13
Feb '23

Catch a Glimpse
13
Feb '23

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
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15
Nov '22

Positive Impact on Her Life
15
Nov '22

I was recently at the steel yard buying some beams to turn into a new bike trailer for 71Five’s Break the Cycle bike program. As I was at the register, the young lady asked me who the invoice should be made out to, and when I replied, “Youth 71Five Ministries,” her whole face lit up. She jumped into explaining of how she was a part of it. “I used to go every week. Clem (O’Hara) helped me incorporate my senior project into the programming!” She even shared a few details about how sometimes she used to dread going… but was always glad later on. It was clear that 71Five had a positive impact on her life.
Are you building for the Kingdom? Do you want to be a difference maker in a young person’s life that they will rave about, many years down the road, to a perfect stranger? What’s holding you back? Call me at (541) 779-3275 to hear about the many different opportunities we have to engage your strengths—for the Kingdom.
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
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12
Aug '22

Growing Kids
12
Aug '22

I recently broke my clavicle and one of my long-time mentees called me to check in. After talking a while, he asked, “Beau, Is there anything I can do to help you?” When I mentioned, My lawn could really use a shave!” Without hesitation, he said he would be right over. We had a good chat after he finished with the lawn, and I felt overcome with love for him and could tell he was feeling the same for me. He’s told me many times that he thinks of me as a father. I’ve done a lot for him over the years, and we’ve walked through some tough things together. For him to not even hint at receiving payment for his work made me swell with pride in his growth and character. Although… we will need to discuss proper lawn mowing procedure which includes emptying the bag afterwards!
Thank you for growing these kids!
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
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17
May '22

Standing the Test of Time
17
May '22

Youth 71Five Ministry exists to Share God’s story with young people, through trusting relationships in any relevant way.
At 71Five Justice, we reach out to high-risk teens in tough situations. Young people are met in a variety of locations such as detention centers, probation programs, correctional facilities, group homes, residential treatment centers and emergency shelters. Relationships are developed and sustained while kids are locked up and as they re-enter their communities. The 71Five Justice team has over 20 volunteers and an Intern who accomplish a large amount of programming 7 days a week. We’re committed to building relationships that stand the test of time and last long after teens have left the juvenile justice system.
Thank you for investing in the lives of these kids!
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
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14
Feb '22

learning to trust
14
Feb '22

I’d like to share with you a letter I received from one of the youth that was lodged at the Juvenile Detention Center.
Dear Youth 71Five Ministries,
I’d just like to write this to let you all know that I’m very grateful and appreciative of you guys for coming in and talking to us about God. It’s done a lot to strengthen my belief in God and to learn to trust that there is a method to the madness that life is sometimes. I’d also like to thank you guys for the food, all of the food that you’ve brought in for us, it’s very kind and generous of you guys to do that for us. Again, I thank you guys with all of my heart for all you’ve shared with me these last six months. I won’t forget it!
-Sincerely, Mahlon
When he says “You Guys” he means YOU! Thank you for your partnership in this ministry, sharing true hope with kids in difficult places…and for providing all of the food.
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
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06
Dec '21

God showed up through you
06
Dec '21

I’d like to share with you a message I recently received from a key 71Five Justice Volunteer. . .
Youth 71Five Ministries has been part of my life for 20 years. I was in and out of Juvenile Detention as a teenager and struggled to find my way. At my lowest point in detention, God showed up through the staff and volunteers of 71Five Justice. There, I got to know a man named Matt Sweeney. Fast forward several years and Matt counseled my wife and I and married us at our wedding. Matt has been such a blessing to me and my family. If you are staff, a financial partner, or a volunteer for 71Five, I thank you for all that you do! Your involvement with these youth is LIFE CHANGING! It may have taken me 15 years to fully know Jesus, but it was made possible by the men and women who are serving Him with their time, resources, and finances at 71Five.
Things have come full circle for me. God has provided the opportunity to serve on the 71Five Justice team as a volunteer, and I live a life that I never thought was possible.
Thank you! – Israel Pogrebinsky, 71Five Justice Volunteer
BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice Coordinator
(541) 601-9631 | beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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18
Nov '21

