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Canceling Christmas

Posted on Jan 18, 2021 by Ken Ruiz | Life Change Story | 0

Christian and Joleen are two of the neighborhood kids we take lunches to every week. 71Five (partnering with a local church) also delivered Christmas presents to both of them. When following up with their mom we were excited to find out the gifts we brought were literally the exact gifts the kids had asked for! “I didn’t have enough money to buy them gifts this year.” Their mom explained. She was on the brink of canceling Christmas when we showed up. With tears in her eyes, she thanked us for the gifts and our service in the community. She shared that this experience provoked a conversation with a family member who helped her to see that it was God who had made a way for her family this holiday season. Just like that, her hopeless situation was transformed into a glimpse of God’s loving-kindness.

Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with families who are going through hard times. It’s amazing what a simple act of kindness is able to produce.

KEN RUIZ 71Five City – West Medford Coordinator

(916) 519-4679 | ken@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Adventure

Posted on Jan 4, 2021 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

Over 20 years ago, I used to faithfully attend a Youth for Christ outreach called “The Adventure Club.” We met every Thursday evening at the climbing wall in Ashland. I was a rebellious un-churched youth and I certainly wasn’t there for the 15 minute “Jesus talk” in the middle. 20 years later, I was sure of was the character of the man who led the group. I knew him. I trusted him. He had proven himself on many levels to be trustworthy. It helped that he was cool and that he took us to rad places like Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Bailey for adventures. 20 years later, it was his testimony that allowed me to take a leap of faith and trust Jesus for the first time. I now realize it was because I already knew Jesus, and trusted Him, because I had seen His character and love in the man who led the Adventure Club.

This story is encouraging to me in my line of work. There are many rebellious and struggling youths that I have to trust God with, because sometimes I don’t see fruit from our time together. My boss can relate, he used to lead the Adventure Club all those years ago, his name is Bud Amundsen. I have tears in my eyes as I write this because like many of the stories Jesus writes, it is beautiful. Thanks for making miracles like this happen through your support of this vital ministry. God bless you.

BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Coordinator (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

I got it!

Posted on Dec 29, 2020 by Tim Hardy | Life Change Story | 0

I had been more careful than most throughout the pandemic, but recently I contracted Covid-19. I’m the Coordinator for 71Five Campus – North Medford youth center and working with a lot of youth every week exposes me to a lot of potential risks. The virus soon worked through my household except my oldest son. It wasn’t pleasant for anyone, but none of us had to be hospitalized and we got through it ok. During my quarantine, I relied heavily on volunteer staff to run the youth center. I’m thankful there are people willing to sacrifice their time to come week after week to minister to young people. Most of my volunteer staff come help at club right after an exhausting day of work. They have plenty of other things they could do, but they choose to do things like clean a youth kitchen, clean up after messy kids, serve food, and vacuum carpets. They demonstrate Jesus to young people who don’t know Him. They don’t get paid for their service, they hardly ever get thanked by the youth they serve, but they are definitely heroes in my book! Volunteer staff are the backbone of our ministry to lost and hurting youth.

Young people come to know Jesus because volunteer staff step up, even when they have had long hard days of work. I’m super grateful for all the volunteers who’ve committed to being Jesus to young people and are relied on in times of quarantine. Are you willing to get involved and serve young people? 71Five is looking for people with a heart for sharing the good news with lost and hurting youth. Please give us a call at (541) 779-3275 and we’d love to talk about how you can get involved.

TIM HARDY 71Five Campus Coordinator – North Medford (541) 779-3275 tim@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 icb

Trusting in Him brings HOPE!!!

Posted on Dec 18, 2020 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0

I wrote the message below a year ago…

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” [Isa 9:6]

The words of Isaiah about the coming Messiah. The character of Jesus— Astonishing wisdom, a hero God, an eternal good Father and the leader who makes everything good. What a foundation for comfort and peace in a troubled world. Trusting in Him brings HOPE!!! Thank you for bringing the best news in the world to lost and hurting young people!

… So much has changed in our world since I wrote this a year ago, but in one sense, nothing has. The best news hasn’t changed. The character of Jesus hasn’t changed. But… I can tell you my understanding of my need for an ‘Everlasting Father and a ‘Prince of Peace” has changed dramatically. The intensity of that need is even greater in our young people.

Thank you for offering hope to an even more troubled world through 71Five, an eternal and indestructible hope!! Merry Christmas to all! BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director (541) 779-3275 bud@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Seek Refuge 🙌

Posted on Dec 14, 2020 by Darlene Knudson | Life Change Story | 0

Daisy is a smart, beautiful, and very funny young girl… but she comes from a broken home where she’s constantly told the opposite. Coming from an unstable home filled with verbal and emotional abuse, Daisy’s seeks refuge at 71Five. Although her life seemed to be filled with uncertainties, one thing always remains the same… “This is my favorite place!” Daisy is matched with a patient, caring, and loving 71Five mentor whose family also loves Daisy. When an unfortunate event happened resulting with Daisy being placed into foster care, her mentor was the first person she contacted. Although she’s in a foster home, the strong bond between Daisy and her mentor has been recognized as essential for Daisy. Thankfully, a sense of stability can be preserved as they continue their friendship as well as go to Daisy’s favorite place together – club at 71Five!

