In the beginning of the new soccer season, our team gathered for practice, filled with fresh faces. Each Tuesday, we kick off with a devotion, inviting players to hear the gospel, while Thursdays are dedicated to prayer. Yet, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm; some kids express their indifference, saying, “this is not my favorite time.” However, just two weeks in, I noticed a remarkable change in one of our players, Miss Chloe. Initially hesitant, she began to raise her hand to ask for prayer, demonstrating a newfound eagerness. During devotion, she listened intently, even urging her teammates to be quiet. Though I’m unsure if Chloe has a relationship with Jesus yet, it’s clear she is on a journey. I’m excited to witness her growth and that of the other twenty players from our Shady Cove teams. Please join me in praying for them to deepen their faith.

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

December 2024 was such a blessing… It was a packed youth house on our birthday party for Jesus with 31 young people and many asking to pray before we ate. This has become more common in recent days. From lots of kiddos and new volunteers arriving to some amazing conversation with parents who are asking more questions about Jesus. Amid the busyness and laughter, tears and hugs, I found this letter:

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

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.

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

Some of the coolest moments to be a part of in youth ministry happen on our drives on long trips. On this trip I witnessed the work of our staffs fostered relationship and encouragement in Sophia’s life. I would ask Sophia prior to our trip to South Umpqua Falls, “Sophia, what do you want to do when you grow up?” Sophia is good at singing and acting and dancing and caring for others. Her possibilities are great, but she doesn’t see it. She would always say, “Will, I don’t know… I am just a kid.” But this time was different. She did lead with the same comment however, upon my response of, “Welp, fair enough.” She began asking questions about my job. How much school is needed, do you have to be 18, how do you start, do you make a lot of money? And finished with saying, “I would really like to do what you and Ryann do because I like encouraging and loving people and that’s what you guys do all the time. Without you, I wouldn’t have a relationship with Jesus.”

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