Life Change Story Archives - Youth 71Five Ministries

Overwhelmed by the Experience!

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 by Chris Willis in Life Change Story | 0

I know the New Year is in full swing, but I want to share one last story from 2024 that deeply impacted me. This past Christmas, I hosted a party for young men at the OYA youth correctional facility in Grants Pass. Thanks to an overwhelming response to a social media ask, we gathered far more gifts than expected. Our 71Five City Club students helped wrap about 60 presents, and as they worked, their comments struck me: “I couldn’t imagine not being with my family for Christmas!” and “Unwrapping gifts is my favorite thing.” It opened their eyes to those who miss out on traditions they take for granted. That night, my wife and I brought food, gifts, and a plan for a meaningful celebration. We shared a meal, played trivia, and delivered a message of hope in Jesus. When it was time to open presents, I told the young men how the community—people who didn’t even know them—had come together to show they cared. The shock on their faces was unforgettable. One young man said, “I haven’t had a Christmas like this in three years.” As we left, they kept thanking us, and when my wife and I got to the car, she broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the experience. It showed me how much of a difference we can make when we step into hard places and show up with love and hope.

This moment reminded me why we do what we do at 71Five. Thank you for being part of something bigger. My hope is that this inspires you to get involved and help reach these young people in our communities.

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Jan '25

“I’m proud of you.”

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0

Jan '25

Last week at 71Five Parents we were reading Isaiah 43:4 where God says to his people: “You are precious and honored in my sight and I love you.” I asked the teen parents: “Has anyone ever told you that they were “proud of you?” Not one in the group had ever heard the words: “I am proud of you.” Would you agree that kids need to be seen for who they are, that they should be loved and honored? Most teen parents lacked a caring adult to invest time, guidance, protection or support when they needed it. Teen parents may be walking into parenthood themselves with a deficit of their basic needs met.

Would you like to encourage teen parents? As believers we are called to do more than bible-study. Are you ready to act out your faith? Is God calling you to help meet the greatest need that the youth in our community have? Everyone needs Hope. Become a volunteer mentor at 71Five.org

BREANNA STOUTENBURGH, 71Five Parents Coordinator

541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Jan '25

“To Jesus My Father In Heaven,”

Posted on Jan 2, 2025 by Will Arias in Life Change Story | 0

Jan '25

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:

“To Jesus my Father in Heaven, I have loved you for two years now. Even though I have never seen you, you mean so much to me. I know I have…” – Lexi

This brought me to tears with a clear understanding of why I do the work I do here at 71Five. It is for this young lady who is not only in love with Jesus but pursuing an intimate relationship with Him. She has now embarked on a journey through the Bible in a year. Were you as curious as I was to what Lexi wrote next? No matter what, how she began her letter to Jesus was so pure. It is because of you that makes it possible to share the Gospel. Thank you for your support of 71Five.

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

Dec '24

Inspiring Talent . . .

Posted on Dec 30, 2024 by Troy Ellis in Life Change Story | 0

Dec '24

Someone was needed to take the stage and share their story in a personal and creative way for our Fall Fun Day at Station 71Five … So, I made a big ask of Dalton. This was a pivotal moment for him, filled with courage, hard work, and the all-too-familiar feeling we all get when put on the spot. Dalton expressed his feelings through a song. After much prayer and preparation, he stood before the crowd with his beats, sharing not only his music but also his heart. As he storied through his journey and faith, the audience was moved by his vulnerability and growing confidence. Dalton’s commitment to sharing through his talents was inspiring, and it reminded everyone present of the transformative power of faith and support God brings to His children.

As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Dalton’s story is a testament to the strength we find in Christ and the encouragement of life-giving community provided at 71Five. Through your prayers, financial contributions, and volunteer work, you help empower young people like Dalton to grow in faith and confidence. Thank You!

TROY ELLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – West Medford

541.538.0207 | troy@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Dec '24

The Greatest Gift of All!

Posted on Dec 18, 2024 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0

Dec '24

On my way to work I got a phone call from one of my teens, “Hey Sara, is there a kid in 71Five who can’t have Christmas this year, like they have no presents?” I let him know I was sure there were some. He then explained that he had a present and he wanted a kid with no Christmas to have it. It was a special gift he said, “…Because everyone should have a gift for Christmas!” His generosity encouraged me and reminded me of the gift we are about to celebrate: Jesus’ humble birth. Jesus too was born into a family where presents would have been hard to come by, a family that faced hardships and trials. He could have come down any way he liked, something more for a king. But instead, our Elohim, mighty God came down as a baby into the humblest of families to seek and to save the lost. Giving us the greatest gift of all.

