“She’s here, but so am I!”

Recently, I had the opportunity to serve the young people in the Juvenile Justice system. When chapel started I was surprised to see Tanya walk into the room. Tanya is a young lady who has been part of our ministry in West Medford off and on since we started. At first I felt a sense of defeat that one of the kids we’ve invested in has ended up in the Juvenile Justice system but then I had another thought… “She’s here, but so am I!” She can’t get away from this message of hope. Whether she is at the Station 71Five Community Center for club, at 71Five Middle School Camp or in “Juvy,” she is being ministered to. I would rather Tanya didn’t go to “Juvy” but I am blessed that we can meet her there and let her know there is hope.
 
Thank you. You make this possible through your prayers and generous financial support.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City Coordinator – West Medford
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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“Can we go?”

Leo and Luis approached me as our After School Hangout was winding down at 71Five City -. They asked where I was going afterwards. When I told them I was going to church, I was surprised that they both responded, “Can we go?” I explained there were no kid’s class and it would be bible study and not as lively as a normal church service. They did not waiver, saying, “That’s OK, we just want to go with you.” When we arrived I reminded the boys it was different than club and they would need to stay focused during the teaching. They both assured me they were up for it. As the church gave “Praise Reports” Luis added, “I want to thank Kenny for bringing us tonight.” Except for an occasional candy wrapper being opened the boys were totally focused on the study.
 
Thank you for helping kids hear God’s story!
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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Alonzo’s Homework

The first week of school I received a text from one of our volunteers. It was a picture of her son Alonzo’s homework. When asked to write about something he enjoyed, his written answer was, “71Five, I enjoy learning about god with my family…” Alonzo regularly attends our Kids Club with his siblings and cousins at 71Five City West Medford. His parents are also here serving as volunteers. It’s amazing to see the Lord reach an entire family as we share His story of hope with young people.
 
Thank you for giving them a place to build relationships and learn about God.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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Foosball Challenge

“I don’t like middle schoolers,” James explained as he left his younger brother behind at 71Five City’s Kids Club. James, a high school sophomore who’s homeschooled, lives close to Station 71Five. It was his first time visiting. He didn’t even sit down for dinner. When I asked his brother about James’ decision to leave, he giggled saying that middle school traumatized him. A few days later I called out to James as he rode past on his skateboard. He hesitated to respond but eventually I was able to invite him to our Teen Night. He asked about middle schoolers. I told him there would be a few but that the total amount of teens would be a lot less than at Kids Club. He said he would think about it. A couple of weeks went by, then James came by with his brother. Spotting the foosball table, he challenged me to a match. Scoring one goal after another this timid kid turned into a smack talking foosball champion. He told me, “I should have warned you.” He’s returned at random times to defend his championship and has also become a regular at Teen Night where, believe it or not… he’s interacting with middle schoolers.
 
You gave James a place to grow in his experience and confidence. Thank you for sharing hope.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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Something Amazing Happened

“OK, What’s next?” David asked. He was excited to help prepare dinner for our Teen Night at 71Five City in West Medford. This was a total turn around from the David I first met. He came into Station 71Five with his face almost completely covered. His eyes were barely visible between his mask and his hair hanging low over the front of his head. He kept his distance and when I tried to make conversation he would respond with one-word answers. A few weeks later we had a dilemma, the person scheduled to make dinner for Teen Night cancelled. We had to act fast. so I asked David to accompany me to the store. Something amazing happened. On the way there he started talking and continued while we shopped. The conversation went on as David stood next to me helping me cook. At the completion of each task he asked, “OK. What’s next?” He transformed into a talkative teen who was having fun while serving. This excitement flowed for the rest of the evening.
 
As I drove him home he said, “Tonight was fun. What are we doing next week?” Thank you for giving David a place where he feels safe to transform.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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Community Service Credits

71Five has taught me to work with younger kids and to be an example,” Charlie responded when asked how Youth 71Five Ministries has impacted his life. He is a 17-year-old young man who spends a day a week at the Station 71Five Community Center. What started as community service credits has transformed into a mentoring relationship. Recently Charlie was with me when I was approached about meeting with another young man. It was explained that many had given up on him because the boy is a foster kid with ADHD and has officially been labeled a troublemaker. Later that evening Charlie shared how he was once exactly like that boy. He was amazed that every detail reminded him of his younger self and revealed how much he’s changed due to ongoing mentoring relationships.
 
