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Look What I Caught!

Posted on Apr 16, 2025 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 0

The text came in with a photo of a fish, nothing huge, just a simple catch from a pond in our local park. But what struck me wasn’t the fish… it was who sent it. To most people, it might seem small. But to me, it was everything. This young man doesn’t have many people in his life to share those moments with. No dad cheering him on. No older brother giving tips. Just me. And for some reason, in that moment, I was the one he wanted to share… “Look What I Caught!” It was more than a fish. It was proof that he felt seen. That he belonged somewhere. That someone cared.

At 71Five, we don’t always get big, dramatic moments. Sometimes it’s a simple text. A photo. A smile. But those moments—those little wins—are what change a life. Thank you for being part of that change. Your support gives kids like him a reason to keep casting, to keep trying, and to keep believing they matter.

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – Grants Pass

(541) 941-3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

“…he sent all of you!”

Posted on Apr 10, 2025 by Breanna Stoutenburgh | Life Change Story | 0

At a recent 71Five Parents Night, we reflected on this powerful Bible passage:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son… He sent his servants to call the invited guests, but they refused to come. So he said, ‘Go out to the streets and invite everyone you find, both good and bad.’ And the wedding hall was filled with guests.”

Our volunteer Bible teacher, Sarah, looked into the faces of the young moms and asked, “Why do you think Jesus told this story? What does it mean to you?” Elena, nervously rubbing her pregnant belly, raised her hand and said, “I think it means that sometimes the people who are supposed to show up don’t—but God sends others. My family wasn’t there for me, but he sent all of you!”

Thank you for showing up for young parents at 71Five. You are changing lives!

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

“… not my favorite time.”

Posted on Apr 7, 2025 by Will Arias | Life Change Story | 0

In the beginning of the new soccer season, our team gathered for practice, filled with fresh faces. Each Tuesday, we kick off with a devotion, inviting players to hear the gospel, while Thursdays are dedicated to prayer. Yet, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm; some kids express their indifference, saying, “this is not my favorite time.” However, just two weeks in, I noticed a remarkable change in one of our players, Miss Chloe. Initially hesitant, she began to raise her hand to ask for prayer, demonstrating a newfound eagerness. During devotion, she listened intently, even urging her teammates to be quiet. Though I’m unsure if Chloe has a relationship with Jesus yet, it’s clear she is on a journey. I’m excited to witness her growth and that of the other twenty players from our Shady Cove teams. Please join me in praying for them to deepen their faith.

Faith creates strong, vibrant communities by promoting shared values, inclusivity, mutual support, and collective action, ultimately enriching the lives of all involved. It is because of you that 71Five Campus in Shady Cove can partner with our local soccer club allowing these kids receive this opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship. Thank you for your support!

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

Distant & Closed Off to God…

Posted on Mar 28, 2025 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 0

There’s a young man I got the chance to walk with over the last eight months he was placed in a residential program here in Grants Pass. When we first met, he didn’t want much to do with anything spiritual. He was distant when we talked about God, pretty closed off. But we kept showing up. We rode bikes, did Bible studies, talked about real life, and eventually, he started coming to clubs and youth group. Week by week, I saw something begin to shift. He didn’t say a lot, but his eyes started to light up a bit more. He started asking questions. And then there was one night I’ll never forget: his last youth service before leaving. He was sitting in the second row during worship, and I looked over and saw him with his hands lifted high. It hit me hard. This young man who once wanted nothing to do with God… was reaching out to Him. On his last night in Grants Pass, my wife and I had the privilege of celebrating with him. We got to share some time together, give him a few gifts, and speak encouragement over his next season. It was a pleasant and meaningful moment one we won’t forget. Now he’s in Eastern Oregon in a new housing program. I don’t know if we’ll cross paths again, but I’m praying for him. I believe that the seeds planted here will continue to grow.

Our Executive Director, Bud once said, “Even when we lose touch with a kid, God never does.” And that’s what I’m holding onto. Thank you for helping make these relationships possible. Because of your partnership, my wife and I and our whole team get to step into moments like these and point kids toward hope.

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.941.3488 | chris@71Five.org

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

“Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 by Sara Vassallo | Life Change Story | 0

One evening, as club night wrapped up at 71Five Campus – Central Point, a few of us including myself, another leader, and a couple of students wandered back inside to grab some water and begin cleaning up. We sat for a while, chatting about the usual middle school topics—school, friends, and home life. That’s when Amanda asked, “Can we talk about hard stuff?” For the next half hour, Amanda opened up about the struggles she’s been carrying: challenges at school, dealing with bullying, adjusting to yet another foster home, and trying to process traumas that many her age just don’t understand. Amanda didn’t need quick fixes or easy answers—she needed someone to be present and listen. In a tangible way, to show her the love of Jesus. Because of 71Five, she had a place where she felt safe enough to ask, “Can we talk about hard stuff?”

Every game, every meal, and every conversation is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to students who are searching for hope. Your partnership is the reason kids like Amanda get to hear the truth that God sees them, loves them, and walks with them through every hard moment. Thank you for helping create a space where kids can build trusting relationships that remind them that they don’t have to face the hard stuff all alone.

