I recently talked with a young man about God because of you and your generous giving! We were able to set aside time, place, and even meals so that we could gather as a group with some young people and talk about not just becoming a believer in God (theism) but a disciple of Jesus Christ (a follower and believer in Christ). This young man had been dealing with a lot of trauma and life’s difficulties and at first, was not sure if Christians would even like him. But he was open to the message of becoming a new person in Christ—he seemed far from God. Of course, we know no one is far from God now because of Christ (Eph.2:13). We could share this great news with this young person so that he could become born again and join the Church of God, because of people like you we can have these God-appointed conversations! 

 

I am both thankful and excited to be part of God’s outreach to people with the hope of the Gospel, is there anything more important? Thank you so much for being a co-laborer in this work! (Rom. 16:3).

 

 

I was going into the juvenile detention center for the first time and wanted to see God move in these kids’ lives and mine. My friend Beau asked me to pray about becoming a volunteer, but I wanted to know if it was something the Lord was calling me to do. I’ve been saved for 25 years and in that time, I have led 3 people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Going into the detention center for group I asked God to have everyone be saved in there that first night, but at least 3 to match my 25 years, and let me know I’m called to serve in this place.

 

Beau asked me to share my testimony with everyone and afterward, I asked if anyone wanted to be saved. 3 young people stepped forward and the rest were already saved so God fulfilled all my prayers at once. Your partnership with this ministry makes a difference in people’s lives, thank you. – 71Five Justice Volunteer

 

 

I was talking with a young person who began a mentorship roughly 2 months ago and I asked them a question. I said, “Since having a mentor, how has the way you think about your life or yourself improved?” Their answer was everything. In an instant, I got a glimpse of God transforming this young person’s life. One relationship for a few hours each month over a short period of time changed everything. It’s what God does through you praying, you giving to make the relationship possible, and you making time to participate in sharing God’s story of hope in your life.

 

This young person said, “Before, I saw us as slaves to God with no relationship just living life with nothing really to live for, but now I see that I do have something to live for and it’s God!” Thank you for your participation in this young person’s story.

 

 

Can you imagine being 21 years old trying to figure out the adult world and not able to read or write? We are working with a young man in this situation right now. He has a learning disability but he’s smart. Another young man has genius-level intelligence but is trapped in severe Attention Deficit Disorder. These guys have no opportunity to take care of themselves and be successful outside of crime. They’ve been able to slip through the system but there’s no longer a positive path forward. This is where 71Five is built to step in. These young men and others are being taught by trusted staff and volunteers at a pace or in a method they can handle. When they first come, they call themselves stupid or worthless but in time we see them learn, we see their confidence grow, and we see smiles and pride in their eyes.

 

Make no mistake, we know the greatest good we can do is to introduce struggling kids to the hope found in Jesus, but there’s so much more ‘good’ that happens in the lives of kids who connect with 71Five. Thank you! You provide the good… and the greatest good!!

 

 

Have you ever lied about something and had to come clean? It’s hard… not only to own up to your actions, but to admit your actions to your boss, teacher, or another leader in your life. Liam, a 13 year-old student, had to own up to something that he was encouraged to lie about by his friends. He had only been coming to 71Five Campus in Eagle Point for a couple of weeks, and one Friday at the beginning of the night Liam came up to me and said, “I love 71Five Campus a lot, and I love coming here, but before the night starts I need to tell you that I lied about something.” He proceeded to tell me the story, and he owned up to his actions. I didn’t previously know about it, nor did anyone else confront him about it. He made the decision to talk to me all on his own, and displayed maturity beyond his years. I thank God that 71Five is a place that, even in a short amount of time, encourages young people to pursue the right thing, even when it’s hard.

 

Thank you for being a part of 71Five Campus in Eagle Point, and providing a safe space for people like Liam to get closer to Jesus.

 

Kayden and Braxton regularly attend our 71Five City – Liberty Park elementary clubs. These two define what it means to be a boy. They are always spontaneous, full of laughter, and intrigued with just about everything under the sun. During a recent lesson about the crucifixion, they learned about what happened to Jesus before he went to the cross… And for a moment it was like Christ got a hold of these boys and He told them, “I did all this for you!” They listened.

 

Only the Lord knows where the seeds landed. I believe that Christ spoke to these boys, and they heard Him loud and clear. Because of you, we are planting seeds in the hearts of young people and providing hope throughout the Rogue Valley. Thank you!

 

 


Every month, all the city and campus groups come together for something fun. Last month, we organized a paint-balling outing. As we were all set to leave the Grants Pass city building, in our trusty 12-passenger van, we hit a snag—a big one. Our gas line had been cut, and the gas? Completely siphoned out. There we were, ready for an adventure, yet momentarily stranded. During this challenging situation, one of the youth asked me, “How come you didn’t get mad and start cussing?” I explained, “Throwing a fit wouldn’t move us an inch closer to our destination!” It was a test of resilience, a lesson in overcoming obstacles without losing our cool. Despite feeling a storm of emotions inside, especially considering the low blow of stealing from a van meant to carry kids, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds, the situation called for calm leadership. And this, my friends, is where the testing of our faith shines the brightest.

 

Fortunately, we have a Father in heaven who loves his children and has given us his Holy Spirit. In times of trials and testing, we can rely on His strength to demonstrate positive role modeling to the kids we serve. At 71Five, where I pour my heart into making a difference, we strive to be that beacon of hope, love, and unwavering support for these young people. This incident, rather than breaking us, reinforced the values we stand for. Thank you for providing the the hope found in Jesus to the youth at 71Five who are facing difficult challenges and obstacles in this life.

 

 

After sending our prayer request email for the 71Five Parents Prayer team, I was delighted to receive a call from Melva a few hours later. She shared with me that: “The Lord is stirring my heart as I pray for these young parents. I was eighteen when I became a young mother in 1961. When you are that young, the brain is not fully developed. I felt so poorly equipped at eighteen to manage a home and take care of children. I know what it’s like to be a young parent and grieve for what each one has to walk through. If I can bless these young mothers and help equip them by supporting 71Five Parents; then I want to do it. I was so busy all my life. Now at 81 years, when I look back at what I went through, I see that the Lord was there with me. “

 

Can you see the Lord working through Melva to transform and equip young parents? The Lord has called all believers to make disciples. Thank you for giving hope, praying for and equipping each one of our young parents. Jesus said in the Bible, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”