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Messed Up

Posted on Feb 21, 2023 by Tim Hardy | Life Change Story | 0

The high school teen came up to me with a look of shame as he approached. He was obviously nervous as he admitted to me that he had a problem with pornography. I listened to what he had to say rather than condemning him for his actions and told him thank you for trusting me. He hugged me fiercely. I asked him how I can help and he told me a way I could help him to stay accountable. A few months later, he approached me again, telling me he had messed up. We again hugged and I again told him how brave it was for him to tell me. We came up with a better plan for how to help him resist his addiction. That teenage boy found someone who he could trust, even with his weaknesses. He found someone he learned wouldn’t condemn him when he unloaded his faults and sin, but rather gave him hugs and helped him through it. Hopefully, this reminds him of what Jesus does for us.

At 71Five, we want to be like Jesus to these young people. We want to give them hope and help them through their struggles. Youth 71Five Ministries exists to share God’s story of hope with young people, though trusting relationships in any relevant way. We have a huge team of staff, volunteers, prayer warriors, and financial supports who all give hope to young people. Would you like to get more involved offering hope to young people?

TIM HARDY, 71Five Campus Ministry Director – North Medford

(541) 840-0960 | tim@71Five.org

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

Catch a Glimpse

Posted on Feb 13, 2023 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

While driving one Saturday with my wife and kids my cell phone started ringing. It was a young man named Jaime who I met years ago when he was 14 or 15. He said, “I’m just calling to say thank you and to tell you how much I appreciated all that you have done for me.” We had spent a lot of time talking together in the little glassed-in room at juvenile detention. Many tears, much regret, and shame over the things he had done. He would re-dedicate his life to the Lord and plan to do better when he got out. I was grateful that my family was able to catch a glimpse of the depth of relationship I had with this young man and the love we shared for each other. Unfortunately, two weeks later, he was dead of a fentanyl overdose.

As I write this, I have tears in my eyes for the loss I feel. The only thing that could be worse would be if he hadn’t given his life to Jesus. I am comforted to know that we will have lots of time in heaven to catch up and hug each other once again, with only tears of joy to wet our faces. Thank you for being in this Kingdom work!

BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice Ministry 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

Eternal Work

Posted on Feb 6, 2023 by Darlene Knudson | Life Change Story | 0

It’s been amazing to see the growth Youth 71Five Ministries has had over the years, especially within the past 3 years since COVID hit. When things seemed to be getting tough, God was at work behind the scenes. Fast-forward to now, we’ve grown in the number of youth we reach weekly, our staff, and the physical locations from which we serve the youth throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties. At each of these locations, kids are hearing about Jesus, asking questions, and choosing to follow him. All of which couldn’t be done without our volunteers and donors. You are the hands and feet of Christ, every time you reach out and lend your hand, finances, or prayers. You are shining the light of Christ into the lives of these kids.

Thank you for boldly furthering the reach of 71Five and making an impact in the lives of over 1200 young people this past year. You are making a difference, you are doing eternal work in God’s Kingdom. Thank You!

DARLENE KNUDSON, 71Five Mentors Coordinator

(805) 202-9125 | darlene@71Five.org

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

Everywhere

Posted on Feb 5, 2023 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0

Today I was sharing with a guy about the three building projects 71Five has in progress. I was giving him some details on the new 71Five VoTech Training Center, our 71Five Campus Youth Center remodel in Shady Cove, and the work being planned for the 71Five City Community Center in Grants Pass. The gentleman I was talking to said, “Wow, you guys are everywhere!” For once in my life, I had the perfect response, I said, “There are struggling kids everywhere!” To which he responded, “There is no doubt about that… thank you for what you’re doing.”

It is so true. Kids who struggle with ‘relational poverty’ and the hopelessness that comes from it are all over the place. They can’t travel much, so our goal is to bring trusting relationships and hope into easy reach within their own neighborhoods. Through you, God has blessed the effort.

That ‘thank you’ really goes to you! You are giving the resources needed to reach lonely, hurting and lost young people all across the Rogue Valley!

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

If not here, then where?

Posted on Jan 24, 2023 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 0

Here at Youth 71Five Ministries our mission is all about seeing lives changed. At 71Five VoTech we only have the students for 12 weeks and then they graduate. Last night the doorbell rang and there was a young man and his family standing outside. “Sam will be graduating from your program in a few days.” they said, “But he loves VoTech and doesn’t want to leave! He hasn’t done well in school and being here is the best thing that’s happened to him.” Sam is one of our shining stars. So I suggested he join our next class, he asked, “How can I do that.” “You could be a student leader and assist me with teaching the new student’s.” You should have seen the smile on his face. Sam’s eyes lit up as he said, “I would rather be here than anywhere else.” His family nodded in agreement. To see a young man who struggled with school and life now be an excited student leader at 71Five VoTech is amazing. Not only can he attend class again but has found a purpose.