You make this type of transformation possible by providing trusting relationships to young people. Thank you for partnering with us.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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What 3 F’s?

At 71Five City – West Medford I asked the youth why they liked Thursday Night Kids Club. Without hesitation Kylah shouted, “The three F’s.” I challenged her by asking, “What three F’s?” She quickly responded, “Food, Faith and Fun,” as she referred to the format of our weekly time together. Every week we sit down to enjoy a family style dinner with Kylah and almost 20 other young kids in the West Medford community. We spend time catching up with each other as we prepare for a night of fun and games, but, before we transition, we always take time to discuss our faith. While some kids seem to be impatiently tolerating the conversations, Kylah is totally engaged, raising her hand before we can even finish the questions. When I asked which is her favorite part she explained, “Faith, it’s fun to talk about God.”
 
Thank you for sharing the hope found in Jesus with Kylah. Her faith is growing because of your faithful partnership.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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invited

A year ago, Oscar walked right into the middle of my teaching and started greeting everyone. He didn’t seem to care that I was in the middle of a lesson. As I approached him it became apparent he was intoxicated. When class was over I prayed with him and invited him back… He did come back, he also quit drinking, and over the next couple months Oscar transformed right before our eyes. As the relationship grew he shared about his wife and kids. When Oscar missed a couple classes I went to see him. He said, “I need to focus on my family.” I asked if I could pray with him and offered to bring lunches for the kids. He accepted both. Oscar wasn’t attending class but the lunches kept us connected. When Station 71Five Community Center opened I was blessed to see Oscar’s big van pull up and unloaded all 6 of his kids! The kids have become a core part of our weekly Kids Club. They are tuned into our “faith talks” and my relationship with Oscar and his family is stronger than ever.
 
Thank you for giving families a safe place to come and grow together.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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Fresh Start

I first met Andrew in October while delivering lunches to kids in West Medford. Two middle school aged boys were riding by on skateboards. I attempted to wave them down asking if they needed any lunches. Without even looking at me they both stated, “We’re good!” as they passed by. I responded, “I’ve got chocolate milk!” Andrew made a quick U-turn and said, “You should have just said you had chocolate milk…” as he took a half gallon. A couple of months later, while kids were arriving at our Christmas celebration, I went out to greet two of our regular girls from 71Five City youth group meeting we call ‘club’. As I approached the car Andrew was sitting in the front seat with the girl’s mom. Come to find out Andrew is their big brother. I asked, “Wow bro, when are you going to come check out club?” He said, “I don’t know, isn’t it for kids.” A few days later, I followed up with his mom and she explained he had gotten into trouble and must go to court soon… Fast forward to March, the day after St. Patty’s day, I see the two girls and their big brother Andrew walking in the front door of club. The girls rushed to their regular seats to have dinner. I asked Andrew, “Are you dropping them off?” He replied, “Nope, I’m staying.” Andrew came right in, joining the other kids eating green pancakes, drinking green leprechaun juice, and competing in a very serious game of musical chairs. I was able to chat with him a little during his visit. He shared that he was nervous about going to court and that he hoped to get probation. When I asked him what he thought about club. He said, “I like it, I’ll be coming back.”
 
Thank you for providing a safe place at 71Five where kids like Andrew can come and get a fresh start.
 
KEN RUIZ  71Five City – West Medford Coordinator  
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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Canceling Christmas

Christian and Joleen are two of the neighborhood kids we take lunches to every week. 71Five (partnering with a local church) also delivered Christmas presents to both of them. When following up with their mom we were excited to find out the gifts we brought were literally the exact gifts the kids had asked for! “I didn’t have enough money to buy them gifts this year.” Their mom explained. She was on the brink of canceling Christmas when we showed up. With tears in her eyes, she thanked us for the gifts and our service in the community. She shared that this experience provoked a conversation with a family member who helped her to see that it was God who had made a way for her family this holiday season. Just like that, her hopeless situation was transformed into a glimpse of God’s loving-kindness.
 
Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with families who are going through hard times. It’s amazing what a simple act of kindness is able to produce.
 
KEN RUIZ 71Five City – West Medford Coordinator
(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

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