How God Chooses The Weak
I have an example of How God chooses the weak things of this world to shame the wise. . .
As I was walking around a university event, I was impressed by two stylish, educated college students in front of me talking about a wedding they were going to attend. But I was surprised to overhear one of the young women loudly explain, “I’m waiting to get an abortion until after the wedding because these hormones make me look really good in my dress!” They both laughed and walked on. These two women were beautiful, with successful academic careers lined out, but I was disturbed by their lack of discretion and what they had value in. Driving home I contrasted the two college students with the teen mothers attending 71Five Parents. They don’t appear to have it all together. They often get judged for ‘mistakes’, poverty, or needs. They come from homes that are filled with chaos. They’ve sacrificed teenage figures to bring children into this world. They aren’t free to just do whatever they want. They are adolescents, but they give their freedom, time, and opportunities because they truly love and value their children.
BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator
541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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“Hey, That’s My Story!”
One night we had six in attendance with laughter and joy that filled the 71Five Campus Youth Center in Shady Cove. We ate, played games, and worshiped… but I was not expecting what would happen next. After the dust had settled, we sat down for our devotion and whammy, there we were in the second half of 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “…that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” I assume my face turned red. I felt my hands get sweaty… we hadn’t entered into this type of conversation before. This topic brings about many questions and thoughts (negative mostly). As the conversation thickened, repentance became the focal point. “Phew!” I thought. The smiles came back and then out came these words, “HEY, THAT’S MY STORY!” After she found out repentance means to turn away from. This young person allowed me to share her story of being attracted to other girls… even to the point of acting on those feelings. This helped another girl find some resolution about her mother. These two girls, one faced with the dilemma of her mother and the other happy that her life is changed, have continued to seek answers of Biblical truth.
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
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Expressing Herself
Hannah experienced a transformative moment at 71Five Camp this year. As she navigated the joys and challenges of camp life, she felt a gentle nudge to open her heart and share her thoughts during a prayer circle. Much to her surprise, Hannah found herself expressing her feelings and offering a heartfelt prayer for her troubled home life. This moment was truly significant, as it showed her willingness to be vulnerable in the safe environment. It represented more than just a prayer—it symbolized her personal growth and the profound impact of nurturing mentors.
TROY ELLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – West Medford
541.538.0207 | troy@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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“God Really Is Here!”
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Unsure How to Navigate. . .
AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech 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
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Great Summer!
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Used by God.
541.601.9631 | beau@71Five.org
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Overcoming Anxiety
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
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Past & Present
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
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‘Socially Awkward’
As you may know, many of the youth today lack a direction and a purpose for living. Here at 71Five our goal is to assist young adults to find that direction and purpose. One wonderful example of this is a young man that has attended 71Five VoTech Training and came back again and again. He was the first to arrive and always the last to leave. I was very impressed with his dedication and willingness to help as needed. The only drawback was that he almost never spoke and in his own words is ‘socially awkward.’ As I sat next to him at graduation a thought came to me to invite him to become a volunteer here at 71Five VoTech in Medford. He said, “Can I do that?” I told him that he would be a great asset to the program and that he could be a great help to the students. He nearly immediately went to our main office and filled out an application and has now finished the process of becoming not only our youngest volunteer but our first alumni student to become a volunteer. On his application there is a question that asks, what is your greatest challenge to being a volunteer. He answered, “I lack social skills.” I am sure that will change in time, but I see this also as an asset, as he can relate and connect with so many of our students that also lack social skills.
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
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