Life Change Stories
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Intamacy
Intimacy… it’s something we all crave deep down inside, but we often forget we need. We forget consciously any way. That is the story of a group of teens who came to 71Five Campus on a Friday night. These middle schoolers had been going with the flow, and through the motions, but were craving something more; something meaningful. Some of them had experienced Jesus before, and the life and joy He gives, and others had only dreamt of such fullness and peace. But each of these teens, whether they had experienced the presence of God before, found Him that night. God tells us, through the prophet Jeremiah, that those who seek Him will find Him when they search with their whole heart. There is something utterly beautiful about seeing someone seek God with their entire being… seeking to find much more than a concept or an idea to acknowledge. No, they are yearning for and reaching out to Yahweh for a relationship. This is what true intimacy is. This is the truest form of freedom that we share with every kid who comes to 71Five Campus.
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
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The First Real Smile
A couple of years ago Aiden lost his mother to cancer. Since then, it’s been very difficult on Aiden and his brothers. Since I’ve known Aiden, he’s always had sort of a mischievous sense of humor. On Wednesday at 71Five City’s after school Drop-In, I told the story of how I woke up screaming from a cramp in my calf and how it woke one of my siblings up. For some reason, and for the very first time, I witnessed Aiden give a real and genuine laugh and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen from him! This is a huge milestone for Aiden… From a kid who I’ve only seen slightly force a grin or chuckle while he’s busy annoying someone, has now opened himself up with this emotional response. I’m hopeful that Aiden is ready to share the real and genuine young person he is with us.
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
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Finding Her Way Back!
This past weekend, I had the privilege of joining a group of students to fill a need in our community. One of our coordinators reached out about a young mom who had recently moved to the Grants Pass area. She was in desperate need of furniture for her new home. After connecting with some generous donors, we gathered a few pieces and delivered them to her on Saturday. But what unfolded that day was far more powerful than a simple furniture drop-off. As we helped her set up, this young mom opened up to us, sharing her personal story. She had been living on the streets, all while trying to raise her young child. For the first time in what felt like forever, she had found stable housing, and hope was beginning to take root in her life. You could see the relief in her eyes—a glimpse of a future that finally seemed possible. On the van ride back, the students who helped were quiet, reflecting on what they had just witnessed. They were moved, not just by the act of giving, but by the resilience of this mom—how she had faced unimaginable hardships and was now finding her way back. It’s moments like these that remind us of the truth in Proverbs 11:25: “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” We set out to bless someone in need, and yet we walked away feeling blessed ourselves.
CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator
(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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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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