I first met Jackie when she was only 13-years-old and I was a volunteer at my church’s youth group. Eventually, she grew and babysat for my oldest son and was later involved in the college-age ministry my wife and I ran in our house. Jackie went on to become a volunteer for the North Medford Youth Center of Youth 71 Five Ministries, which at the time was, Rogue Valley YFC. Jackie has been the most consistent part of that ministry. I know I only had a very small part in the life of Jackie, but over the years, I got to see her go from that 13-year-old girl I was ministering to, to see her now ministering to youth with her husband. Now, I get to work side by side with Jackie and her husband every week as we share the love of Jesus with lost and hurting youth.

Are you ready to invest in the life of a young person? I can tell you from experience, it is well worth it when you get to see the little you do get multiplied by God. If you want to find out more, give us a call at Youth 71Five Ministries, (541) 779-3275. Help change the lives of young people. TIM HARDY, 71Five Campus Area Director – North Medford tim@71Five.org

Have you ever heard someone’s life story that brings tears to your eyes? I experience this often with the youth I work with. I’m Tim Hardy, the new North Medford Area Director for Youth 71Five Ministries (formerly Rogue Valley Youth for Christ). I’ve had the opportunity to work with youth all over the world and for the past 3 years in Grants Pass. The pain many of these kids, from right here in the Rogue Valley, have experienced by those who are supposed to love them is unfathomable. When you see the scars on a kid’s back from a drunk dad, meet a girl who’s lived in 36 foster homes, or hear the story of a teen who been used as a drug dealer by their addicted mom, it is almost too much. But, so many of these kids despite the fact they’ve been shown over and over not to trust anyone, have put their trust in Jesus. They come to know Jesus through the ministry of 71Five because people just like you take the time to love on them, help sponsor them for activities, and have prayed for them.