A couple years ago, when Talik was only 13 years old, his little brother passed away. It was sudden and tragic and Talik was deeply affected, as anyone would be, by this great loss. At the time, I didn’t know how exactly it would affect him, but I knew that God had a plan. Over the course of the past two years of investing time, prayer and love into this young man, I have seen him grow so much: he has become a student leader and has been more involved at 71Five Campus, and I have witnessed God moving in his heart. Just recently, he expressed that he has been convicted to share God more with others, both by sharing the message of the Gospel as well as shining God’s light by the way he lives. He said to me, “a while ago some people were praising me, and I told them to praise God, not me.”

 

In ways like these, as well as in some ways I can’t fully explain, I have witnessed growth in this young man through the power of the Holy Spirit. You are making an impact in the lives of young people like Talik. Please pray for Talik, and others like him; God has a plan for them.

 

 

 

Julien is always excited to come to 71Five Campus in Eagle Point every week. He loves playing outdoor sports, group games, and other fun activities we usually have each Friday night, but he also loves learning about Jesus through the weekly messages we share about the Bible. One evening I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to stray from my notes and share something else. I don’t even remember what I said, but Julien did. Before he left that night, he told one of the other helpers, “Peter’s message really touched my heart.” A few days later when I saw him, he was very intentional in asking how I was doing and making sure I was doing well. He said, “I remembered what you said last week about checking in on people and listening to them.” Well let me tell you, THAT touched MY heart!

 

We don’t always know the impact we are having in the lives of kids, but God will always work through the faithfulness that you and I walk in. Whether it’s volunteering with youth or partnering financially, thank you for what you are faithfully doing to promote positive change in our community.

 

One of my favorite parts of working with youth is seeing them take steps of growth in leadership and their spiritual walk. Nate has been attending 71Five Campus in Eagle Point for over a year now, and he told me one week, “The last three years I’ve strayed from God, but I’m reading my Bible every day now and I realize that following Jesus isn’t just doing the right thing; it’s a relationship with Him.” The past several months, along with the growth in His relationship with Jesus, I have noticed Nate stepping into his student leader role with extra intentionality; helping out consistently and even jumping in to help with things before I ask him to. As one of my volunteers was teaching a Bible story I watched as Nate kept his eye on the younger kids, respectfully making sure they were paying attention. I wanted to express how proud I was so I immediately went and wrote him a thank you card for all of his help. All I was thinking in the moment was that I wanted him to know I was thankful and proud. What I didn’t realize was that one “thank you” would set up the following weeks with even more dedication from Nate to put his best foot forward. It’s amazing what a simple “Thank You” can do.

 

While I’m on the topic, “Thank You” for being a part of these kid’s lives and providing a safe place for them to grow in so many ways. You are making a direct impact in the lives of youth in our community. Thank You!

 

 

 

 

Lily has been coming to 71Five Campus in Eagle Point since she was in Middle School. Over the past few weeks, she has gone above and beyond in helping out with things at club and has put her best foot forward while doing so. Lily has shown so much growth since I first met her several years ago. As a High Schooler, she recently became a 71Five Campus Student Leader. What a pleasure it is for me to help lead her in the next steps of growth and watch Lily develop where her desire to help out and set an example for other kids is given room to thrive.

 

It is so important to make sure the youth we minister to have opportunities for growth, and I am blessed to be able to offer every kid the privilege to grow in whatever way they can. Thank you for reaching teens like Lily, helping them grow in their gifts as they grow closer to Jesus!