Arthur is a young man in the Barriers to Bridges (B2B) program who is also on the autism spectrum. He never talks, never smiles, always looks down and doesn’t participate in much. How he ended up in the Juvenile Justice System is a mystery to our team. One day Arthur was introduced to Mike, our welding instructor. Arthur spent a lot of time in the welding shop where he seemed to learn and thrive as he melted metal plates together. At the start of the last B2B class the director asked for volunteers to go into the welding lab and work on a project. Arthur lifted his head and for the first time, smiled and raised his hand. It appears he has found his niche at 71Five VoTech and is becoming one very good welder.

 

This niche that Arthur found was created by you through your support, prayers and encouragement. Please consider joining us with your Time and Talents to widen this ‘niche’ into a ‘valley’ of hope. LARRY LICATO 71Five VoTech Director (541) 779-3275 larry@71Five.org

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

 

A couple of weeks ago, I contacted CJ, one of the high schoolers who comes to 71Five Campus in Eagle Point. It was CJ’s birthday and he was really happy to hear from me. During our conversation he stated, “I really miss Campus. When’s it gonna be open again?” While I had to tell him it was going to be several weeks, I told him I would continue to reach out. Since he started coming to 71Five Campus, I’ve personally witnessed CJ’s growth in maturity and respect. He looks forward to the Youth Center reopening like so many other youth have said in the last month.

 

Thank you for all who have reached out with concerns about how this ministry is going through the hard time we’re facing right now. We’ve transitioned most of our ministry to calling, texting and video conferencing our students who once filled the Youth Centers. We’ve even connected with some new faces who enjoy this ‘virtual’ type of ministry. Because of your prayers and your support, we continue to connect with the youth in our communities and share the hope found in Jesus. 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

As I would gaze across the room, Johnny would always capture my attention. His interpretation of participating during the lesson meant hoodie over his head, strings drawn tight, and to stare at the floor. On the surface, this behavior can be seen as disrespectful, rebellious and disobedient. Johnny’s been attending 71Five Campus clubs, field trips, and camps for over a year now. Gradually, I noticed the walls coming down, the hoodie coming off, and he began asking questions. After I shared about baptism, he raised his hand and asked, “Can I do what Sam did?” Sam had been baptized during our winter camp and even though Johnny didn’t know how to describe it, he knew he wanted it for himself. “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” [1Timothy 4:12] Slowly Johnny’s faith was strengthened by hearing the Word and by watching Sam.

 

You see, all along, Johnny didn’t understand what was being taught. His response was to hide in hopes that he didn’t have to participate. Just as Timothy did, we at 71Five have set out as co-workers in God’s service to spread the gospel of Christ to strengthen and encourage them in their faith [1Thessalonians 3:2]. It takes time to build trust that leads to hope. By providing places where youth feel secure, and people kids can truly count on, you are transforming lives. FARRAH GUTHRIE 71Five Campus Coordinator – Grants Pass (541) 779-3275 farrah@71Five.org

 

The launch of our Phoenix/Talent Youth Center Club at 71Five Campus happened to fall on the exact same day that Oregon announced school closures due to COVID-19. During our time together at club, a student named Xander said, “I’m sad that school is canceled, I love school.” This time can be hard on kids. Hearing the concern around us, led to us sharing a message of hope for our first night of club. We shared that our God is sovereign, works out all things for good, knows and loves each of us, and promises to be with us through all things. I looked at Xander and told him that we are going to make the most of this time, that we will use this time off of school to gather together outdoors and have some fun. His face filled with a smile and before he left, he mentioned that he loved coming to 71Five Campus!

 

We always have the goal of bringing hope to young people. During this uncertain season, that mission is set even heavier on our hearts. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [Romans 15:13] If you would like to hear more about ways that you can get involved in bringing hope to these kids, contact me or check out our ministries at www.71Five.org. MELANIE CIENFUEGOS 71Five Campus Area Director – Phoenix /Talent  (541) 779-3275 melanie@71Five.org

 

God is always working on many levels to answer prayer. Israel was a young man who was reached by Youth 71Five Ministries staff while in custody at Jackson County Juvenile Detention, 15 years later he is the answer to my prayers as a key volunteer with 71Five’s Justice Break the Cycle Bike program. I have the privilege of watching him grow in his faith as he has committed to honoring the call God has placed on his life. He heard the Lord direct him to help me in any way he could and he has been faithful. What a blessing he has been on so many levels. It is truly amazing to witness God pour into his life as he pours himself out to help these hurting kids and it comes as no surprise to see all the pieces fit together so perfectly.

