus Christ who purifies her and washes her white as snow. She asked me to help her ask God to come into her life and save her and at that moment I celebrated because I knew I had a new sister in Christ.

 

I still don’t know who this young girl is but it doesn’t matter, God does. It’s truly amazing the God of the universe knows each of us by name, and makes it possible to find joy when the world offers none. This high school girl will now live forever in the Spirit and find true joy in Christ’s love, even through the hard times life brings. PETER KUHL 71Five Campus Coordinator – Eagle Point (541) 779-3275 peter@71Five.org

 

Michael is not our typical 71Five City kid. He comes from a relatively stable home: Dad, Stepmom and 2 younger sisters. He and his family are regular church attenders and Michael is well versed in the Bible. At 15 years old, he fluently speaks the languages of sarcasm and shade-throwing, especially with his sisters. He gets a lot of correction and firm direction from his stepmom, which of course, every boy needs. When I look at Michael, I see a smart kid learning how to become a man, but maybe not quite ready to put away the things of childhood. When I pray for Michael, I can see the leader that I think God has designed him to be. I see him trying on more mature roles like that of teacher, helper, and encourager. His presence in our group is a tremendous blessing. When he serves within the group, he helps me with the duties of presiding over the chaos. Younger children can see someone close to their age navigate the difficulties of growing up in the city. Kids who are growing up in trauma have an example of the hope that comes through following the Lord. It is my hope that Michael stays with us through his time in High School and beyond.

 

The youth we serve here at 71Five need caring people in their lives. Our youth need you to come alongside and engage them. Show them the value of a relationship with Christ by developing a relationship with them. Growing up and growing in Christ is an all-ages proposition. Come join our team and help youth from all walks of life become what God designed them to be. MICHAEL COOKE  71Five City Coordinator  (541) 779-3275  michael@71Five.org

 

 

While the world is going through a period of uncertainty, God’s word remains the same. Psalm 119:89 says that “your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” Youth 71Five Ministries continues to do what we set out to do which is sharing the gospel. As we have started gathering for club the atmosphere has been heavy. These kids have endured a time of disarray; and no one was prepared. The conversations they have been over-hearing and engaging in are about politics, racism, and contracting a deadly virus. Sarah shared with me her mom refuses to wear a mask, could care less about politics, has not been working since March, and her stimulus check went towards paying back child support. Sarah’s friend Jen said that her parents have been working, wearing their masks, and following politics very closely. These girls are coming from completely different scenarios except neither has the hope of Jesus in their home.

 

Now more than ever, Sarah and Jen need trusting relationships, truth and faith. We do not want the next generation to hear one side of the story, we want them to know God’s story. Matthew 13:22 says “The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word.” With so many different perspectives influencing our young people, we open the Bible to teach them what our Creator of the universe has to say.

 

We at 71Five want to thank you for sowing seeds among the thorns— cultivating relationships that grow trust, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. FARRAH GUTHRIE 71Five Campus Coordinator- Grants Pass  (541) 779-3275  farrah@71Five.org

 

 

This last fall, at 71Five Parents, we started a weekly discipleship class with a couple of the moms attending we’ve known for about 8 years. Although our group has looked different during this time we’ve seen God’s blessing. Recently we were awarded a grant along with a donation from a generous business that allowed us to deliver groceries, hygiene products, and baby supplies to 12 of our young families! As we made these deliveries we were able to pray over the families and even with some families as we stood outside at a distance in driveways. With tears in our eyes we listened to stories of heartache and hope and were able to encourage moms and dads with not only food and supplies but also with the encouragement of Christ and the hope He gives. What a blessing! 71Five Parents received another donation from some of our prayer partners and were able to bless the young moms in our group with a special Mother’s Day gift, a night off from cooking! A delicious hot meal was delivered to 12 of our young moms and their families. Later that evening one mom, in particular, sent us a message expressing her appreciation for the meal and what a blessing our group has been to her over the years.

 

We are in the midst of challenging times, but we know the God who’s above all! We’re thankful for His continual blessing over this ministry and we are thankful for you. Thank you for your continual prayers and support For 71Five Parents! We couldn’t do this without you! APRIL BARSALOU 71Five Parents Coordinator Assistant (541) 779-3275 april@71Five.org

 

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