Posted on Sep 9, 2024 by Shane Skirvin in Life Change Story | 0
Here at 71Five, we had an awesome summer with camps being the focal point. The last camp of the summer we had was Middle School Camp. Which was an excellent time to pull away from the business and busyness of life and have an adventure with our middle school kids and our high school helpers. It was a great location and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Southern Oregon. More importantly, it was a time to focus on building up these kids spiritually, focusing on their long-term spiritual formation (Galatians 4:19). At the personal level with kids there’s nothing like camp to break down barriers to authentic relationships when everyone is sun-burnt, tired, sweaty and a little dirty! One kid there when we were casually talking about how long he’s been a part of 71Five clubs, remarked that he felt like my biological kids were his siblings and that he was part of my family! This young man has been through so much trauma in his life and it was touching to see how he felt about us. We are only able to reach his life and be a part of his life because of your generous donations of time and money to enable us to reach out to him.
Apostle Paul says how will people go and do ministry if they are not sent by others, Paul goes on to say how will people call on and believe in God if they never even get a chance to hear about Him, and they can’t hear without someone intentionally preaching to them and people can’t preach unless they are sent [Romans 10:14-17]. It’s because of your vital support we can reach the young people of this generation! As Apostle Paul says it’s a beautiful thing! We are all concerned about the growing darkness in our society and world, and this is how we shine a light into that darkness! Your incredibly important support is for such a time as this [Esther 4:14]!
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
Posted on Sep 3, 2024 by Beau Jeska in Life Change Story | 0
Here’s an excerpt from a letter I recently received:
“God’s peace washed over me when I learned of what you did in my grandson’s life. We had been praying fervently that God would speak to him in his troubled mind – you were an answer to our prayers. We hope this somehow impacts you, that it gives you confirmation that you are doing what God meant you to do.
Though he died before we could see total transformation in his physical life, God gave us assurance through you that He made him whole and took him into His presence on the day he left this life. Again, I want you to know you are being used by God. I am thinking that much of your ministry is a struggle, not knowing if your day-to-day work is making an impact. You make a difference. Keep listening to God and let Him use you to impact lives and draw lost souls to Christ. He redeems and can make all things new.”
To the author of this letter… I have mourned the loss of your grandson deeply. Thank you for your encouraging words, they are precious. I am grateful for your financial partnership with 71Five Justice to share the Gospel with other hurting kids. God Bless 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
Posted on Aug 26, 2024 by Wendy Collins in Life Change Story | 0
Imagine you enter a room, immediately your heartbeat intensifies and your mind races. Afraid to speak, you sit alone. You try not to make eye contact, listening to music, looking at your phone, and keeping your distance. You’re there because you know you need to make some friends and want trustworthy adults in your life. Your anxiety is crippling but you attempt to settle into the new space with new people. Sophia felt this when she first started coming to 71Five. After a few weeks she decided to find a 71Five Mentor to help her overcome her anxiety and just have a friend to talk to.
Now, (thanks to your prayers and financial gifts) … Sophia goes to club and summer camp and because of her mentor’s willingness to give time, Sophia’s life has changed for the better in just 6 months! She feels more confident, makes friends more easily, has grown in her relationship with God, and has support as she walks through life.
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
Posted on Aug 19, 2024 by Bud Amundsen in Life Change Story | 0
We recently celebrated the ministry’s 60th anniversary. In preparation for that, I did a little research regarding our history. Our 71Five/YFC records only go back to 1985 but since that time we’ve worked with about 78,000 young people, and about 6000 of those young people professed faith in Jesus. We know that thousands of young people were involved prior to 1985 and many of them began relationships with Jesus. We also know that many others came to know Jesus later in life. I was blown away by how many lives this ministry has impacted over the years.
At the Diamonds and Decades celebration, we saw a video testimony from Nick Ristow. He was a young man coming from a destructive family background in the late 90’s and is now a pastor, husband, and father. The most impactful part of his message was when he shared that his three kids have been spared the harm of generational abuse because 71Five/YFC brought the story of Jesus into his life.
As we look toward the next 60 years, I’m excited to think about how many thousands more will experience trust that leads to eternal hope, and thank you for making these life transformations possible!
BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director
541.301.0897 | bud@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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
