As we celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, we are celebrating the fact that God Himself came ‘near’ through the birth of Jesus (Emmanuel, God with us). He came to help in the struggles of this world and bring us hope. This is in essence what 71Five strives to do. Through seeking out young people, building trusting relationships, and sharing God’s story of hope, we brought God ‘near’ to more than 1100 youth around our Valley this past year. This year has had its challenges, more than any other I can remember. But… We’ve seen God do amazing things in the lives of many young people. Our confidential survey shows what has been accomplished.
     • 85% have a decreased interest in using drugs and alcohol!
     • 78% reported having fewer thoughts of self-harm!
     • 83% say they have more hope for their future!
Would you help 71Five finish strong? Your gifts are investments into the lives of young people, and as you can see, you are accomplishing great things! Will you go above and beyond with a special year-end gift? Our year-end matching gift will double every dollar, allowing us to bring the hope of Jesus ‘near’ to even more lost and hurting young people.

 

 

 

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!!!

 

 

We recently celebrated the ministry’s 60th anniversary. In preparation for that, I did a little research regarding our history. Our 71Five/YFC records only go back to 1985 but since that time we’ve worked with about 78,000 young people, and about 6000 of those young people professed faith in Jesus. We know that thousands of young people were involved prior to 1985 and many of them began relationships with Jesus. We also know that many others came to know Jesus later in life. I was blown away by how many lives this ministry has impacted over the years.

 

At the Diamonds and Decades celebration, we saw a video testimony from Nick Ristow. He was a young man coming from a destructive family background in the late 90’s and is now a pastor, husband, and father. The most impactful part of his message was when he shared that his three kids have been spared the harm of generational abuse because 71Five/YFC brought the story of Jesus into his life.

 

As we look toward the next 60 years, I’m excited to think about how many thousands more will experience trust that leads to eternal hope, and thank you for making these life transformations possible!

 

Can you imagine being 21 years old trying to figure out the adult world and not able to read or write? We are working with a young man in this situation right now. He has a learning disability but he’s smart. Another young man has genius-level intelligence but is trapped in severe Attention Deficit Disorder. These guys have no opportunity to take care of themselves and be successful outside of crime. They’ve been able to slip through the system but there’s no longer a positive path forward. This is where 71Five is built to step in. These young men and others are being taught by trusted staff and volunteers at a pace or in a method they can handle. When they first come, they call themselves stupid or worthless but in time we see them learn, we see their confidence grow, and we see smiles and pride in their eyes.

 

Make no mistake, we know the greatest good we can do is to introduce struggling kids to the hope found in Jesus, but there’s so much more ‘good’ that happens in the lives of kids who connect with 71Five. Thank you! You provide the good… and the greatest good!!

 

 

“Pray for me and my Dad he got sent to prison for 3 to 4 years and for my Mom it will be about 2 years.” This was a prayer request from a 15-year-old boy sitting in juvenile detention. What chance does this young man have to stay out of prison? What he’s been taught has already led him to crime and jail. There’s not much hope for him to learn a different way.

 

Thankfully you’ve provided the answers. You sent caring adults into the jail to find this young man. You provided people who care about his future. You provided a true story that lets him know there’s more to life. That he is loved. There is a door to forgiveness. He can love other people and get help to change the way he lives. But most of all you have brought healing and hope that lasts forever!

 

 

One of our staff shared about one young woman in detention who faced unimaginable pain and suffering growing up and reached a point where she felt lost and disconnected from God. In that time of darkness, she attempted suicide several times and even died but was revived.

 

During a recent conversation, our staff shared about forgiveness, peace, and hope. After the conversation she jotted a note for prayer— “I know that I am a very lost person, sure I know the Bible, but I do not know if I truly have a relationship with God. The other day I felt him speak to me and I truly want to grow that relationship.” She still carries a heavy burden from past trauma and abuse, but you’ve provided a caring adult, a listening ear, and a message of hope. Please pray this young woman would come to recognize her immeasurable worth and discover her unique purpose in a growing relationship with Christ.

 

You’re making a huge impact, and this girl now carries a glimmer of hope. You made that possible by bringing light into the darkest situation. Thank you!!

 

 

Do you know who Milla Sofia is? Milla is a completely artificial Virtual Influencer. “She” is projected as a beautiful woman from Finland living the perfect life, doing amazing things… but none of it’s real. “She” has made the news recently because people are interacting with her as a real person, asking her on dates, asking for advice, and following her on social media. What’s frightening isn’t Milla deceiving people, (Her producers are very clear that the perfect person living the perfect life is fantasy) it’s that young people know it’s fantasy but are choosing to live in the ‘fake life.’ Young people being addicted to fantasy which is much more appealing than reality. It’s clearly a trap and the results are devastating. Mental health issues, depression, and suicide are destroying young people at staggering rates because they are enticed by happiness in the ‘fake life’ but they can’t actually attain it. When the digital dream is better than real life, life becomes an unbearable burden.

 

Thank you for providing trustworthy, competent, and caring adults to each young person. A real person to get them out of the digital fantasy and experiencing actual life. Kids know real life is hard, it hurts, and often there’s good reason to try and escape it. But you can’t escape it for long. This is when a trusted friend who’s lived and learned that a bit of well-focused faith, perseverance and work can bring love, joy, and peace with God. The true best life.

 

 

I heard recently about a couple young men in our 71Five VoTech training program who are dealing with behavioral issues. They struggle to focus, follow instructions, and they create chaos everywhere they go. Their fathers attend the program with them because of their lack of control. It’s clear in our efforts to teach trade skills to these young men is taking its toll on everyone. The dads are worn out, our staff are worn out and they’re all wondering if anything worthwhile is being accomplished… but the boys are still coming, and the story isn’t over.

 

As we prayed for these boys at staff meeting, I realized… if not us, then who? These young men don’t fit in school. 71Five VoTech is really their only option to learn skills to become productive men. The incredibly patient staff and volunteer staff are the best chance these boys have. It’s in this patience and determination where our mission truly comes alive, where the real work is, where sacrifices for young people are made. But this is also where hard earned trust leads to hope.

 

Thank you for providing hard earned trust. It brings real hope.