Aaron Faust, Author at Youth 71Five Ministries

Time & Effort

Posted on Mar 17, 2025 by Aaron Faust in Life Change Story | 0

In the Wednesday morning shop class at 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass, six students, five boys and one girl began a simple yet profound journey. Their task? Build a wooden box. The challenge? Use only hand tools. At first, the idea of crafting something without power tools seemed slow, even frustrating. But `week by week, something changed. They discovered the rhythm of the work, the rasp of the saw, the steady tap of the chisel, the satisfying slice of the plane. The hand plane became their favorite. At first, they struggle digging too deep, shaving unevenly. But as they practiced, they found joy in the whisper-thin curls of wood that fell away, the smooth surfaces left behind, the way the tool seemed to hum in their hands when used just right. The box itself was never perfect. Each week, a new lesson emerged—how to square a corner, how to make joints fit snugly, how to sand by hand with patience. Each week, the box grew closer to completion but more than that, so did they. Through this project, they learned not just woodworking but perseverance. They encouraged each other when a saw cut strayed off course. It wasn’t about finishing the box quickly, it was about learning, growing, and taking pride in their craft. Somewhere between the first rough-cut boards and the final smoothing of the wood, something deeper took shape. Confidence. Teamwork. The realization that good things take time and effort.

Their box was more than just a project. It was proof of their journey—of lessons learned, patience tested, and skills honed. A wooden reminder that, like the box itself, they were shaping themselves into something strong, steady, and ready for whatever came next. Thank you for helping in that journey.

AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech Assistant 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

Dec '24

Building More than a Chicken Coop

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

Dec '24

At 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass, every project is an opportunity for transformation, and none exemplifies this better than the story of five young men and a chicken coop. These boys—Tommy, Luke, Jesse, Mason, and Caleb—arrived on the first day of class with different backgrounds, abilities, and levels of confidence. Some had never held a hammer; others carried the weight of struggles outside the classroom. They seemed unsure of themselves and each other, hesitant to connect. The challenge? Build a sturdy, functional chicken coop over 11sessions. It was more than a structure—it was a test of their ability to collaborate, learn, and grow. In the first few classes, progress was slow. Measuring lumber turned into a tangle of tape measures and math errors. Power tools were intimidating, and disagreements surfaced over simple decisions. Yet, amid the uncertainty, something powerful began to take root. With the guidance of their instructor and gentle encouragement to “get it wrong, then learn to get it right,” the boys started leaning on one another. Tommy, the natural leader, began asking quiet Caleb for his thoughts. Jesse, usually quick to joke, grew serious as he learned the importance of precision. Their first victory came when they framed the coop’s base—level and square. The cheers that followed filled the shop, signaling not just a milestone, but a breakthrough in their confidence. Luke, who had been shy at first, took the lead on assembling the walls. Mason, who struggled with patience, learned to slow down and focus on sanding each board until it was just right. Each boy found his strength and began to see the value he brought to the team. By the final session, the chicken coop stood tall, complete with a hinged door, nesting boxes, and even a coat of weatherproof paint. It wasn’t just a chicken coop—it was a monument to the journey they’d taken together. The transformation wasn’t just about the coop. Jesse admitted, “I now understand the value of hard work and focus.” Caleb, once reserved, shared, “This group has become my second family.” Luke said, “This experience taught me that I could lead.” The boys walked away not just with new skills in carpentry, but with a sense of pride, camaraderie, and a glimpse of their potential.

At VoTech, it’s never just about the projects—it’s about the lives being built along the way. The chicken coop now stands as a symbol of what’s possible because you have provided the hope found in Jesus to accomplish much more than these young people ever thought they could. Thank You!

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

Sep '24

Unsure How to Navigate. . .

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

Sep '24

In our Wednesday 71Five VoTech wood shop class, Zack and Travis were visibly excited yet nervous from the start. Their eyes widened at the sight of saws, drills, and lumber, and they tried to blend into the background, unsure how to navigate the intimidating machinery. On the second day, we began building birdhouses. Both men meticulously measured their pieces, but their apprehension returned when it was time to use the saw. They hesitated, clearly unsure of the next steps. I guided them through the process, showing them how to handle the saw. Slowly, their confidence grew with each cut. By the third or fourth cut, Zack and Travis moved with increasing assurance, handling the tools like experienced craftsmen. By the end of class, their birdhouses were taking shape, and their pride was evident. The transformation from doubt to joy was remarkable. This experience reminded me of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a powerful lesson in overcoming self-doubt through faith and support. Watching Zack and Travis grow in confidence and skill reinforced the belief that with a little encouragement and determination, we can achieve more than we realize.

Moments like these, where young people step out of their comfort zones and flourish, are truly rewarding. As their teacher, witnessing this transformation is a beautiful reminder of the potential within us all, supported by faith and guidance.

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

Jun '24

Career Skills Training

Posted on Jun 10, 2024 by Aaron Faust in Life Change Story | 0

Jun '24

Jake came to 71Five VoTech in Grant Pass, our pre-apprenticeship trade school, with a strong desire to gain the skills needed to further his career in the trades. He enrolled in our welding course, determined to make the most of the opportunity. As days turned into weeks, Jake’s skills and abilities grew remarkably. His confidence soared alongside his competence, and he began to see a hopeful future ahead. The supportive environment and hands-on training at 71Five VoTech played a crucial role in his development. Upon graduation, Jake’s hard work paid off when he received a job offer in construction and small remodeling work. This position not only validated his efforts but also provided a solid foundation for his career. Jake said, “The skills I learned at 71Five VoTech provided me with the ability to step out in faith to apply for a better job.”

Witnessing Jake’s transformation from a hopeful student to a skilled tradesman was incredibly rewarding. 71Five VoTech didn’t just teach him welding; you are helping him build a brighter, more confident future.

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

Mar '24

Grappling with doubt . . .

Posted on Mar 1, 2024 by Aaron Faust in Life Change Story | 0

Mar '24

Young people experienced the redeeming power of God’s love ay 71Five VoTech. Like David, who once grappled with deep-seated doubts about his self-worth, battled a lack of confidence and an overwhelming concern for others’ perceptions. However, through the unwavering support of 71Five staff and volunteers, and supporters like you, with the guidance of the Lord, David’s journey took a transformative turn. Through countless projects and tireless dedication, David found a reservoir of skills within himself, proving that hard work and commitment, fueled by faith, can yield tangible achievements. With each completed project, his confidence soared, and he has discovered a healthy pride in his abilities, realizing that his worth is defined by how God has made him, not the judgments of others.

Through 71Five VoTech, David not only gained technical skills but also reclaimed his sense of self-worth and found the courage to do the hard work, guided by the grace of God. Join us at 71Five VoTech and experience the life-changing power of faith, community, and personal growth.

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

Author page: Aaron Faust

Time & Effort

Building More than a Chicken Coop

Unsure How to Navigate. . .

Career Skills Training

Grappling with doubt . . .