Life Change Story Archives - Youth 71Five Ministries

“I didn’t know I wanted it.”

Posted on Jul 7, 2025 by Will Arias in Life Change Story | 0

Some moments stick. One evening, as our campus night was winding down, I overheard one of our amazing volunteers, Jane, talking with a student named Jayda. “Would you like a Bible?” Jane asked. Without hesitation, Jayda replied, “Yes.” With excitement, Jane grabbed one and handed it to her. Later that night, after the crowd had cleared, I found that Bible left behind. It was a Friday night, so I held onto it until I saw Jayda again on Monday. When I offered it back to her, she looked at me and said, “I don’t want that. I never did—I just didn’t want to be rude to Jane.” I told her kindly, “It’s okay to be honest. You don’t have to accept something just to be polite.” She nodded, understanding. Over the next few weeks, something shifted. Jayda kept showing up, spending time in Scripture with us, asking questions. Then one night, she surprised me by asking, “Do you have a Bible that doesn’t say ‘Kids Bible’ on it?” I smiled and teased, “But you didn’t want the one from a few weeks ago… are you sure?” She paused and said something I’ll never forget: “I didn’t know I wanted it.”

That’s what 71Five is all about—offering something deeper than surface needs. Thank you for being part of a community where students like Jayda can discover truth, connection, and faith—sometimes before they even know they’re looking for it.

WILL ARIAS, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Shady Cove

541.841.6400 | will@71Five.org

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

Jun '25

She Never Let Go

Posted on Jun 25, 2025 by Misty Duke in Life Change Story | 0

Jun '25

I met Heather when she was 15, living in a group foster home – guarded, worn by chaos, but quietly searching for something steady. Through 71Five, we introduced her to a mentor. That one connection changed everything. Now, 20 years later, she’s 35, married, and expecting her first child. The woman who threw her baby shower? That same mentor. The one who welcomed her in, stuck with her, and never let go. They’ve shared countless dinners, holidays, and milestones. Not because it was easy… but because love stayed. This relationship is the hands, feet, and heart of God. In a world of broken relationships and short attention spans, this is a glimpse of something holy: redemption that lasts.

From group home to growing family, from heartache to hope, she’s still following Jesus, and He’s still writing her story. Thank you for providing the connections that never let go!

MISTY DUKE, 71Five Development Director

541.301.7519 | misty@71Five.org

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

Jun '25

Who doesn’t love second chances?

Posted on Jun 5, 2025 by Shane Skirvin in Life Change Story | 0

Jun '25

“Shane, you are one #$%*&#!” Brayden, a young man at my middle school club, had just told me clearly and articulately what he thought of me. He had been out of control and rude, yet when I confronted him about his behavior, he got mad at me (funny how that works). Regardless, I could tell that deep down, Brayden actually wanted to be at 71Five. Sure enough, the next week, he skateboarded back and apologized. While his behavior hasn’t always been great at Club–with ups and downs and ups again–he knows that we care and provide a safe space for him.

Because of you and your support, we can present the Biblical God who loves second chances to Brayden (see Luke 15:20). Just from talking to him, I can tell that Brayden has had people give up and walk away from him. Thanks to you, we are here and in his life to show him a different type of life and love. One that doesn’t abandon him when he’s going through a hard time, but one that loves, forgives, and even calls him to forgive others: Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. [Matthew 18:21-22] You are, quite literally, holding out a lifeline to kids like Brayden. Thank you so much for being a part of his story with your life-changing support.

SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – North Medford

(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org

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

May '25

What does mentorship look like?

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 0

May '25

What does mentorship look like? Sometimes, it’s a call out of the blue from a kid you once ministered to in detention. Recently, I heard from a young man who was fired up about launching his own landscaping business. We spent a long time talking about money, business, and how to be wise with what God provides. He also shared that he’s living with his girlfriend and plans to marry her. It opened the door for an honest, pressure-free conversation about relationships and God’s design. Reconnecting with him reminded me how deeply we had connected during his time in detention—and how God continues to work long after someone leaves our programs. It’s a mystery how the Lord uses us to water seeds planted by others. I’m just grateful He lets me be a part of it. Mentorship isn’t always instant results—but it’s always worth it, especially from a Kingdom perspective.

Thank you for all that you do to partner in this important work, to build trusting relationships with kids that leads to Hope.

BEAU JESKA, 71Five Operations Director

541.601.9631 | beau@71Five.org

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

May '25

Zip-Lining & McDonald’s

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Wendy Collins in Life Change Story | 0

May '25

When Kayla requested a mentor, she wanted someone younger but was willing to consider a more “grandma type” (as long as she liked zip-lining & McDonald’s). Her mentor ended up being older, yet they began forming a trusting relationship (eating ice cream, going zip lining, walking, talking…). Kayla faces many challenges and is open about her struggles. It seemed at first not much was happening. Still, they enjoyed their time together and the deep talks about life, identity, and God. One day Kayla said, “I want to tell you something, but I don’t want to upset you.” Kayla’s mentor reassured her that she would be there for her no matter what. Kayla went on to say, “I don’t think God is real.” Her mentor listened, asked questions, and continued being a trusted caring adult in Kayla’s life. After some time as they continued to connect and share life Kayla told her mentor, “Oh, by the way… I believe in God now!” Mentoring leads to God’s transforming hope. Thank you for being in this work!

