A couple years ago, when Talik was only 13 years old, his little brother passed away. It was sudden and tragic and Talik was deeply affected, as anyone would be, by this great loss. At the time, I didn’t know how exactly it would affect him, but I knew that God had a plan. Over the course of the past two years of investing time, prayer and love into this young man, I have seen him grow so much: he has become a student leader and has been more involved at 71Five Campus, and I have witnessed God moving in his heart. Just recently, he expressed that he has been convicted to share God more with others, both by sharing the message of the Gospel as well as shining God’s light by the way he lives. He said to me, “a while ago some people were praising me, and I told them to praise God, not me.”

 

In ways like these, as well as in some ways I can’t fully explain, I have witnessed growth in this young man through the power of the Holy Spirit. You are making an impact in the lives of young people like Talik. Please pray for Talik, and others like him; God has a plan for them.

 

Toby is a young man who connected with our elementary club and is now in Middle School. He’s had many challenges in a short life including health challenges, a major surgery, parents who have struggled with addiction, and prison. He’s being raised by grandparents who are financially pressed. It seems that he lives between two worlds. There is a constant pull toward addiction and trauma with a downward spiral toward crime and gangs. Yet, he consistently comes to clubs and engages the message we offer, and even at times he’s been a leader and helps other kids. He went to 71Five Camp this summer and it was not without hassles, but he ended up loving it. Recently he started going to church with us, where we have seen tremendous spiritual growth!

 

While he faces (and will continue to face) many challenges, you have shined a light into this young man’s life… Not just his life but also to his two younger brothers who look up to him, and other young boys in the neighborhood and at school. God willing we will see generational and family changes for good, that’s the real and only hope in this world. Thank you for sharing His hope!

 

 

One of our staff shared about one young woman in detention who faced unimaginable pain and suffering growing up and reached a point where she felt lost and disconnected from God. In that time of darkness, she attempted suicide several times and even died but was revived.

 

During a recent conversation, our staff shared about forgiveness, peace, and hope. After the conversation she jotted a note for prayer— “I know that I am a very lost person, sure I know the Bible, but I do not know if I truly have a relationship with God. The other day I felt him speak to me and I truly want to grow that relationship.” She still carries a heavy burden from past trauma and abuse, but you’ve provided a caring adult, a listening ear, and a message of hope. Please pray this young woman would come to recognize her immeasurable worth and discover her unique purpose in a growing relationship with Christ.

 

You’re making a huge impact, and this girl now carries a glimmer of hope. You made that possible by bringing light into the darkest situation. Thank you!!

 

 

Maria, one of the teen mothers in 71Five Parents shared with me her best friend Eva wanted to come to dinner and would need a ride. We were both so happy that she wanted to join us. This new mom Eva was very young, only 14 years old, and her son was 12 months. When Maria and I were driving to get Eva, we called her, and she told us that her dad had taken the truck with her son’s car seat in it. This meant that without the car seat she wasn’t going to be able to attend the event. We pulled over. Maria and I started making calls. Maria called her teacher from the Highschool child development center “Do they have another seat?” Unfortunately, no… I called Amy at Just Between Friends Consignment, one of our business supporters, Amy said she wished she could help but didn’t have one. She told me to try Rogue Retreat. Calling there I spoke with Bree who wanted to help but they had no available car seats, she directed me to Hearts with a Mission. I called them; they had a seat, but it was too large… Looking at the clock, we had 45 minutes before we had to be at dinner. One last idea popped to mind, Kid to Kid consignment store was another local business who we collaborate with. I dialed Amber the manager; she happily responded: “Come on over, I have the car seat size you can need!” Within 30 minutes Maria & Eva and both of their sons were enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner at 71Five Parents.

 

Thank you to all the organizations collaborating with 71Five and thank you to those who contribute to these young parents consistently through your donations and prayers… You truly are the hands and feet of Jesus!

 

 

In late summer of 2022, I met Christian. It began with, “Dab me up bro!” referring to a handshake. Then he asked, “What is this place?” I answered, “This is a youth center. A place for you and your friends to enjoy.” “OK! When does it open?” I told him about our process with the City which I’m sure sounded like a bunch of ‘gobbleygook.’ Over the next few months Christian and many other kids would stop by for some hot chocolate we served in the morning. As we continued to give dabs, high fives, and knuckles, the question remained, “When are you opening?” And then it happened… We got the official word we could open our doors to the public! Christian was so excited and began telling his friends about the youth center across the street from school. Now that we are open, we sit and have a time of devotions and Christian does not sit still very well, but Christian was listening more than I ever thought. One day he asked, “Can you pick me up for church?” He put on his boots, nice jeans, and cowboy hat and received many compliments for how well he’s dressed. I asked the Sunday School teacher how well he did the first time, she said, “He was the biggest help!”

