If there is one thing I know, it is that God is good. At the beginning of last summer, a family introduced me to two kids, a boy and a girl, ages 11 and 17. Their aunt shared that their family simply wanted them to get out of the house more. Like many young people we meet, much of their time was spent at home playing video games, often because of boredom or simply not having somewhere else to belong. When I first met them, neither seemed very interested in what was happening at 71Five Campus – Shady Cove. I gave them a high five and told them I hoped to see them again soon. Eventually, they walked through our doors. Over time, through questions, conversations, and simply spending time together, I began to realize that Mylez needed something to fill that space beyond video games. This is one of the things I love about 71Five. We get the opportunity to meet young people right where they are, build trusting relationships, and give them a place where they can discover new interests, friendships, and a sense of belonging. With Mylez, we started small. Board games became interactive games. Basketball lasted only a little while. Then came a few kicks with a soccer ball. Before summer ended, something changed. Mylez was outside playing soccer with everyone else, and eventually he asked to join our soccer team.

 

Today, his smile is contagious, his laughter is hard to stop, and he has made so many friends. Mylez once told me, “Nothing significant has happened yet from coming to 71Five.” I see it differently. He found a place where he is known, loved, encouraged, and belongs. God provided that place through your support of 71Five.