Posted on Aug 13, 2024 by Larry Licato in Life Change Story | 0
As you may know, many of the youth today lack a direction and a purpose for living. Here at 71Five our goal is to assist young adults to find that direction and purpose. One wonderful example of this is a young man that has attended 71Five VoTech Training and came back again and again. He was the first to arrive and always the last to leave. I was very impressed with his dedication and willingness to help as needed. The only drawback was that he almost never spoke and in his own words is ‘socially awkward.’ As I sat next to him at graduation a thought came to me to invite him to become a volunteer here at 71Five VoTech in Medford. He said, “Can I do that?” I told him that he would be a great asset to the program and that he could be a great help to the students. He nearly immediately went to our main office and filled out an application and has now finished the process of becoming not only our youngest volunteer but our first alumni student to become a volunteer. On his application there is a question that asks, what is your greatest challenge to being a volunteer. He answered, “I lack social skills.” I am sure that will change in time, but I see this also as an asset, as he can relate and connect with so many of our students that also lack social skills.
Jayden, I am excited to have you on the team and looking forward to seeing how God will be leading you in this exciting endeavor as you began as a student and now a volunteer with 71Five VoTech.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
541.890.1819 | larry@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Aug 6, 2024 by Peter Kuhl in Life Change Story | 0
Has God ever shown up in your life when you really needed Him? Odds are you just nodded your head “Yes.” TJ experienced God showing up in his life recently in a profound way. It was 11:30 at night, and he called me to tell me about what God had just done for him. He told me that he had been struggling with forgiving himself for his past, and God kept putting Mark 2 on his mind, which he had never read before. As he opened his Bible, TJ witnessed God reveal Himself in a way that spoke directly to what he was dealing with. He found that the passage teaches about God’s power and authority to forgive sins. He said, “I just knew that God was telling me that I am forgiven.”
God showed up in a miraculous way, and TJ now has a story that he can share with others. He shared the story with his friends, he shared it with me, and now I am sharing it with you. The testimonies of God’s children are so powerful, and I am incredibly privileged to have been a part of TJ’s story. Through 71Five, I have been able to build a trusting mentor relationship with TJ, and he was excited to tell me how God showed up for him. Thank you for empowering kids to share their story.
PETER KUHL, 71Five Ministry Director – Eagle Point
541.630.0648 | peter@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jul 29, 2024 by Isaiah Abney in Life Change Story | 0
This was Lena and Laya’s first day trip with 71Five. The day started like any regular youth trip with us first gathering and prying for fun and safety. We headed out for the coast, stopping in the famous California Redwood National Park, home to some of the tallest trees in the world. The drive was semi-pleasant for them, accounting of course for all the twists and turns through the monster trees towards the coast. The twins were hesitant at first to sign up to go on this day trip because up to now they have only been to club a limited number of times, didn’t know very many of us, and didn’t know what to expect. Then the van broke down. Unfortunately, we were stranded on the roadside for a couple of hours waiting for a second van to come rescue us. The amazing thing is when the twins approached me, they joyfully said, “This is an awesome first trip!”
Thank you for caring for Lena and Laya… God used our van breaking down on this youth trip to show the twins they don’t have to be afraid!
ISAIAH ABNEY, 71Five City – Liberty Park Intern
(706) 748-1999 | isaiah@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jul 22, 2024 by Chris Willis in Life Change Story | 0
At a recent club event at 71Five City in Grants Pass, we hosted an art night where youth tested their skills by painting portraits of each other on canvas. It turned out to be a lively evening filled with laughter and camaraderie. Some paintings were remarkably impressive, while others were more experimental, but regardless, it was a joy to witness the kids enjoying themselves and forming new friendships. Prior to painting, some of the girls expressed doubts, saying things like, “I’m terrible at art” or “I’ve never done this before and I’m nervous.” However, as the night progressed, these same girls surprised themselves by creating beautiful portraits of their friends. I made sure to affirm their talents and reassure them of their abilities.
Many of the young people we work with come to us lacking confidence and affirmation in their lives, burdened by insecurities. It’s heartwarming to see their faces light up as they realize their potential and take pride in their creations. Your support through prayers and donations makes these transformative experiences possible. We are deeply grateful for your partnership!
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
Posted on Jul 10, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh in Life Change Story | 0
Violet is a sixteen-year-old girl who found out that she was pregnant. Looking at the positive pregnancy test, she felt heavy fear and unrelenting dark waves of panic mixed with disbelief. “Is this real?” She went to her mom hoping she would help, instead her mom replied: “I don’t know what you are going to do about this problem. You got yourself into this mess.” When Violet finally had the courage to tell her child’s seventeen-year-old father, he said “You aren’t going to keep it, ARE YOU?” She knew he didn’t love her, and he wouldn’t walk this road with her either. Violet felt a connection with her child, a love for the life inside of her despite what everyone else said. Violet did have one person who listened to what she wanted to do, it was a kind lady she talked to at the Pregnancy Care Center, this woman helped her get into The Magdalene Home, a homeless shelter for teen mothers. Violet knew she couldn’t do this by herself; however, she was encouraged because someone cared and showed her how to get the help she needed to have her baby.