WENDY COLLINS, 71Five Mentors Coordinator

541.441.2495 | wendy@71Five.org

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

May '25

Help Wanted!

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Bud Amundsen in Life Change Story | 0

May '25

Thank you for making a sacrifice in these uncertain times for the sake of lost and hurting young people! Your gifts provide safe spaces for young people to feel welcomed, trusted adults who care and are a healthy influence, and a message of hope and forgiveness through Jesus. When these things come together in the life of a kid, their lives always change!

Unfortunately, we aren’t accomplishing this like we could. We have several staff positions open in both Jackson and Josephine counties. This means some of our youth centers and training facilities are missing the caring adults who bring influence and hope to young people.

We need your help! Do you know someone who loves Jesus, loves kids, and has a desire to make an eternal difference in the lives of kids? It’s not an easy job, no one gets wealthy, and we must rely on faith more than what’s comfortable… but we get a front row seat to see God at work. If you know someone who might be called to this work, direct them to our website 71Five.org or give us a call at 541.779.3275.

With Gratitude!

BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director

541.301.0897 | bud@71Five.org

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

May '25

The Power of a Cupcake!

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Larry Licato in Life Change Story | 0

May '25

Creating a safe place for youth is my desire and I find myself more as a grandpa than a teacher, as we are sharing our life and experiences with these young adults. The other day one of our students came to me and said, “Hey, I think you live right across the street from me: I saw your truck parked in front of your house!” He was right. Last week he walked across the street and brought me a cupcake. He did this to include me in the celebration of his daughter’s first birthday. I was deeply moved by this relational gift. Later that day, my wife made up a gift basket for the little one and I brought it across the street to him. Since then, each time we come to the end of the 71Five VoTech session, this young man asks, “Larry, are you going to give us your speech today?” I am sure he is referring to my closing message. I believe crossing the street with a cupcake was a powerful way to say, “Hey Larry, I’m glad you are in my life.”

I don’t know how long I can keep a cupcake, but it is a constant reminder that I can be a kind of grandpa in his life and others as well. I would happily share my cupcake with you because your prayers and support are the hands and feet that reaches across the street to celebrate a birthday and shares the love of Jesus. Thank you and have a sweet day!

LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford

541.890.1819 | larry@71Five.org

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

Apr '25

Izzy’s Story

Posted on Apr 30, 2025 by Peter Kuhl in Life Change Story | 0

Apr '25

Every year we host an event for 71Five where some of our students get to share their story with people who partner with the Eagle Point Youth Center. This year, Izzy wanted to be one of those students. In the time that Izzy has been attending 71Five Campus, she has shown so much growth in so many ways. She is on our student leadership team, is an active participant in our weekly programs, attends church with us weekly, and displays joy in the midst of recent difficult situations. The joy that she is experiencing is a joy that only comes from God. Izzy values 71Five and how we show the love of Jesus to everyone there. She said it like this, “From the moment I walked in, I felt so welcomed by everyone there… The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it instantly felt like I was a part of a big supportive family.”

71Five Campus is a place where every young person can feel loved and accepted. It is a safe environment with caring and trusting adults who are committed to seeing lives changed for the better through the empowering love of Jesus. Izzy came to 71Five Campus, and God found her there, as if to say, “Welcome back daughter, you’re home.” Will you join us in helping more young people to find their way to Jesus?

PETER KUHL, 71Five Ministry Director – Eagle Point

541.630.0648 | peter@71Five.org

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

Apr '25

Taking Shape!

Posted on Apr 28, 2025 by Isaiah Abney in Life Change Story | 0

Apr '25

The size and feelings at 71Five City – Liberty Park club have taken a different shape recently. Numbers are a little lower than usual and the mood has change to be more relaxed. I even started thinking about whether or not I was doing anything impactful in these young lives? It’s something youth leaders assert and pray about often. Then it hit me last Thursday, when two kids that are in life changing situation showed up out of the blue. The volunteer and I didn’t do much more than talk, eat, and offer some local resources to them.

I’m reminded that something so simple as showing up for fellowship, a meal, and some guidance can go a long way to those who are going through difficult times. Thank you for your encouragement and support in making these opportunities available for 71Five to be the safe place for these young people to frequent.

ISAIAH ABNEY, 71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator

(706) 748-1999 | isaiah@71Five.org

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

Apr '25

Look What I Caught!

Posted on Apr 16, 2025 by Chris Willis in Life Change Story | 0

Apr '25

The text came in with a photo of a fish, nothing huge, just a simple catch from a pond in our local park. But what struck me wasn’t the fish… it was who sent it. To most people, it might seem small. But to me, it was everything. This young man doesn’t have many people in his life to share those moments with. No dad cheering him on. No older brother giving tips. Just me. And for some reason, in that moment, I was the one he wanted to share… “Look What I Caught!” It was more than a fish. It was proof that he felt seen. That he belonged somewhere. That someone cared.

At 71Five, we don’t always get big, dramatic moments. Sometimes it’s a simple text. A photo. A smile. But those moments—those little wins—are what change a life. Thank you for being part of that change. Your support gives kids like him a reason to keep casting, to keep trying, and to keep believing they matter.

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – Grants Pass

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

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