 

If you would like to hear more about all the rad opportunities to volunteer with Youth 71Five Ministries, give me a call or you can check out our ministries at www.71Five.org. Our programs have changed to meet the current Corona Virus situation but kids still need trusting relationships that lead to hope. BEAU JESKA 71Five Justice Director (541) 779.3275 beau@71Five.org

 

 

• We will adhere to the mandates of state and local government and follow the precautions of the schools and agencies we work with in their response to the threat.
• With the closure of schools, we are cancelling indoor ministry activities as of March 14th. We will work to provide for the needs of young people by offering activities where we can meet outdoors.
• We will cancel or postpone trips that use our vans for the month of March. We will reassess this on Wednesday April 1st.
• No one with cold and flu symptoms will be admitted to ministry events including both youth and staff (paid or volunteer).
• Extra cleaning— Staff will take the time for extra cleaning and disinfect hard surfaces in their ministry space. (e.g.- door handles, counters, bathroom surfaces, pool sticks, controllers and computer keyboards.)
• We will remind youth to wash or sanitize hands frequently and not share food or drinks.
• We will make sure to communicate to youth and volunteer staff to stay home if they feel at risk.

 

Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. [Psalms 33:22] BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director (541) 779-3275 bud@71Five.org

 

It was only Ari’s second time in the North Medford Youth Center. Our new College & Careers group that she came for had only been running for about 1 or 2 months. She came because my wife, who she trusted, invited her. We taught her and the few others how to play a fun new board game. After the game, as is our tradition, I gathered everyone into the living room of the youth center where we did our “talk”. We pass out Bibles and show them how to get to the passage we are covering that night… Matthew 4, the temptation of Jesus. Using a Bible was new to her. I showed how Jesus used scriptures as he was tempted. Afterward, Ari wanted to talk more. She started asking my wife about how to read the Bible. She saw its importance and wanted to try to understand it but was overwhelmed by how big it was. My wife called me over and soon the two of us were showing her how to get started reading her Bible which led to us sharing what the Bible was all about. Eventually, I asked her if she knew how to go to heaven. She didn’t but really wanted to know. Ari accepted Jesus as her personal Savior that night at 71Five Campus! There were lots of hugs and Ari had an enormous smile on her face as she realized that her sins were forgiven and that she now was part of the family of God. What started as a trusted relationship with my wife led Ari to a relationship with Jesus.

 

Thank you for making these relationships possible and being a part of the team of people that reaches young people that need the hope found in Jesus. TIM HARDY 71Five Campus Area Director – 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

Do you remember the stories we’ve shared? Here is what you’ve accomplished in the lives of several young people… There are so many more.

• You brought a message of forgiveness to a gal guilty of crime and facing jail.
• You communicated that life has purpose to young people who are discouraged and depressed.
• You bring safety and fun into the lives of kids whose homes are not safe.
• You’ve brought kind words and compliments to a boy who hears nothing but criticism and insults at home.
• You offered faithfulness and trust to a young man with no one in his life he can trust.
• You bring direction to lost kids with no ability to navigate life.
• You have guided hundreds and hundreds of kids through trusting relationships to real hope— an eternal and indestructible hope in Jesus.

Someday I hope you can hear the thanks you deserve directly from the kids whose lives you’ve changed, but until then, hear the gratitude from me… Thank you!! BUD AMUNDSEN 71Five Executive Director (541) 779-3275 bud@71Five.org

 

A sweet coworker gave me some chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Hidden inside was one Dove dark chocolate, my favorite! I truly adore the little messages they put on the inside of the wrappers, a treat within a treat! This one’s a gem: “Believe in those you love.” So simple yet so deep. But that’s exactly what we do at Youth 71Five Ministries. We welcome at-risk youth from all walks of life, sometimes unimaginable walks of life, and we simply love on them. We pour out our hearts, our love and our energy to let them know that they truly are loved. Through unconditional love, we’re showing them that we believe in them just as they are; just as the Lord does with us. Through this love, they find encouragement, friendship, a safe place to “fit-in,” be accepted, and best of all, it leads to the eternal love of Jesus Christ which leads to hope.

 

Thank you for believing in the young people, for your overwhelming love, and continued generosity in supporting 71Five. You are reaching out to the many at-risk youth throughout the community and sharing God’s love and God’s story with them. DARLENE HARPER 71Five Mentors Director (541) 779.3275 darlene@71Five.org