Since it’s a school like environment sometimes I wonder if the youth are getting anything out of the 71Five VoTech training program or if they are at least enjoying their experiences. Recently I received this message from one of my students: “Hey Jeff, I broke my foot and I’m on crutches for a while. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to proceed with VoTech. I really like it and enjoy going to it but I don’t know if I’d be able to participate in much of the hands-on part because of my foot. I hope we can work something out because I don’t want to drop this program that I really like.” Another student’s mother wrote, “Hi Jeff! I’m so thrilled with how much Joe is enjoying VoTech. He’s mentioned how nice all the instructors are and that they’re all Christians. You men are truly influencing Joe in all the right ways. Thank you doesn’t begin.”

 

Thank you for providing a place where young people choose to come and where we as staff can provide influence in all the right ways.

 

 

The summer went quicker than expected, although there were times I thought it would never end… We held a summer class of four students where they were challenged by a project of building two sheds for the local school. We had hot days of over 100 degrees so encouraging the students to endure through the heat was an equal challenge to the construction. As the work started, Christian, one of our students, said, “It’s too hot out here!” After suffering for a few days but not wanting them to quit, I brought three big umbrellas to provide some shade. The young men faithfully came throughout the summer, showing up to class early, working long days and then for two students, piling themselves and a bike into my little car to get home. In the middle of this tough, hot, grind, relationships were built, and lives were changed.

 

Whether before class, building sheds, making many mistakes, taking students home, or going out to lunch, you provided creative ways to build trusting relationships that lead to hope. These students learned to work hard in uncomfortable conditions. They learned new skills in the building trade. Best of all, they learned they are loved. Thank you for making a difference.

 

 

My pastor frequently says, “Hard isn’t bad.” So often we see the opposite of this attitude in our culture, especially among young people. I see it at 71Five VoTech in a student with a welding or wood project, or fixing something on a vehicle. Giving up or quitting because something becomes difficult is an ever-increasing attitude. Perseverance seems to be replaced by ‘what can you do for me’ or ‘what’s the least amount of effort I can give.’ This reminds me of the encouraging word from the Apostle Paul when he said, “And let us not grow weary in doing good…” At 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass we are doing a good thing, at times it can be hard and makes us weary. Time seems to be a commodity that’s hard to give. However, relationally, time is precisely what is needed to make an impact on an individual’s life. Sometimes we may not see drastic change in a student’s life, but if we can change a person’s perspective and work ethic, we might begin to change their life trajectory. Paul finishes his thought by saying, “…for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

 

Thank you for helping students navigate through the “hard” so they can be successful in life and a career.