I met Jacob nearly a year ago on a 71Five Adventure mountain biking trip. He immediately caught my attention, not only because he was just 14 years old, but because he could ride better than almost anyone I had ever seen! Before long, Jacob became a regular on our weekly rides. He shared that 71Five gives him another opportunity to mountain bike in a positive environment while also introducing him to new activities and experiences. Today, Jacob is my primary student volunteer. He continues to show up every week with a smile on his face, and usually one or two scraped up knees. It has been a blessing to watch him develop a servant’s heart and lead by example among his peers. In a culture where young people often face boredom and a lack of meaningful community, Jacob is grateful for the sense of belonging and positive outlet that 71Five provides. 

 

Jacob’s involvement has made a difference in my life as well. His willingness to serve, his positive attitude, and if I’m honest, his knowledge of bike maintenance has been a tremendous help to me. I am thankful for the opportunity to know Jacob and to watch him use his gifts to encourage and serve others.