Posted on Jun 23, 2021 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 0
“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
Posted on Mar 29, 2021 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 90
“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
Posted on Jan 4, 2021 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 164
Over 20 years ago, I used to faithfully attend a Youth for Christ outreach called “The Adventure Club.” We met every Thursday evening at the climbing wall in Ashland. I was a rebellious un-churched youth and I certainly wasn’t there for the 15 minute “Jesus talk” in the middle. 20 years later, I was sure of was the character of the man who led the group. I knew him. I trusted him. He had proven himself on many levels to be trustworthy. It helped that he was cool and that he took us to rad places like Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Bailey for adventures. 20 years later, it was his testimony that allowed me to take a leap of faith and trust Jesus for the first time. I now realize it was because I already knew Jesus, and trusted Him, because I had seen His character and love in the man who led the Adventure Club.
This story is encouraging to me in my line of work. There are many rebellious and struggling youths that I have to trust God with, because sometimes I don’t see fruit from our time together. My boss can relate, he used to lead the Adventure Club all those years ago, his name is Bud Amundsen. I have tears in my eyes as I write this because like many of the stories Jesus writes, it is beautiful. Thanks for making miracles like this happen through your support of this vital ministry. God bless you.
BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Coordinator (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Oct 12, 2020 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 232
Recently my 8-week old son was ill, he had a high fever and after a trip to the Emergency Department he was admitted to the Pediatric unit. Days later and after many horribly invasive tests they still had no idea what was causing the fever. Late Sunday, I was home with our 2-year old daughter when my wife called, she said they had received the results from the latest blood work and it didn’t look good. On my way to the hospital, I considered that my son may not survive this ordeal, my heart and whole being ached for him. I cried out to God, “Lord, I trust you and know that you are good but WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” And that is when, at the corner of Central and Jackson he whispered into my right ear, “See how you love him? That is a shadow of how I love you.” This wrecked me. I now understood that for me this was about my heavenly Father showing me just how much He loves me. About how much He loves all His kids. At that moment, He gave me peace. I was able to face my wife and be strong for her, with confidence, that regardless of what happened, He was going to use this for our good, because we love Him and are called according to His purpose.
This experience has enlarged my heart, for my family, co-laborers, volunteers, and most importantly, the lost and broken kids we minister to. Baby Beau is fully recovered, thank you for the overwhelming amount of love, support and prayers. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Coordinator (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jul 30, 2020 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 279
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
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on May 26, 2020 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 456
Please take a moment and pray for the youth involved in 71Five Justice. . . For the young man who was released from Rogue Valley Correctional Facility recently, who we met in detention years ago and remained connected with as he bounced in and out of many different programs across Oregon. He is connected with a church, 71Five Justice’s Break the Cycle and is being discipled as he is currently making all the right choices. For another youth who, unfortunately, relapsed and was kicked out of his mom’s house. The many other youth struggling with addiction, having relapsed during the COVID-19 health crisis. For the two young men working for a friend of mine doing landscape construction and thriving. Another youth who is getting over a neck injury, studying to get his GED, and looking for work. AND… for the 5 youth currently in Detention who have committed to getting to know Jesus!
Please pray for the many other youth and their families who are struggling in various ways. There are so many. It can be overwhelming at times. Thank you for joining in this important work of sharing the hope of Jesus, it’s more important now than ever before. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Coordinator (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Mar 16, 2020 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 357
God is always working on many levels to answer prayer. Israel was a young man who was reached by Youth 71Five Ministries staff while in custody at Jackson County Juvenile Detention, 15 years later he is the answer to my prayers as a key volunteer with 71Five’s Justice Break the Cycle Bike program. I have the privilege of watching him grow in his faith as he has committed to honoring the call God has placed on his life. He heard the Lord direct him to help me in any way he could and he has been faithful. What a blessing he has been on so many levels. It is truly amazing to witness God pour into his life as he pours himself out to help these hurting kids and it comes as no surprise to see all the pieces fit together so perfectly.
If you would like to hear more about all the rad opportunities to volunteer with Youth 71Five Ministries, give me a call or you can check out our ministries at www.71Five.org. Our programs have changed to meet the current Corona Virus situation but kids still need trusting relationships that lead to hope. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Dec 20, 2019 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 483
Take a moment and think of someone in your life who was a difference-maker for you. Isn’t it amazing how those memories stick with us? Would that person even remember it? Does it matter?
I recently bumped into a young lady I had met in Detention 2 1/2 years ago. She was so happy to see me and eager to tell me what an impact our discussions about Jesus had had on her life. What a blessing! When we are obedient to the calling God has placed on our lives, He does a mighty work… work that matters… work that endures. Her life is a testament to His power. Thank You, Lord that You did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. Not our power, not our love, but Yours flowing through us. What we do matters, and He gives us the courage to walk out our calling, to help effect change that lasts an eternity.
Thank you for joining 71Five Justice in this work—your prayers, your resources, your time… all of these things make a difference. This young lady remembered it and she told me it mattered to her. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Sep 30, 2019 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 465
When I thanked my cousin for picking my daughter from school she told me, “It takes a village to raise a kid.” Is that ever true! It got me thinking about all of the people involved in the life-changing work the Lord does through Youth 71Five Ministries. Take Chris and Drew for example, two kids running hard in local gangs before they were apprehended by law enforcement and lodged at Juvenile Detention. While in detention, 71Five Justice engaged them with Thursday Night Groups, Chapel Services, lunch appointments, and many one-to-one visits. When Chris and Drew were transferred to the “Barriers to Bridges” (or B2B) residential program, we continue building trusting relationships. They are now picked up for church services and were recently baptized. Every Monday they’re discipled by a volunteer husband and wife team. They also participate in the 71Five Justice “Break the Cycle” program and love it so much they plan to join the high school mountain biking team. We also plan to plug them into the 71Five VoTech Training Program. They’re both running hard for Jesus now thanks to all of the wonderful people who have answered His call to action. Does it take a village to change lives? You bet! I love my 71Five village and thank you for making all of this possible.
Would you be willing to plug into my “village” deeper? Please reach out so I can tell you more and see if one of our ministry areas is a fit for you. There are diverse ways our youth are engaged by competent and compassionate adults, building trusting relationships that are essential in giving kids hope—the kind of hope that is life-changing. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jul 5, 2019 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 419
He’s been through the 6-month Barriers to Bridges program 2 times. Anthony is back at the Juvenile Detention Center… yet again, because of his substance abuse. When he’s released, he has every intention of staying away from his old places and familiar faces… But each time he slides back into his old pattern. Alcohol, cough syrup, pills, or all of the above and frequently resulting in unconsciousness or seizures. His “friends” just laugh as they leave him where he lays. He feels powerless in the grip of his addiction and the tears were flowing as we sat and talked. This time, after I shared the hope of the Gospel message and how Christ had freed me from the bondage of addiction in my own life, he asked me, “Where do I begin?” Like my own story, Anthony had to be broken enough to listen, to be hopeless enough to trust the message of the Gospel. Please pray… Please pray Anthony surrenders to Christ, he would die to self daily, and embrace the only true hope of Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers and for your partnership in offering trusting relationships that lead to this powerful hope! The work we are doing together is truly life and death. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