SARA VASSALLO, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Central Point

(541) 816-6761 | sara@71Five.org

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

Time & Effort

Posted on Mar 17, 2025 by Aaron Faust | Life Change Story | 0

In the Wednesday morning shop class at 71Five VoTech – Grants Pass, six students, five boys and one girl began a simple yet profound journey. Their task? Build a wooden box. The challenge? Use only hand tools. At first, the idea of crafting something without power tools seemed slow, even frustrating. But `week by week, something changed. They discovered the rhythm of the work, the rasp of the saw, the steady tap of the chisel, the satisfying slice of the plane. The hand plane became their favorite. At first, they struggle digging too deep, shaving unevenly. But as they practiced, they found joy in the whisper-thin curls of wood that fell away, the smooth surfaces left behind, the way the tool seemed to hum in their hands when used just right. The box itself was never perfect. Each week, a new lesson emerged—how to square a corner, how to make joints fit snugly, how to sand by hand with patience. Each week, the box grew closer to completion but more than that, so did they. Through this project, they learned not just woodworking but perseverance. They encouraged each other when a saw cut strayed off course. It wasn’t about finishing the box quickly, it was about learning, growing, and taking pride in their craft. Somewhere between the first rough-cut boards and the final smoothing of the wood, something deeper took shape. Confidence. Teamwork. The realization that good things take time and effort.

Their box was more than just a project. It was proof of their journey—of lessons learned, patience tested, and skills honed. A wooden reminder that, like the box itself, they were shaping themselves into something strong, steady, and ready for whatever came next. Thank you for helping in that journey.

AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech Assistant Coordinator – Grants Pass

541.761.5143 | aaron@71Five.org

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

The Spirit Realm . . .

Posted on Mar 7, 2025 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 0

“Shane, do you believe in ghosts?” I was startled by the question this young lady was asking me, for one, she had previously never spoken up during our lesson time, and two, it was not directly connected to the lesson that I was sharing. Despite that, it ended up kicking off a 45 minute long intense discussion among the Middle Schoolers about the spirit world and encounters they have had! I was grateful that this young lady dared to ask such a question and then to share some supernatural experiences she had had. I was shocked to see how important and relevant this discussion was for this age group! And, I found it was a wide open-door to speak about the supernatural truths that are in the Bible to Gen Z/Alpha! I believe God is using the attraction to the spirit realm as a gateway to reach these kids for Christ!

Right now there’s a huge opening to speak to young people about spiritual truths. According to a CDC report, 42% of Gen Z struggle with persistent hopelessness, nearly 30% describe themselves as having poor mental health, and 22% have considered suicide. They are searching and are spiritually hungry. The previous generations have told them that there is nothing beyond this world; but they know deep down inside this is a lie. Many of them are looking for God in all the wrong places. The online community known as #WitchTok, has 45 billion views on TikTok! More people in Generation Z are into spiritualism than they are any kind of organized religion. But the good news is that they are hungry for something more than this world, a hunger that God himself has placed inside them that will not be denied! (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

You and I have an unparalleled opportunity right now, to speak into this generation with the truth of God’s hope for them! Thank you so much for joining us in the fight as we surge through this open-door to reach the youth before the enemy does! Now is the time for us to act, come join us if you’re not already in this fight with volunteering your time, financial support and persistent prayer! As Jesus says, the harvest is ripe (Matthew 9:37-38)!

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

Overdosed Again

Posted on Feb 21, 2025 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

I met him when he was just 13, a kid caught in the chaos of addiction and bad decisions. Over the years his life was up-and-down, he wrecked cars, spent time in jail, and overdosed more than once—but he never stopped reaching out. No matter how deep he fell, he always knew someone cared. We’d grab lunch, pray, and talk about how Jesus was the solution to his current situation. I walked him to the Lord in detention almost 9-years ago, and though he struggled to live it out, I knew he loved Jesus.

Recently, he overdosed again. I prayed for a miracle, but God had other plans for him. My heart is heavy. Yet, this is why we do what we do at 71Five Ministries—because kids like him need someone who won’t give up. Because of you, they hear about the hope of Christ. Please, pray for those still in the fight. They need us now more than ever.

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

Step In

Posted on Feb 19, 2025 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 0

Maybe you know what it’s like growing up with relational poverty… wanting safe, close, caring, supportive relationships. You aren’t alone in your desire for these types of connections. We currently have 7 young people looking for mentorship (but don’t let that word scare you). Blake is an 8-year-old boy living in Grants Pass. He’s full of enthusiasm, loves sports, likes to rap & beatbox, and hopes to become an Oregon Duck. But something is missing, Blake’s dad is not a part of their lives. Blake spends most of his days with his mom, bored, and wanting someone to hang out with.

That’s where you come in. You can be the one to make these connections with Blake. With as little as 4 flexible self-scheduled hrs./month you would be amazed at the life change that happens. Your presence will give Blake hope of opportunities he wouldn’t otherwise enjoy. Will you step in and become a mentor today?

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

Wanting Love

Posted on Feb 13, 2025 by Bud Amundsen | Life Change Story | 0