Because of your love and care for these young people, they have a place ‘here’ rather than out there somewhere. You provided a place of safety, encouragement, relationships, training and now, serving others… not to mention that we get to share the love of Jesus with him for another twelve weeks. Now that’s a life changed. Thank you!

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

[extra] intentionality

Posted on Jan 16, 2023 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 0

One of my favorite parts of working with youth is seeing them take steps of growth in leadership and their spiritual walk. Nate has been attending 71Five Campus in Eagle Point for over a year now, and he told me one week, “The last three years I’ve strayed from God, but I’m reading my Bible every day now and I realize that following Jesus isn’t just doing the right thing; it’s a relationship with Him.” The past several months, along with the growth in His relationship with Jesus, I have noticed Nate stepping into his student leader role with extra intentionality; helping out consistently and even jumping in to help with things before I ask him to. As one of my volunteers was teaching a Bible story I watched as Nate kept his eye on the younger kids, respectfully making sure they were paying attention. I wanted to express how proud I was so I immediately went and wrote him a thank you card for all of his help. All I was thinking in the moment was that I wanted him to know I was thankful and proud. What I didn’t realize was that one “thank you” would set up the following weeks with even more dedication from Nate to put his best foot forward. It’s amazing what a simple “Thank You” can do.

While I’m on the topic, “Thank You” for being a part of these kid’s lives and providing a safe place for them to grow in so many ways. You are making a direct impact in the lives of youth in our community. Thank You!

PETER KUHL, 71Five Campus Coordinator – 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

Jacob’s Public “Confession”

Posted on Jan 10, 2023 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 0

Jacob, who’s a cool, tough kid from the neighborhood, has been coming to our clubs at 71Five City for a while. He was attracted to a summer event we were doing and has been coming back ever since. I was surprised to hear him make a statement in our discussion saying, “I’m happy with what Jesus did, giving his body for me.” For Jacob to say this openly and without shame, was awesome! It makes me think of 2 Timothy 1:7-8, where Apostle Paul says how God does not give us a spirit of fear, so don’t be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. To make such a confession in front of other kids when you’re in middle school is very brave! He also said it in front of his little sister! What a cool thing for a sister to hear her older brother say.

Because of you standing next to us in prayer and giving, we are reaching the kids of our city! As 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 says, we are all part of one body. You are a vital part of the care kids like Jacob experience and I’d like you to share in every celebration!

SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator

(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org

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

“Is abortion a sin?”

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 by Farrah Guthrie | Life Change Story | 0

It was an ordinary night at club when two boys walked through the door. With them, a girl I’d never seen before. I thought to myself, this girl is running with the wrong crowd. She and I engaged in small talk and shared a couple chuckles before she leaned in and whispered, “Can I talk to you privately for a minute?” “Sure,” I said as I stood up, walked around the corner, and found a quiet place to talk. No sooner than I sat down, she asked me “Is abortion a sin?” I didn’t respond right away due to the intensity of the question. She continued, “because I had one when I was 15 years old, and I don’t know if what I did was the wrong thing or not.” Pausing for a moment of thought, it prompted me to not answer but ask a series of questions. “Will my answer change how you feel about the decision you made? Will it alleviate the burden you carry?” Then I asked, “do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?” She replied, “No.” I responded, “Does it really matter if something is a sin or not if you don’t believe in God or have a relationship with Him?” Again, the reply was no. “Would you like to have a relationship with Him?” “Yes!” she exclaimed. We then prayed together as she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior right then and there. I explained to her that she can’t change the past, she can only make new decisions for her future with Jesus as her guide. I said, “His Word will let you know if something is right or wrong, He’ll encourage repentance, bless you with His grace, guide your path, and trade your pain for joy.”

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:18-20) This girl was seeking a yes or no answer and had no idea that another existed. The answer we give to young people should always lead to Christ. When the significance of Christ matters, only then will the “yes and no” always lead us towards our Savior. At 71Five, we desire that young people leave with more hope than when they arrive by engaging in safe conversations and trusting relationships that point to a loving Savior.

FARRAH GUTHRIE, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator

(541) 840-6544 | farrah@71Five.org

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

A prayer for Tami

Posted on Dec 26, 2022 by Teresa Tonini | Life Change Story | 0

Tami is a mom of two, working her way towards independence. She’s been wanting her driver’s permit, but test and crowd anxiety has prevented her from going to the DMV. We went together and just after three hours; it was her turn. I told her, “It may feel awkward, but I would like to pray over you.” I prayed with her, and others around us joined in. I then told her that I was already proud of her for just being there. Tami passed the driver’s test and now she has her permit! As I brought her home, she said, “Thank you! I got this because you encouraged me, came with me, and prayed for me.”

I got to share with her that you are praying for and encouraging her, even if you haven’t met. Thank you for being a part of this celebration. Thank you for being a part of Tami’s life!

TERESA TONINI, 71Five Parents Coordinator

(541) 941-1143 | teresatonini@71Five.org

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

Pushing Forward

Posted on Dec 19, 2022 by Leif Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0