Don Hildebrand Legacy
18
Nov '21

With a mix of sadness and joy I attended the memorial service of Don Hildebrand to honor a life well lived. As part of the service, Don’s daughter Holly read a poem written to celebrate Don. What an amazing poem! The part that struck me personally was a line that referenced Sir Isaac Newton’s quote about how he could ‘see further because he stood on the shoulders of giants.’ That comment really captures how I and Youth 71Five Ministries connect with Don.
Don came to Oregon to be the Director of a tiny chapter of Youth for Christ in 1973. Over the next 20 years he turned that tiny organization into a well-known and much respected ministry to kids in the Rogue Valley. By the time Don hired me in 1991, everyone around town seemed to know the “oldest teenager in the Rogue Valley.” Radio shows, haunted houses, Mexico trips and golf tournaments put the name of Rogue Valley Youth for Christ into the headlines but much more importantly; an adventuresome spirit, a love of fun, a caring heart and a passion for Jesus brought hope into the lives of kids.

I will miss his energy and bounce, his skill in sarcastic repartee, and the best work-related compliments I’ve ever been given. But… I know I’ll see him again, and in the meantime I’ll keep serving God, grateful to be standing on the shoulders of a giant.
BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director
(541) 779-3275 | bud@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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13
Sep '21

“Beau! Your food is on me tonight!”
13
Sep '21

What a great way to be greeted at Mod Pizza when you walk in the door! Clayton is a kid I met in detention a couple years ago. He was transferred to Barriers to Bridges, a 6-month residential program at the detention center and participated in 71Five Justice’s Break the Cycle bike program every week. When we politely tried to refuse his generosity, he said, “I really want to do this for you, you have done so much for me, I want to pay it forward! And you know, you can give me a hug now if you want to!” After a big hug, and lots of smiles all the way around, we got our food and he asked if he could join us for his break. He told us how grateful he was for Youth 71Five Ministries during his time in the program and we made plans to connect.
What a blessing to build these friendships and have such a powerful platform from which to share the hope that lies in the gospel! Thank you for all that you do to ensure this work continues in these trying times. May God bless you all richly.
What a blessing to build these friendships and have such a powerful platform from which to share the hope that lies in the gospel! Thank you for all that you do to ensure this work continues in these trying times. May God bless you all richly.
BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice Coordinator
(541) 601-9631 | beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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23
Jun '21

I need help!
23
Jun '21

“I NEED HELP AND NO ONE IS HELPING! I want to change; I don’t want to use and drink anymore but I don’t know how!” The Lord heard this young man’s cry for help in Juvenile Detention and showed up big-time. Today he is at the 6-month residential program called Barriers to Bridges inside the detention center with only a month to go. He is now a follower of Jesus, attends church twice a week, will be moving in with the pastor of Family Christian Ministry when he graduates, rides with 71Five Justice’s Break the Cycle twice a week and is excited for his future.
This is the work you do— building trusting relationships that lead to true hope. You just can’t argue with a changed life!
BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice Coordinator
(541) 601-9631 | beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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29
Mar '21

Surrender
29
Mar '21

“I NEED HELP AND NO ONE IS HELPING! I want to change; I don’t want to use and drink anymore but I don’t know how!” This is music to my ears because I have been there, and I know the solution. So often, until we come to the end of ourselves we don’t give Jesus much to work with—He requires us to surrender to Him. Dylan was a hard-fisted young man, short in stature and tough as nails with a ruddy face and a big heart. He is a natural leader who, even though he is younger than most of the other boys, they all look up to him and respect him. Jesus heard his cry and met him right there that night in detention.
Thank you for your partnership in ministry. Whether it’s your time and talent or financially—you are reaching kids in tough places and changing lives forever.
BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice Coordinator
(541) 601-9631 | beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Read more...