General Archives - Youth 71Five Ministries

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

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 by admin in General | 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

Marcus’ Journey Thru Auto Maintenance

Posted on Jun 16, 2025 by admin in General | 0

Jun '25

Marcus came into 71Five’s VoTech Training quiet, unsure, and carrying the weight of a lot of past disappointment. At 17, he had bounced between schools, struggled with attendance, and never really found something that gave him a sense of purpose. He often said, “I’m just not good at anything,” and believed it. During the first few weeks of the basic auto maintenance course, Marcus barely spoke. He stayed in the background, watching the other students. But when we got to the section on changing oil and checking fluids, something clicked. With a wrench in his hand and his head under the hood, he came alive. For the first time, he wasn’t just listening he was engaged. He started asking questions, staying late to help clean up, and even helping the other students catch up. What stood out most was when his mom told us that for the first time in years, Marcus was excited to get up in the morning. “He’s talking about cars nonstop,” she said, holding back tears… “He told me, ‘Mom, I think I found something I’m good at!’”

More than learning how to maintain a vehicle, Marcus discovered that he’s not a mistake, not a failure. God used a simple tool and a basic skill to speak truth into his life that he was created on purpose for a purpose. Through 71Five VoTech, Marcus saw a glimpse of the man God created him to be capable, valuable, and not forgotten. This is why we appreciate your care for these young people!

AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.761.5143 | aaron@71Five.org

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