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.

 

 

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.

 

 

“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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.