15
Apr '24
How come you didn’t get mad and start cussing?
15
Apr '24
Every month, all the city and campus groups come together for something fun. Last month, we organized a paint-balling outing. As we were all set to leave the Grants Pass city building, in our trusty 12-passenger van, we hit a snag—a big one. Our gas line had been cut, and the gas? Completely siphoned out. There we were, ready for an adventure, yet momentarily stranded. During this challenging situation, one of the youth asked me, “How come you didn’t get mad and start cussing?” I explained, “Throwing a fit wouldn’t move us an inch closer to our destination!” It was a test of resilience, a lesson in overcoming obstacles without losing our cool. Despite feeling a storm of emotions inside, especially considering the low blow of stealing from a van meant to carry kids, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds, the situation called for calm leadership. And this, my friends, is where the testing of our faith shines the brightest.
Fortunately, we have a Father in heaven who loves his children and has given us his Holy Spirit. In times of trials and testing, we can rely on His strength to demonstrate positive role modeling to the kids we serve. At 71Five, where I pour my heart into making a difference, we strive to be that beacon of hope, love, and unwavering support for these young people. This incident, rather than breaking us, reinforced the values we stand for. Thank you for providing the the hope found in Jesus to the youth at 71Five who are facing difficult challenges and obstacles in this life.
CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator
(541) 941-3488 | chris@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
Mar '24
“Letting Holy Bros Cook”
18
Mar '24
During one of our sessions at the juvenile detention center, I had the privilege of engaging with the young individuals there in a unique way. Wanting to capture their interest and encourage their minds, I brought in a book that translates common Bible stories into Gen Z slang. As I read aloud from the book, I could see the interest among the group. But what truly made the experience memorable was when I invited a few of the guys to come up and take turns reading stories themselves. One young man stood out as he eagerly volunteered to read and ended up captivating everyone with his animated delivery. During his reading of a story about Jesus and his Disciples, he exclaimed, “These Holy bros know how to cook.” This translates to expressing admiration for their skills or expertise. What struck me the most was how naturally he connected with the slang and made the stories come alive with his own commentary. It was as if he had found his element, stepping into a role of sharing the gospel with his peers in a way that resonated with them. Seeing him embrace this opportunity and witnessing the impact he had on his fellow detainees was truly inspiring. It reminded me of the power of meeting people where they are and using creative means to share timeless truths.
It’s amazing to be able to take something that is relevant to the kids and share God’s story with them. Please prayerfully consider joining our team or partnering up with us today. You can help be the change and hope young people need in our community.
CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five Justice Coordinator – Grants Pass
(541) 941-3488 | chris@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
Dec '23
Rock Solid Hope
12
Dec '23
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom or knew someone who did? Imagine a young person at rock bottom, but also behind bars. How would you want someone to step in and help? That’s where my role as the 71Five Justice Coordinator in Grants Pass comes in. I have the privilege of walking alongside youth at these crucial times in their lives. We encounter teens weekly who are at rock bottom. With a message of Hope, we begin to kindle that transformation and begin to prepare a new beginning. One young man who was facing two measure 11 counts just 3 months ago was at rock bottom. He responded to the message of hope and allowed for that transformation to take place. His life is full of new and challenging obstacles but is overcoming them weekly. He told me that the highlight of his week is to come to church and youth group with me on Sunday.
You make stories like this possible by your generous donations and prayers. If you want to go deeper, prayerfully consider volunteering with us. You can bring the change and hope young people need in our community.
CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five Justice Coordinator – Grants Pass
541.941.3488 | chris@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
Jun '23
A Burning Desire to Impact Young Lives
12
Jun '23
Gathered around a table of coworkers and a potential volunteer, we shared stories of the lives impacted through our ministry at 71Five Justice. Each tale carried its own blend of heartache, inspiration, pain, and moments of pure joy. As we poured out our hearts to one another, there was one young man, only 13 years old, who remained silent, listening to every word. A few days later, his mother approached me with an incredible revelation. During their ride home that day, he shared, “As I listened, my heart was burning inside of me to do this.” He shared with his mother his deep desire to someday work for this very ministry, to reach out to young people just as we had reached out to him. It’s remarkable how God seizes the opportunity to ignite a young person’s passion through seemingly ordinary moments like these. It serves as a poignant reminder that our words and actions can have a profound impact, inspiring others to pursue something truly extraordinary.
Thank you for inspiring young people and making a huge difference in their lives by opening doors of hope and trust at 71FIve.
CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five Justice Coordinator – Grants Pass
(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Read more...