Thank you for being a part of sharing the most important gift with the young people in your community.

Merry Christmas,

SARA VASSALLO, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@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

Dec '24

The Reality of this World!

Posted on Dec 9, 2024 by Shane Skirvin in Life Change Story | 0

Dec '24

Weekly clubs have been going well at 71Five Campus in North Medford. We continue to teach God’s story of Hope through Bible teaching and discussion. One young lady Alice, recently said during our discussion defiantly “Her life… Her rules.” It is sad to see that our society has taught young people that they are more importantly individuals independent of any obligations to anyone or anything else. Cultural lies that are designed by the enemy to make kids isolated and lonely and to make them ripe for terrible ideas and temptations. At the same time, Sophia is another young lady at club. She has been asking great questions about faith since she returned from the 71Five Camp last summer. Asking questions such as, “What does real repentance look like in my life?” Sophia is asking with earnestness and sincerity! Revelation chapter 12 describes a great cosmic war between spiritual powers with humans being rescued by one side and devoured by the opposing side. Tragically one girl sees her life as being all about herself not realizing that there are much bigger forces at work, while another girl has begun to realize she must repent and join a side!

Because of you and your crucial support, we can share with young people the real history and the present reality of the world, and together we were able to, as it says in Ephesians 6:12, wrestle and fight to pierce through the darkness that evil cosmic powers use to capture our young people and destroy them. Thank you for reaching the youth of the Rogue Valley with God’s story of Hope! Which is so much greater than anything else!

SHANE SKIRVIN, 71Five Campus Coordinator – North Medford

(541) 646-1475 | shane@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Dec '24

Transformed by God.

Posted on Dec 2, 2024 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 0

Dec '24

Do you know someone whose life could be transformed by pursuing full-time vocational ministry? Mine certainly was! After seven years with 71Five, I’ve learned that God’s most important ministry is the one He has with my heart as He uses my calling to draw me closer to Him. Would you take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal someone who might be a great fit for these openings?

71Five Justice Coordinator: Reach high-risk teens in detention centers, probation programs, group homes, and more. Build lasting relationships that provide hope as they navigate tough situations and re-enter their communities.

71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator: With hands-on, project based learning, and vital life skills training, 71Five VoTech offers real world experiences combined with personal support to advance students toward accomplishing their personal goals. 71Five VoTech serves young people ages 16 – 24 regardless of race, creed, or gender.

71Five Adventure Coordinator: Engage youth in outdoor activities like biking, skiing, and backpacking. Foster resilience, trust, and hope through adventures in a supportive and inclusive environment.

71Five Internships (3 Openings): A two-year pathway to ministry, interns explore all areas of 71Five Campus, Justice, Mentors, VoTech, and more — then specialize in their second year. Includes a $1,100/month stipend, optional Pacific Bible College partnership, and potential housing.

If someone comes to mind, share this opportunity and help them explore a calling that could change their life! Find out more about these opportunities at 71Five.org… Thank you!

BEAU JESKA, 71Five Operations Director

541.601.9631 | beau@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Nov '24

God With Us!

Posted on Nov 27, 2024 by Bud Amundsen in Life Change Story | 0

Nov '24

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.

BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director

541.779.3275 | bud@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Nov '24

Looking For Mentors

Posted on Nov 25, 2024 by Wendy Collins in Life Change Story | 0

Nov '24

Cameron is in High School, he and his younger brother go to 71Five. Months ago, they heard finding a mentor was an option. We have been looking ever since. It’s hard to find men like you willing to form 1:1 relationships. These boys have a difficult home life. They are looking for mentors who can bring fun and activity to their lives. Cameron wants to mature and is interested in growing in the mental, physical, social, & spiritual areas of life. When I asked his younger brother “What are you most thankful for right now?” he replied, “The time I get at 71Five.” I have seen the power of 1:1 relationship as the hope of God transforms lives.

With as little as 4 hours per month you could change these young men’s lives not just for fun and for now but for eternity. Thank you for praying, giving, and committing your time to 71Five Mentors. How is God calling you to participate in 71Five Mentors? Contact me today for more information.

WENDY COLLINS, 71Five Mentors Coordinator

541.441.2495 | wendy@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB