Sara Vassallo, Author at Youth 71Five Ministries

“Do you work here or just come for fun?”

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Every week, two 6th grade twin sisters follow me around telling me every single detail about their lives, what they ate, who annoyed them, what they did last weekend, the whole thing. A few weeks ago, they brought a friend for the first time, and she fit right in like she’d always been here. She was super curious and full of questions. “Do you work here or just come for fun?” “Is this like a school?” “Do kids come every week?” “Can any kid come?” Then she got serious and asked, “How does this place make money? Do you sell stuff or something?” I told her we don’t sell anything, we’re able to do this every week because there are people who love Jesus and want kids to have a safe place to come and hear about God. So they give financially to make this happen. She looked at me like I had just said the craziest thing. “There are people who just give you money so we can have pizza?” I explained that it was more than that but, kind of. Then she asked, “Do all people do that?” I told her not everyone, but a lot of Christians use what God’s given them so they others can know Him. She nodded and said, “Well, when I get money, I’m gonna give it to kids who want pizza too!”

It was kind of a silly moment, but also really sweet. She got a glimpse of what makes this whole thing work, people giving so that kids can come, feel seen, and hear about Jesus. And maybe that conversation planted something in her heart too. I know you can’t be at every club activity but from all the youth and staff at 71Five, “Thank you!” Thank you for being a big part of the reason students like her get to experience this kind of community.

SARA VASSALLO, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Mar '25

“Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Mar '25

One evening, as club night wrapped up at 71Five Campus – Central Point, a few of us including myself, another leader, and a couple of students wandered back inside to grab some water and begin cleaning up. We sat for a while, chatting about the usual middle school topics—school, friends, and home life. That’s when Amanda asked, “Can we talk about hard stuff?” For the next half hour, Amanda opened up about the struggles she’s been carrying: challenges at school, dealing with bullying, adjusting to yet another foster home, and trying to process traumas that many her age just don’t understand. Amanda didn’t need quick fixes or easy answers—she needed someone to be present and listen. In a tangible way, to show her the love of Jesus. Because of 71Five, she had a place where she felt safe enough to ask, “Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Every game, every meal, and every conversation is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to students who are searching for hope. Your partnership is the reason kids like Amanda get to hear the truth that God sees them, loves them, and walks with them through every hard moment. Thank you for helping create a space where kids can build trusting relationships that remind them that they don’t have to face the hard stuff all alone.

SARA VASSALLO, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Dec '24

The Greatest Gift of All!

Posted on Dec 18, 2024 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Dec '24

On my way to work I got a phone call from one of my teens, “Hey Sara, is there a kid in 71Five who can’t have Christmas this year, like they have no presents?” I let him know I was sure there were some. He then explained that he had a present and he wanted a kid with no Christmas to have it. It was a special gift he said, “…Because everyone should have a gift for Christmas!” His generosity encouraged me and reminded me of the gift we are about to celebrate: Jesus’ humble birth. Jesus too was born into a family where presents would have been hard to come by, a family that faced hardships and trials. He could have come down any way he liked, something more for a king. But instead, our Elohim, mighty God came down as a baby into the humblest of families to seek and to save the lost. Giving us the greatest gift of all.

Thank you for being a part of sharing the most important gift with the young people in your community.

Merry Christmas,

SARA VASSALLO, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Sep '24

“God Really Is Here!”

Posted on Sep 23, 2024 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Sep '24

During small groups at high school camp, Connor, the Central Point boys’ leader, spent time with each boy, asking them, “Where are you in your relationship with God?” Surprisingly, each boy had a similar answer, they all agreed that they know God, but have not felt like He’s been with them. So, for the rest of the week, Connor and I prayed that they would draw near to Jesus. On the last night of camp, one of the leaders shared his testimony, and as they listened each boy resonated with part of it. For the rest of the night, as baptisms happened, we worshiped Jesus, and prayed for the youth and they experienced the power of the Holy Spirit moving through camp. One of the boys approached me for a hug and said, “Sara, you weren’t kidding. God really is here!”

Thank you for supporting a safe space, like 71Five Camp, where young people can draw near to Jesus and experience His great love! “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:15-16]

SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Jun '24

“We Made Friends!”

Posted on Jun 17, 2024 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Jun '24

Lexi and Kayla are sisters who have been attending the 71Five Campus in Central Point for some time. They are very shy and often have trouble making friends. Each week they are glued to me from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, and it has been my prayer that they would be able to connect with some of the other girls in their age group. One night we had pancakes for dinner… While all the other kids were playing outside, the younger girls started to gather around as I finished the pancakes. They began decorating their pancakes and started launching whipped cream from their hands to their mouths. They giggled and played together for the rest of the evening. At the end of the night, after the other girls had left, the sisters ran up to me and one yelled “Sara…. We made friends!” They were so proud that after months of attending club they were able to make a friend.

It is such a blessing to experience these big moments in the lives of our youth. Because of your support, we get to have an environment that fosters friendship. Thank you for supporting the youth in our community so they too can make a friend.

SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Mar '24

A Year of Prayer

Posted on Mar 11, 2024 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Mar '24

In April of 2023, I had the privilege of meeting two young girls, who had been introduced to our program by their big brother who had been attending for years. They lived a few hours away and it was clear to me that they had never heard the gospel before. To them, 71Five swiftly became synonymous with pizza, and games. Though our time together was brief due to the distance, I was moved to continue the relationship. However, this became a challenge as they returned home and I had no way to stay in touch. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling of responsibility to share Jesus with these girls, so I didn’t stop praying for them. I pleaded with God to orchestrate a way for them to encounter His truth. Ten months full of prayer passed. Then, they unexpectedly returned to our group almost a year later, with news that they had moved in with their brother nearby. It was a moment of pure rejoicing and gratitude as I witnessed God’s faithfulness unfolding before my eyes. Now, they could frequent our “pizza and game place” regularly, It wasn’t long before they became curious about Jesus and even asked for bibles. Sparking a new prayer, that they would put their hope in Jesus.

Because of your faithful support, 71Five continues to maintain a consistent haven for young people seeking solace or simply a slice of pizza. Thank you for your partnership in sharing the hope of Jesus.

SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Dec '23

Feels Like Home

Posted on Dec 5, 2023 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Dec '23

While in conversation with a few students, we started chatting about some of our favorite holiday traditions. They told me their favorites, and I told them some of mine. Some of them got distracted, until it was just Oliver and I. I asked “What are some of your favorite holiday traditions at home?” Oliver replied, “Well I don’t really have a home, 71Five is the closest thing I have to that.” I asked him to elaborate, and he shared that, unlike home, 71Five is consistent and stable, a place where he can relax and be comfortable. “This is the first place I’ve ever really felt safe.”

Unfortunately, this is the truth for many of our students… lost and broken children, desperately searching for a place to call home. Because of your faithfulness, we can provide consistent love and support to kids like Oliver, giving them a place to feel safe and secure. A place that feels like home.

SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Sep '23

Final Night at 71Five Camp…

Posted on Sep 5, 2023 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Sep '23

One year ago, I had the honor of baptizing Hailie. Since then, she began sharing Jesus with her cousin, Kadence. A few weeks ago, I received a call from Hailie, who was eager to include Kadence in 71Five High School Camp, and asked if she could come even though Kadence lives in Washington. I replied, “Of course!”

Just days before the camp, I had the pleasure of meeting Kadence. She, along with three other girls, came to camp. Throughout camp, I had the privilege of ministering to Kadence, and so did her three friends. It was truly heartwarming to witness these young women earnestly sharing the love of Jesus through both their words and actions. On the final night Kadence wanted to join us in communion. I asked if she had accepted Jesus and she said, “No, but I want to right now,” I prayed with her and when I looked up I saw beaming smiles and even a few tears from her friends. They rejoiced in the knowledge that they would share eternity with Kadence.

The impact with Kadence has been immeasurable and everlasting. You have been instrumental in providing opportunities for remarkable transformations in young lives like Kadence’s.

SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Jun '23

“Nobody wants me…”

Posted on Jun 6, 2023 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Jun '23

With 71Five Camp for middle schoolers fast approaching, now is the time of year when we invite our youth. It was at our normal club day, and I felt God telling me to make sure I invited Joshua. “I want you to join us at middle school camp this year.” He reluctantly replied, “I probably can’t go.” I told him that I wanted him to ask anyway and reminded him I really wanted him to join us for the unique 71Five Camp experience. The next week he came back to club, and I asked him if he’d asked and he replied, “Are you sure you still want me to go?” “Of course I do.” I said, “I want you to be there, it’s going to be worth it.” Joshua replied, “Why? Nobody ever wants me!” At this point I got to share with Joshua, not only how I care for him, but more importantly, how loved and valued he is by God.

Because of you… young people, like Joshua, get to know they are accepted and loved. Thank you for passing on this message of love to those who don’t hear it often enough.

SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Mar '23

An Answer To Prayer

Posted on Mar 3, 2023 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Mar '23

“You all are an answer to prayer, I don’t know what you are doing, but it is working.” This was just part of a thank you that I received from a grandma before our high school club. Justin has been attending 71Five Campus since middle school but he’s always been certain that he did not believe in God. Recently, he has been so curious about Jesus … That’s a huge change. What used to be a quiet and reserved teen is now involved, helping wherever he can, and occasionally playing group games. It was before club as I was taking groceries inside that the grandma called me over to her car to talk. She started with an honest and sincere thank you, and she continued to go on and tell me “the boy that she lives with now is not the boy that she lived with a year ago!” As she continued to thank me, I told her about how much we adore having him at club. We both started to tear up as we marveled in the work that Jesus has done in Justin’s life. After years of planting seeds, probably over a dozen leaders and countless prayers, we’ve been honored to see the beginning of a harvest in this young man’s life.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” [1 Corinthians 15:58] We know that our work is never in vain because of the work of Jesus Christ, and a breath used to proclaim the Gospel is never wasted. Thank you for planting seeds in the lives of these young people.

SARA NIELSEN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Author page: Sara Vassallo