This same story has been told to me again and again by a number of teen moms who attend 71Five Parents. 71Five has a team of Christians who support teen parents by sharing God’s story of Hope. It is very humbling to witness the self sacrificing love that teen mothers give to their children, it is uncommon and heroic. Thank you for your sacrifice and love for the teen parents at 71Five.
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
Posted on Jul 8, 2024 by Will Arias in Life Change Story | 0
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.”
Without you, Sophia wouldn’t have a relationship with Jesus. It begins with you in prayer then God leads you to take the next step. Without you we wouldn’t have the staff to be in Sophia’s life fostering her personal relationship with Jesus. Are you willing to take another faith step by becoming one of our faithful 1500 financial partners? As always please continue to pray.
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
Posted on Jul 1, 2024 by Troy Ellis in Life Change Story | 0
Eli and David are two unlikely youth who have bonded at Station 71Five. Eli is two years younger than David who just recently graduated into Middle School. David was ecstatic to get his prize for bringing someone new to 71Five. This was Eli’s first experience… He jumped right into the mix and sprinted around the building to help set up our laser tag arena. As I was checking on everything for the second time, I heard David yell, “My mom said yes!” David was affirming that a sleepover was at hand. Eli usually has trouble fitting in, so I knew this meant the world to him.
Thank you for every way a disciple is made in West Medford through Youth 71Five. From shy kids like Eli to bloomers like David. We’ve done more for them together with your faithful show of giving.
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
Posted on Jun 19, 2024 by Chris Willis in Life Change Story | 0
Ever felt like you hit rock bottom or knew someone who did? Imagine a young person at that point, but also behind bars. How would you want someone to step in and help? That’s where 71Five Justice and my role comes into the picture. Just over a year ago I met a young man who was locked up in Juvenile Detention for a string of bad choices. As I got to know him and build that trusting relationship, I found out that he had lost his dad and Grandfather all within a years’ time. As a 16-year-old, I couldn’t imagine losing these male figures. As we began to meet in detention, he took a bible and began to read it, not only was he sharing scripture with other inmates, but he was also sharing with his mom and grandmother. He was eventually released and started coming 71Five events and church.
With sheer grit and a refusal to give up, he turned his life around, nailed his classes, and walked across the graduation stage, proving to everyone that he was more than his mistakes. It’s amazing to see the longevity of our work as missionaries to this community. Thank you for your prayers and partnership with 71Five.
CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five Justice Coordinator – Grants Pass
(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
Posted on Jun 17, 2024 by Sara Vassallo in Life Change Story | 0
Lexi and Kayla are sisters who have been attending the 71Five Campus in Central Point for some time. They are very shy and often have trouble making friends. Each week they are glued to me from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, and it has been my prayer that they would be able to connect with some of the other girls in their age group. One night we had pancakes for dinner… While all the other kids were playing outside, the younger girls started to gather around as I finished the pancakes. They began decorating their pancakes and started launching whipped cream from their hands to their mouths. They giggled and played together for the rest of the evening. At the end of the night, after the other girls had left, the sisters ran up to me and one yelled “Sara…. We made friends!” They were so proud that after months of attending club they were able to make a friend.
It is such a blessing to experience these big moments in the lives of our youth. Because of your support, we get to have an environment that fosters friendship. Thank you for supporting the youth in our community so they too can make a friend.
SARA NIELSEN, 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
Posted on Jun 10, 2024 by Aaron Faust in Life Change Story | 0
Jake came to 71Five VoTech in Grant Pass, our pre-apprenticeship trade school, with a strong desire to gain the skills needed to further his career in the trades. He enrolled in our welding course, determined to make the most of the opportunity. As days turned into weeks, Jake’s skills and abilities grew remarkably. His confidence soared alongside his competence, and he began to see a hopeful future ahead. The supportive environment and hands-on training at 71Five VoTech played a crucial role in his development. Upon graduation, Jake’s hard work paid off when he received a job offer in construction and small remodeling work. This position not only validated his efforts but also provided a solid foundation for his career. Jake said, “The skills I learned at 71Five VoTech provided me with the ability to step out in faith to apply for a better job.”
Witnessing Jake’s transformation from a hopeful student to a skilled tradesman was incredibly rewarding. 71Five VoTech didn’t just teach him welding; you are helping him build a brighter, more confident future.
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
