Have you ever been stopped in your tracks and know it’s from the Lord? On the Friday before Mother’s Day, we honored moms at our Family Fun Night showing the movie: ‘Mars needs Mom’s.’ There’s a mom who comes from a very dangerous situation who brings her young son. In the middle of the movie, the boy suddenly walked out. I followed him outside and tried my best to convince him to come back inside. He was very angry for what seemed to be no reason. I first asked nicely, then with a bit more explanation and finally, I thought, I’ll just demand he go inside. That’s when it happened… As if Jesus stood between me and the boy, put his hand on my chest and said, “Stop! Larry, he’s hurting.” Wow, my heart changed, and my head cleared. I walked over and sat next to him, leaned in and whispered, “Are you okay?” He went from anger to sorrow and wept so hard he couldn’t breathe. “What’s up buddy?” He said, “I miss my dad and haven’t seen him for 1 year and 5 months.” I told him that I understood because I miss my dad too. I asked him, “Would you like to pray?” He said, “No… I’m not ready yet.” After a few moments in silence, he caught his breath, wiped his tears, and we quietly went inside… met by a hug from his waiting mom.

 

We ended the evening with a message about the sacrificial love of mothers, even when we do stupid things or make bad choices and how Jesus’ love for us is even greater. Your involvement brings trust that leads to hope in a place that’s physically, emotionally and spiritually safe. If you’d like to get more involved with 71Five City, please check us out at 71Five.org or call me at (541) 779-3275 and don’t forget to tell your mom you love her, no matter what day it is! LARRY LICATO 71Five City Director (541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org

 

 

At 71Five City, there’s a single dad who has brought his daughters for about 3 years. A nice guy, hard worker and a good dad. I can see in his eyes he’s exhausted by Friday night yet he often stays to helps clean up. A few weeks ago he took me aside and said, “I need to speak to you”. As we sat at the table he leaned in and yelled: “Explain forgiveness? There’s so much evil in this world. How can God forgive evil people?” I shared with him that God’s grace is available to anyone that would believe. God sent His son, Jesus who died for us and rose again so anyone who wanted His free gift of freedom and eternal life can have it. Even people who had done evil things. By the end of our time, this dad was amazed by the truth of the Gospel. He said he’d never looked at God’s love that way. Then he asked if we could meet again because he wants to learn more about Jesus and the Bible. And we will.

 

Each Friday, here at 71Five City, I present the Gospel to kids in some creative way, but I know the parents are also listening. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

 

Thank you, my friends, for creating a safe place for kids… and parents, to hear the message of Hope that’s within you and me. – LARRY LICATO, 71Five City Director larry@71Five.org

 

Have you ever questioned your ability to make a difference? Lately, I have doubted my own effectiveness in ministry. This took me to a sad place in my heart and I hung my head in doubt for weeks. On a very rainy Friday, before Club, a young mom with daughters asked if she could speak with me. She was obviously very ill and it took all she had to walk her girls to the meeting. She didn’t want the girls to miss out. She asked if I could find the girls a ride home because she didn’t have enough energy to walk all the way back to pick them up. As she headed out into the rain, I offered to pray with her. She agreed, dropped her bags and we prayed together. Then she walked home. Oh yes, we did get her girls home safe and dry.

I didn’t understand what had just happened until I was on the phone during our year-end calling campaign. The gentleman I was talking with shared how he wished people at his church who would greet a single mom like that at the door, and love on her and her 4 kids. That they would reach out with the love of Jesus and make them feel welcome. At that moment the lights came on and I began to smile. That’s what we do here at 71Five City (formerly City Life). We provide a safe place where the message of hope is shared week after week thru loving relationships.

In a short period of time, the Lord answered my doubts. Paraphrased from Psalms 3:3 … the Lord put a shield around my heart and lifted my head. LARRY LICATO, 71Five City Director larry@71Five.org