Through 71Five Mentors, authentic and trusting relationships are formed between at-risk youth and loving Christ-following adults who are willing to stick with-it through thick & thin. Kids can maintain stability and a sense of safety through their mentoring relationships, especially when the world around them is unstable. Thank you for being a part of Daisy’s favorite place! Come join us— we need more mentors!!! DARLENE HARPER 71Five Mentors Coordinator (541) 779.3275 darlene@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

TITAN

Posted on Dec 7, 2020 by Peter Kuhl | Life Change Story | 0

Titan is a regular High Schooler at 71Five Campus in Eagle Point except he stays outside during the games and takes off before the talk. He also comes to the Middle School club instead of High School club. He explained that Friday is the only day he can come, and I think it’s better than not coming at all. So, I told him as a high schooler he needs to help clean up afterward and be a good example for the younger kids. He responded respectfully, “Yes sir, I understand”. Titan is pretty fitting for his name, and that’s all I had seen until this point; the tall, tough Titan. But at that moment I saw a respectful teen who wanted to be at club. A few weeks later he stayed for most of the evening and he helped clean up… even after all his friends left. I thanked him for helping and saw a glimmer of hope as a small part of the wall around his heart crumbled away.

I’m so blessed to be a tool in God’s hands to help bring youth like Titan closer to His love and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank you for all you do in supporting this ministry, bringing Titan and so many other kids closer to God. PETER KUHL 71Five Campus Coordinator – Eagle Point (541) 779-3275 peter@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Can’t NOT Be There 😷

Posted on Nov 30, 2020 by Larry Licato | Life Change Story | 0

Every day, I am blessed to see life change in the young people that we serve here at 71Five. But… More importantly than their freedom that comes with a job, is the need for connections. One young man was held back from attending 71Five VoTech by his family wanting to respect the Governor’s Covid-19 restrictions. A few days later, the young man called and asked if it wasn’t too late for him to return. His mother told me, “My son is sad and depressed; he needs to be there at 71Five VoTech for his mental health. He just can’t not be there!” This young man and others are here before the doors open and stay until I remind them that I don’t live here. We’re not only teaching career and life skills but through relationships we’re bringing hope to a hurting and lonely world. Jesus said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” and I believe as we lead them from trust to hope in Him, we are actually saving lives.

Thank you for being a partner with Youth 71Five Ministries! I ask and pray that you too, “Can’t not stay away!” Come join us in this powerful mission of bringing hope to a desperately disconnected generation. LARRY LICATO 71Five VoTech Coordinator (541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Jaw Dropping Experience . . .

Posted on Nov 24, 2020 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 0

It was a chapel meeting with local kids when this tough looking young man had heard enough, got up in the middle of group and walked out. This was the first time that had happened since my wife and I began leading the Bible-based discussions. I prayed and hoped he would come back next time but had no expectation since he seemed so hardened to hope and uninterested in our efforts to reach him. To my astonishment, he did come to the next meeting and was engaged in group discussion, asking really good questions! As we shared the Gospel, he said he always thought God weighed the good deeds over the bad in deciding whether you made it into heaven. It was such a great opportunity to share the beauty and sacrifice of Jesus! So, we simply explained what the cross means and his jaw visibly dropped in surprise!

My name is Shane Skirvin, and I’m excited to be the new 71Five City – Liberty Park Coordinator. ! love being a part of what you’re accomplishing through 71Five; to bring the Gospel to the inner-city and build relationships with the marginalized youth in hopes they encounter Jesus. SHANE SKIRVIN 71Five City Coordinator (541) 779-3275 shane@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Peeling Back the Layers

Posted on Nov 17, 2020 by Farrah Guthrie | Life Change Story | 0

With a black hoodie covering his head and mask covering his face, I had no idea what the new kid looked like. He didn’t say a word, he wouldn’t participate in anything, and kept disappearing. When I would find him, I would tell him he needed to stay with the group. As curious as I was about this boy, I was even more curious about why he came to club; obviously, he did not want to be there. The following week when I asked the new boy his name, a friend answered for him. To my surprise, it was the un-masked hoodie boy! That night he only disappeared twice and halfheartedly participated with the group. Frustrated with having to address his disappearing act yet again, the Lord brought to my attention that this boy, even though he struggled, was in fact making progress. What appeared to be small steps were unsurmountable feats to him. He was returning to club for a reason and seeking something that we had to offer, the hope of Jesus Christ.

The following week was a miracle. He showed up un-covered, participated in games, stayed with the group, and did not disappear; he even talked to me! You see, behaviors related to trauma can often be mistaken for disobedience. This boy was not defiant, he was broken. We at 71Five want to continue to provide a place where the broken are given a safe place to heal and an opportunity to build trust that leads to hope. FARRAH GUTHRIE 71Five Campus Coordinator- Grants Pass (541) 779-3275 farrah@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB

Providing Opportunities 🙏

Posted on Nov 9, 2020 by Teresa Tonini | Life Change Story | 0