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As He Pleases

Posted on Nov 15, 2024 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0

Here’s a saying I often repeat to my staff—

“Faith in Christ is more about revelation than about information.”

This plays out in our efforts to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ all the time. Young people come to our programs and hear about the hope found in Jesus almost every time they come through the door. We share bible stories, proofs that the Bible is true, our own encounters with God, and proofs that Jesus is who He says he is. We give them all the information they need and can understand but it doesn’t change a thing until God reveals Himself. We’ve had several stories of young people coming to this reality lately. Kids at camp or at club come up to staff and say things like, “God is really here!” or “I know now, God is real!!”

God does as He pleases, but He usually works through the sharing of His Word. It’s you who provide safe spaces and trusted adults so young people can hear the Word and be ready to see God when He shows up… that’s when their lives change forever.

Thank you!!!

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

Hungry To Learn

Posted on Nov 12, 2024 by Ian Namu | Life Change Story | 0

Tony is a 20-year-old young man who came to 71Five VoTech back in August. He came in hungry to learn some skills and asked many questions. However, most of his questions were toward the verse of the day we would go over after class. I’ve had the privilege to share the God’s story with Tony multiple times in different ways since August which led to inviting him to Upwards church with me in October. Tony had never been to church. He got to meet Paster Al and some other attenders who welcomed him with open arms. Both 71Five VoTech and the church have been able to answer most of Tony’s questions about Jesus. Because of your partnership with 71Five VoTech, Tony made a confession of faith to Jesus and I had the honor of baptizing him last week!

Tony is in the 71Five VoTech Program taking the electrical track. He is well on his way to earning his pre-apprenticeship BOLI certificate later this month. Through 71Five’s connection in the community… Tony was able to leave fast food employment for a manufacturing job. This young man’s life has changed for the better physically, financially, but more importantly, eternally, thanks to you.

IAN NAMU, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Medford

808.371.0240 | ian@71Five.org

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

Intamacy

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 0

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.

This is what God is doing in the lives of young people in our community.

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

The First Real Smile

Posted on Oct 29, 2024 by Isaiah Abney | Life Change Story | 0

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.

Thank you for providing the little steps of opportunity for real transformation in the youth at 71Five.

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

Finding Her Way Back!

Posted on Oct 21, 2024 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 0

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.

Sometimes, life teaches us the most valuable lessons when we least expect them. For these students, and for myself, this was a reminder of the power of generosity. When we open our hands to give, we receive far more than we ever imagined. It’s a truth we hope to pass down to the next generation—to be quick to give, quick to serve, and trust that in blessing others, we too will be richly blessed.

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

How God Chooses The Weak

Posted on Oct 14, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh | Life Change Story | 0

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.

I believe this is an example of what Jesus is talking about when he says: “The world looks at appearance, but God looks at the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7] We also know: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” [Proverbs 31:30] If you would like to join our ministry efforts serving teen parents in our community, check us out at 71Five.org.

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

“Hey, That’s My Story!”

Posted on Oct 3, 2024 by Will Arias | Life Change Story | 0

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.

My joy cup in this ministry is filled when peers begin to minister to one another by sharing their own testimonies. Thank you for your support of 71Five.

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

Expressing Herself

Posted on Sep 30, 2024 by Troy Ellis | Life Change Story | 0

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.

Join us in celebrating a turning point for Hannah with her new found bravery and spiritual growth within the 71Five community. It is because of you that we get to witness the incredible transformation in the lives of so many young people!

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

“God Really Is Here!”

Posted on Sep 23, 2024 by Sara Vassallo | Life Change Story | 0

During small groups at high school camp, Connor, the Central Point boys’ leader, spent time with each boy, asking them, “Where are you in your relationship with God?” Surprisingly, each boy had a similar answer, they all agreed that they know God, but have not felt like He’s been with them. So, for the rest of the week, Connor and I prayed that they would draw near to Jesus. On the last night of camp, one of the leaders shared his testimony, and as they listened each boy resonated with part of it. For the rest of the night, as baptisms happened, we worshiped Jesus, and prayed for the youth and they experienced the power of the Holy Spirit moving through camp. One of the boys approached me for a hug and said, “Sara, you weren’t kidding. God really is here!”

Thank you for supporting a safe space, like 71Five Camp, where young people can draw near to Jesus and experience His great love! “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:15-16]

SARA NIELSEN, 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

Unsure How to Navigate. . .

Posted on Sep 16, 2024 by Aaron Faust | Life Change Story | 0