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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

At a recent 71Five Parents Night, we reflected on this powerful Bible passage:

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

In the beginning of the new soccer season, our team gathered for practice, filled with fresh faces. Each Tuesday, we kick off with a devotion, inviting players to hear the gospel, while Thursdays are dedicated to prayer. Yet, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm; some kids express their indifference, saying, “this is not my favorite time.” However, just two weeks in, I noticed a remarkable change in one of our players, Miss Chloe. Initially hesitant, she began to raise her hand to ask for prayer, demonstrating a newfound eagerness. During devotion, she listened intently, even urging her teammates to be quiet. Though I’m unsure if Chloe has a relationship with Jesus yet, it’s clear she is on a journey. I’m excited to witness her growth and that of the other twenty players from our Shady Cove teams. Please join me in praying for them to deepen their faith.

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

There’s a young man I got the chance to walk with over the last eight months he was placed in a residential program here in Grants Pass. When we first met, he didn’t want much to do with anything spiritual. He was distant when we talked about God, pretty closed off. But we kept showing up. We rode bikes, did Bible studies, talked about real life, and eventually, he started coming to clubs and youth group. Week by week, I saw something begin to shift. He didn’t say a lot, but his eyes started to light up a bit more. He started asking questions. And then there was one night I’ll never forget: his last youth service before leaving. He was sitting in the second row during worship, and I looked over and saw him with his hands lifted high. It hit me hard. This young man who once wanted nothing to do with God… was reaching out to Him. On his last night in Grants Pass, my wife and I had the privilege of celebrating with him. We got to share some time together, give him a few gifts, and speak encouragement over his next season. It was a pleasant and meaningful moment one we won’t forget. Now he’s in Eastern Oregon in a new housing program. I don’t know if we’ll cross paths again, but I’m praying for him. I believe that the seeds planted here will continue to grow.

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