 

Jesus is working in Shady Cove. Through your prayers and financial partnership, we serve food, play games, share devotions and even pick young people up and take them to church at 71Five Campus. Thank You!

 

This tricky situation turned into a teachable moment. One night I was driving a handful of 71Five students home when we were stopped by a police officer. The officer was understanding and courteous, but some of the students wanted to make comments after the officer pulled away. I heard comments like, “they’re wasting our time” and “they have nothing better to do. When I was about to interrupt and tell them how the officer was doing his job, one of students mentioned his uncle was a local police officer and he wondered if the two cops knew each other. I asked what it was like and he said, “It’s cool mostly, but it can be scary sometimes.” The van went quiet for a few seconds before we talked some more. It was the right time to open their eyes to what it means to lay your life down. Each of the students shared how someone sacrificed for them, and a newfound appreciation came to light.

 

Even in the tricky situations, God shows up to teach. If you are the officer from that night, thank you for providing the opportunity for a teachable moment… And if you’re a 71Five donor, thank you for providing the funding to create safe space for these opportunities… for God to show up!

 

 

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom or knew someone who did? Imagine a young person at rock bottom, but also behind bars. How would you want someone to step in and help? That’s where my role as the 71Five Justice Coordinator in Grants Pass comes in. I have the privilege of walking alongside youth at these crucial times in their lives. We encounter teens weekly who are at rock bottom. With a message of Hope, we begin to kindle that transformation and begin to prepare a new beginning. One young man who was facing two measure 11 counts just 3 months ago was at rock bottom. He responded to the message of hope and allowed for that transformation to take place. His life is full of new and challenging obstacles but is overcoming them weekly. He told me that the highlight of his week is to come to church and youth group with me on Sunday. 

 

You make stories like this possible by your generous donations and prayers. If you want to go deeper, prayerfully consider volunteering with us. You can bring the change and hope young people need in our community.

 

 

While in conversation with a few students, we started chatting about some of our favorite holiday traditions. They told me their favorites, and I told them some of mine. Some of them got distracted, until it was just Oliver and I. I asked “What are some of your favorite holiday traditions at home?” Oliver replied, “Well I don’t really have a home, 71Five is the closest thing I have to that.” I asked him to elaborate, and he shared that, unlike home, 71Five is consistent and stable, a place where he can relax and be comfortable. “This is the first place I’ve ever really felt safe.”

 

Unfortunately, this is the truth for many of our students… lost and broken children, desperately searching for a place to call home. Because of your faithfulness, we can provide consistent love and support to kids like Oliver, giving them a place to feel safe and secure. A place that feels like home.

 

 

“To whom it may concern”, recently, I wrote a letter that started just that way. When it comes to the kids in our community, ‘whom it may concern’ is us. Stan recently graduated welding training at 71Five VoTech. Though both parents are at home and involved, home life still has many challenges due to a variety of factors. To look at Stan, most would see a good kid, and he is, but there’s much more going on inside. Stan’s real story brings concern. In the summer of 2022, Stan took the construction training with 71Five and now he has completed welding. More important, the connection with Stan is growing along with trust that leads to hope.

Thank you for being concerned about young people who look good on the outside but on the inside are struggling with hard challenges. Your concern is changing lives and that changes our community.

 

 

Andy’s past would probably make most people cry. In the last year, Andy’s life took another turn for the worse when he started using meth and couch surfing. He’s 18 now and hearing voices telling him to do things. I wish I was able to tell you Andy has taken a 180, has his life cleaned up, and is following Jesus but he isn’t there yet. He’s currently following the wrong voices in his head. It breaks my heart seeing him this way. All I can do is love on him like Jesus loves on me. Not every kid we have in our care turns to Jesus, but I am thankful for all of you who are giving young people the “opportunity” to turn to Jesus. Andy knows he can count on me. Someday, maybe he’ll be back. For now, it hurts as I watch and pray.  

 

Thank you for continuing to care, even when we don’t always get to see the results we hope for. Thankfully, many others have had their lives changed 180 degrees. If you’d like to know more about how you can personally give young people like Andy the opportunity to know Jesus, give us a call or check out our 71Five.org website.