Our soccer season is one of the most important ways we connect with kids who may never come to the youth center. I use this time not only to build relationships with the players, but most importantly to help them understand the love of Jesus. This season, I shared an illustration that especially caught the attention of one player, Lena. During practice, I asked everyone to reach into their pockets and pull out whatever they found. Since we were on a soccer field, I didn’t expect much. Out came candy wrappers, pieces of grass, and even a Band-Aid. When Lena pulled out a Band-Aid, I asked about it. After she explained why she had it, I handed her five dollars and said I wanted to buy it. She immediately protested and tried to give it back. She couldn’t understand why anyone would want a used Band-Aid. That was the point! I explained that the Band-Aid wasn’t valuable on its own. It became valuable because someone was willing to pay for it. In the same way, our worth is not based on what we have done or how we see ourselves. Our value is found in what Jesus was willing to give for us.

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

I’ve known Adam for several years now. He just graduated a few weeks ago. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to see him grow up into a strong young man. He came to me a few months ago and told me he feels like he lost most of his friends because they do drugs, but he refuses to join them. He said he wanted to be like me and help people around him and be able to encourage them. He said he knew that refusing to take part would lead them to no longer being friends. He proceeded to tell me, “It was the best decision I made because I now feel closer to Christ,” and “I’ve also been able to grow closer to friends at 71Five and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

SARA & CONNOR 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

I remember the first day I met Joe, he and his Grandmother approached me at the front door of 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass the evening before our new class was to start. His grandmother pleaded with me to let him attend our course as Joe had a rough childhood and struggled in school and could desperately use some guidance. Joe is a rather short stocky young man with a head of hair on him standing there next to his grandmother looking down. I said we could rush the paperwork through as long as he was able to make it to class 15 minutes early the next morning, they both agreed and took the paper work home to complete. The next morning Joe was the first one at the door waiting for me, with a new stylish haircut ready to go. He has always been our quiet reserved student that each class seems to have, he never complains and is always on time for class even though he catches two buses to be here by 7:45 am. In the past eight weeks he has opened up to the other students and participates in everything he can get his hands on. In a recent community event Joe showed up 4 days straight to volunteer his time to help out our team in fundraising activities and was also recently spotted at our Directors Church on a Sunday. I thought I would be the teacher, but in Joe’s situation it is he who has reminded me of the importance of daily small acts of kindness and perseverance along with the power of morning prayer in class that found this young man in Church on Sunday. Joe has stated he would like to return in the fall to join us in another VoTech training course.

ROBERT MANNING,  71Five VoTech Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.951.7591 | robert@71Five.org

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

The week after Easter, I had the privilege of baptizing a young man named Izaac. I have known Izaac for several years, and much of that time has been connected to the Justice system, either in jail or residential programs. I have seen him in some of the lowest moments of his life. I have seen the weight of his choices, the struggle of his circumstances, and the fight it takes to keep moving forward. That is what made his baptism so powerful. Standing in the water with Izaac was more than just a special moment. It was a visible picture of the work God has been doing in his life. Izaac has made huge strides in his faith, his character, and his desire to live differently. He is not just talking about change, he is walking it out. Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” For Izaac, this verse carries weight. His story is a reminder that no young man is too far gone for God to reach, redeem, and redirect. The same young man I once saw in his lowest lows is now declaring his faith publicly and becoming a light to others.

It was an honor to baptize Izaac, but even more than that, it has been a gift to witness God writing a new story in his life. Your support helps make stories like his possible… Thank You!

When you think about mentoring, I want you to picture Arabella… You may not be the one building a connection with her but you’re part of her story. Arabella is in her twenties and she moved to the area to attend college. No family nearby. No built-in support system. Just a lot of newness, uncertainty, and a longing to find someone she could trust when life felt heavy or confusing. Because of your prayers, your giving, and your willingness to simply make 71Five Mentors known, Arabella didn’t stay alone in that season. She was connected with Lisa and that connection has grown into something bringing Arabella God’s hope.

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

It’s amazing when Matthew 5:16 comes to life! It says: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

This is where trusted adults have the greatest impact in the lives of kids. It happens in the ‘between times’ where young people are shown how Jesus makes things different, makes people different. It opens a door to a hope that there is something real, strong, and good to trust in.

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