The Power of Prayer

I’ve been helping with a club called Kingdom Building at Ashland High School. One of the kids, Dakoda, wanted prayer about the possibility of returning kidney stones after a recent exam. We immediately prayed as a group over him for healing and direction. A couple of weeks later, he came and said, thankfully, it was not the return of the kidney stones. The residue from his past kidney stones tipped the doctor off and it was not an issue. Dakoda then said, “I guess someone up there is listening.” I replied, “You would be surprised how much God does listen to us!” Thankfully God loves us so much that he listens to every problem we have no matter how bad.
 
Thank you for your prayers for the young people at 71Five. Your constant communication with God provides a trusting relationship with these young people like Dakoda.
 
LEIF AMUNDSEN, 71Five Campus Interim Coordinator – Ashland
(541) 840-0059 | leif@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Read more...

Pushing Forward

Last November, I took a group of kids to the national lave tubes to explore their longest cave system called the Catacombs. It’s easy to get lost with all the winding paths that branch off but after 10+ years of exploring it, I was able to help everyone feel confident. The further we went, the more cramped it became, to the point we had to crawl on our stomachs to progress. I tried to get the group to continue but only a teen named Mark and I were willing to explore further. We wriggled our way to amazing parts of the cave that the other kids wouldn’t get to see. Mark trusted me enough to push forward and what he got to see was something incredible!
 
This story reminds me of how we operate at 71Five where we lead kids to see the goodness of God, but it takes trust and sometimes a little effort to see Him. Thank you for leading kids to the goodness of God!
 
LEIF AMUNDSEN, 71Five Campus Interim Coordinator – Ashland
(541) 840-0059 | leif@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
 
 
 
 
71Five Staff Changes:
 
It seems like yesterday when the Lord called me to 71Five, although, it was almost 6 years ago! I was filled with excitement but a little afraid too. I didn’t want to fail, and I was leaving the known for the unknown. Saying “Yes” to God means leaving where we are and moving toward where He’s guiding us. I’m so glad I faced the fear of answering the call to come to 71Five. I trusted His word, “who He calls He will equip!” Hebrews 13:21 I had a front-row seat to His goodness, promises, and faithfulness.
 
What is the Lord calling you to do? Maybe you haven’t thought about it recently, but He is always at work around us and through us! Has he called you to partner with 71Five through your giving, prayers, or maybe even volunteering? If He has, I encouraged you to step out in faith and say “Yes.” You will not regret it!
 
I’m once again filled with excitement, a little fear, and even some sadness as I say “Yes” to the calling that God has for me next. 71Five partners with The Salvation Army to help youth who are homeless, hurting, and lost. The Lord has called me to go to The Salvation Army to continue the ministry for those who are in need. I feel so blessed that I have been able to journey with you in my time at 71Five. Thank you for your faithfulness, love, and kindness over the years.
 
SHARRE WHITSON, 71Five Development Director
(530) 227-2474 | sharre@71Five.org
 
Bud here, I wanted to add that we are grateful for all of Sharre’s hard work during her time at 71Five. The Lord has used her efforts to expand the ministry in amazing ways over the last 6 years. We are also excited for her in this next chapter with The Salvation Army. Please be praying for Sharre in her new venture and for 71Five as we seek our new 71Five Development Director. Thank you.
 
BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director
(541) 301-0897 | bud@71Five.org

Read more...

A Light of Hope. . .

Walter, one of the kids I work with had a big change during the 71Five Highschool camp this summer. During the 71Five Camp he decided to share a poem he wrote a couple months ago. The poem speaks about negative thoughts that were eating at him for some time. He had read some verses in the Bible that made him feel like he was an “abomination” to God.
 
I was able to open the Bible and show him there was a greater context he was missing. I talked to him about the fact that through Jesus we can all find forgiveness and hope. We read, wept, and prayed right then. Near the end of the camp, he came up to me with a new poem. It spoke about, even though he has dark thoughts, there is now a light of hope he can see coming from heaven.
 
Thank you for providing opportunities for kids like Walter to go to 71Five Camp… His life is changing for good.
 
LEIF AMUNDSEN, 71Five Campus Interim Coordinator – Ashland
(541) 840-0059 | leif@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Read more...

Better Than One

A few weeks ago, 71Five held our annual 71Five Golf Challenge. Other than supporting the ministry financially, it also gives our kids a chance to help out and gain a scholarship for summer events. One of the kids from 71Five Campus – Ashland decided to volunteer and experienced a memorable moment. Since I had another obligation that morning, my mom picked the kid up from his house. They hit it off quickly, talking about ‘oldies’ music and what it was like to raise me. Soon the conversation got deeper until the young man started to talk about personal issues. Like, whether he should pursue the girl at school and what’s the big deal about being a Christian? When I heard about this, I wondered why he hadn’t talk to me about these things. Then I realized even though he’s shared other challenges with me, having him connect with another trusting adult allowed him to open up more.
 
I’m learning a relationship network creates a deeper impact in the life of a young person. One caring adult is critical but more than one is substantially better. I invite you to come join our relational network. You will make an Impact… Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. [Ecclesiastes 4:9]
 
LEIF AMUNDSEN, 71Five Campus Director – Ashland
(541) 840-0059 | leif@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Read more...

Trusting Advice

A few days ago, I got a text from a student who comes to the Phoenix/Talent club. He asked, “Do you know how to fix a broken relationship?” The situation was from a couple hours earlier where he and his best friend ended their friendship. After he cooled off a bit, he realized ending the friendship was not what he wanted even though they’ve been fighting a lot. I was surprised to find out I was the first person who came to mind when he was trying to get advice. You see, this young man and I are very different, coming from different backgrounds and perspectives. It’s been tough building a relationship with him over time.
 
Trust is foundational to a relationship. The problem is, trust can be hard to establish when the kid has been hurt and their trust has been broken. This young man has seen his parents going through a divorce. Divorce is hard for a kid; it makes relationships scary to the point they’ll end them before they get hurt. I don’t know of a better feeling than when I realized this kid trusts in me enough to ask for advice. He doesn’t even trust in God yet, but… he’s taking a step in the right direction. You provide the trust that leads to hope. Thank you!
 
LEIF AMUNDSEN,  71Five Marketing Assistant and 71Five Campus Volunteer – Phoenix/Talent
(541) 840-0059 | leif@71Five.org
 
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Read more...
^