While at 71Five VoTech, one student, Thom, was very open to share his love for Jesus with the other students. Admittedly, his bible knowledge was sometimes a little off, but he told me that he felt called to help anyone that needed to hear a good word. I usually didn’t correct him on the spot as I knew his heart was in the right place. I realized I hadn’t seen him for a while, so I shot him a text. I asked if he would like to come to my house for dinner sometime. He texted me right back saying, “Yes, how about tomorrow?” The next day I called him. So, where are you, I asked. He said he was downtown walking. I asked if I could swing by and pick him up. He agreed and as we drove, we talked. I found out that he moved out of his house and was living in the laundry room of a family that took him in. Also, he was working almost full time and trying his best to do well. At our house we had dinner and watched a little TV. Then on the way home he started to talk. He shared how important God was in his life and he new that God was there taking care of him. As I let him out in the middle of town, I told him he can come over anytime. He smiled and thanked me and as he turned to go, with tears welling up, he told me that I was a very special person in his life. As I drove off, noticeably harder to see and the wipers were no help, I thought back and answered my own question. I know where you are Thom. In the center of Gods love.

 

You my friends are the reason there is Trust that leads to Hope for so many youth who have no meaningful adult relationships. Thank you for continuing to build these trusting relationships.

 

Billy, who faithfully attends our high school club, told me how he has been reading the book of Colossians and was excited about what he’s learning. He mentioned he wanted our high school club to read and talk about it during our discussion time. He said, “I like how it shows a new way of life… I also like that it shows that the family of God is multiethnic.” For Billy to see how relevant and life changing the book of Colossians can be, is awesome.

 

To see our youth read and understand the Bible for themselves is super cool! I recently read a study that said 4% of Gen Z has a biblical worldview and is the least Christian generation in US history. The study also said they’re the loneliest generation in history, but amazingly are willing to trust adults who take the time to get to know them. Because of your support we can do this.

 

Thank you so much for bringing the only true hope in the world to the kids of this generation!

We met Beth when she was just 19 years old… 12 weeks pregnant with her second child, detoxing off a recent high, and preparing to go into rehab. Beth shared that she has only known addicts. Her desire was to get clean, be a good mom, help her boyfriend get clean, and truly seek God. After 5 weeks of rehab, she was moved to a facility near her boyfriend. She escaped at her first chance to go back to her old life. Beth really wants to change, but the trap of addiction controls her and hinders her ability to change. Her time with 71Five Parents was cut short, but the connections she made with our 71Five volunteers and peers can still lead her to hope, and help break the cycle of destruction in her life.

 

Thank you for caring about 71Five, and the lives that are being reached. I hope one day soon you can read about Beth’s freedom from addiction.

 

 

“I NEED HELP AND NO ONE IS HELPING! I want to change; I don’t want to use and drink anymore but I don’t know how!” The Lord heard this young man’s cry for help in Juvenile Detention and showed up big-time. Today he is at the 6-month residential program called Barriers to Bridges inside the detention center with only a month to go. He is now a follower of Jesus, attends church twice a week, will be moving in with the pastor of Family Christian Ministry when he graduates, rides with 71Five Justice’s Break the Cycle twice a week and is excited for his future.

 

This is the work you do— building trusting relationships that lead to true hope. You just can’t argue with a changed life!

There are a lot of highs and lows in youth ministry. One moment I can be sad from a teen I previously worked with who is a drug addict and feeding her addiction through prostitution. In another moment I can be happy about a middle schooler asking me for a Bible, knowing the Bible is going to change her life. Through all the highs and lows, I continually remind myself the results of young people accepting the wonderful hope that Jesus offers us is not in my hands. Sometimes I work with the same kids for years and years, telling them 100 different ways of how to accept Jesus, but they still don’t. It can be painful to watch their lives slowly turn further away from God even after so much love has been poured into them. Even for those kids, I know God’s Word can still impact them. I also know I’ve been called to do my part and love on kids unconditionally; and there are plenty of kid’s who’s lives do turn to Christ as a result.

 

What has God called you to do? Don’t let fear stop you. The results aren’t in our hands… they’re in God’s. If God is calling you to help the lost youth of our valley, please contact us. We would love to help you love on kids.

 

 

Tucker excitedly yelled my name and told me he finally gained enough courage to attend my church’s youth night and how much he loved it! I was thrilled, and we excitedly jumped with joy! He shared, “I’ve never felt like I could fit in anywhere, especially with my social anxiety, but at 71Five I feel really welcomed, and I can just be myself and be accepted for who I am and how I am. That’s why I keep coming and that’s how I felt at church… AND my anxiety wasn’t even triggered!!! I’m so glad I went!”

 

71Five is a mission of the local church. We strive to plug youth into the local church where they can find fellowship, be a part of a safe community, learn and attain a deeper understanding of the Gospel. Thank You for making Tucker feel welcomed and accepted just as he is. Because of you, we are able to lovingly guide Tucker and many other young people towards a grander community that will forever love them as Christ loves us.