Jamie was a “wild child” when she first showed up at club, full of energy with a bit of aggression. Through time and some loving discipline, volunteers were able to sit with her, play with her, and up to a point give her small tasks. Their endless love and kindness broke through Jamie’s rough exterior and now when she eagerly wants to help, she’s responsible and attentive rather than wild and careless. Working with youth is challenging, but what makes the challenge worthwhile is the reward of knowing you’re making a true difference in the life of a young person. Whether it’s sharing God’s story, your day, or simply joining in on a game at a youth club, you can be sure you are making an impact.

 

If you aren’t already, would YOU consider becoming a volunteer and working with the youth in our communities? The perfect time is now and I’m excited to announce our Come & See the Opportunities at 71Five event on June 4th! We’ll have food, fellowship, and great information about all of our youth programs. Come & See will be hosted at Station 71Five (1241 8th Street in Medford) on Sunday June 4th from 5-7pm. We will be serving a delicious Italian dinner; you won’t want to miss it! We hope to see you there and bring a friend!

 

 

It’s been amazing to see the growth Youth 71Five Ministries has had over the years, especially within the past 3 years since COVID hit. When things seemed to be getting tough, God was at work behind the scenes. Fast-forward to now, we’ve grown in the number of youth we reach weekly, our staff, and the physical locations from which we serve the youth throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties. At each of these locations, kids are hearing about Jesus, asking questions, and choosing to follow him. All of which couldn’t be done without our volunteers and donors. You are the hands and feet of Christ, every time you reach out and lend your hand, finances, or prayers. You are shining the light of Christ into the lives of these kids.

 

Thank you for boldly furthering the reach of 71Five and making an impact in the lives of over 1200 young people this past year. You are making a difference, you are doing eternal work in God’s Kingdom. Thank You!

 

 

“I knew it was just a matter of time before I missed it,” expressed Grace on the way home from our day trip to the Waterworks Park in Redding California. “That was the longest summer, and I couldn’t wait to get back to go to Thursday’s club. The environment at 71Five is a comfortable and safe one, and the energy there is unlike any other! And high school camp was so awesome! I’ve never felt so safe and confident being myself. I’m SO going to tease my brother on how much he missed out on not coming today!” These are the words coming from a teenage girl who, when I first met her, would never leave her younger brother’s side and only attend Elementary Club at 71Five, even though she was in high school. Seeing her leave home, attend a 4-day camp where she accepted Jesus as her Lord & Savior and was baptized, and then come to an event all on her own and share her feelings towards our high school club with such positivity and excitement made my heart overflow with abundant joy! This was a sweet reminder that every moment we spend with these kids makes a difference. Whether it’s one-to-one mentoring or group mentoring, seeds of hope are being planted and kids’ lives are being changed.

 

Thank you for being a part of each of these kids’ personal growth and maturity in the confidence of Christ! You are making a difference!

 

 

We recently went on our annual 71Five Hike. We had no idea it would be so cold and the breeze would be blowing snow off the trees and onto us. With frozen fingers, a few of us scaled the rocks, made it past the infamous “gap” and conquered Pilot Rock. The climb was great, and the views were phenomenal! On the way up the mountain I met Jeremiah. A sweet boy determined to make it to the top no matter what! We climbed… and climbed… and climbed some more. It was cold, so breaks for ‘sun basking’ were a must. During a break, Jeremiah expressed how excited he was to be the only one in his family to ever climb a mountain and how he was going to be the first! His excitement was so pure and genuine. Jeremiah’s excitement was a beautiful reminder of why you’re so important in the lives of young people. There are many reasons, but the fact that you provide unique experiences where kids can create wonderful childhood memories, they otherwise couldn’t… that is huge! What’s more, giving kids the ability to overcome a fear and accomplish what they see as a massive feat is priceless.

 

Thank you for providing opportunities where caring adults climb the mountains of life alongside young people, encouraging and guiding as they realize they truly can overcome gigantic obstacles along the way.

 

 

At the Night of Mystery, I heard my name being shouted. I looked up and saw Christy running to give me a huge hug. She said “I was literally just saying how I really hoped I’d see you tonight.” It was a heartwarming surprise as I wasn’t sure of the last impression I’d made. The last time I saw Christy was when I drove her and 8 other students to the Redding Water Park a few months back. We had a blast talking, listening to music, eating junk food, and laughing the entire time! But there were times when I had to pause the fun and discipline them while driving, particularly Christy… and not just once, or even twice, but multiple times. That’s what made Christy’s hug all the more special! Even though I gave her some tough love that trip, I see she knows deep down I really care about her. Sometimes tough love is really just love.

 

God’s Word reminds us we must let go of our fears and do what is right, trusting He has control of the situation [1 Peter 3:14]. A little bit of tough love for a van full of students made a difference in the life of at least one young person. It created a bond that has now grown into a beautiful friendship. Thanks to you, trusting relationships can be formed between caring adults and young people. Relationships that lead our youth from trust to hope.

 

 

At 71Five’s Middle School Camp, we had small group discussions in our cabin after Chapel. During one session, I shared a few pertinent details of my testimony. Sometimes you never quite know if kids are listening, but you just hope they are. Shortly after, I walked by Natalie and she shook her head saying, “I just can’t see it…I just can’t see it.” I laughed and curiously asked, what can’t you see? She said, “I just can’t see you like that…and now, now you’re just so…happy!” Her tone was that of confusion and happiness together. I laughed with her and said, “I know! Even though I didn’t really know God in my youth, He was protecting me and helped me find my way to Him where I found forgiveness, redemption, peace, and true happiness. So how could I not be happy?”

 

The next morning Natalie so sweetly asked if I would be the one to baptize her that day. I was excited for her and honored to be a part of her story! Sometimes when you think you’re not making a difference in a young person’s life, God has a way of showing you the truth and blessing you along the way. Thank you for making 71Five Camp happen. A place where kids can feel safe, relate with others, and find the Way, the Truth, and the Life… where they can find Jesus.

 

 

 

 

Olivia is a sweet, sensitive, and smart girl. She’s also a self-proclaiming introvert … very shy, doesn’t like change or loud noises. The smallest of crowds give her anxiety. One would think that not having to leave home would be an introvert’s dream, yet that was not the case for Olivia. She’s attended 71Five Mentors for over 3 years. When we went virtual because of COVID, she felt a sense of loss. “Since my family doesn’t have a car, going to 71Five was the only time I ever really left my home.” In January, we relaunched our Elementary Club and Olivia was the first to arrive! She was extra excited to return and shared, “My favorite part is being able to spend quality time with other people.”

 

71Five doesn’t only exist to share the gospel with young people, but to share God’s story through trusting relationships. For Olivia, this meant showing up, sitting together for dinner, participating in our bible message, and engaging in our activities. For a young girl who is introverted, shy, and anxious in crowds, Olivia understood spending quality time with others was worth stepping out of her comfort zone. Thank you for creating a safe and comfortable environment for the most vulnerable of kids to want to come and be a part of 71Five.