Today I was sharing with a guy about the three building projects 71Five has in progress. I was giving him some details on the new 71Five VoTech Training Center, our 71Five Campus Youth Center remodel in Shady Cove, and the work being planned for the 71Five City Community Center in Grants Pass. The gentleman I was talking to said, “Wow, you guys are everywhere!” For once in my life, I had the perfect response, I said, “There are struggling kids everywhere!” To which he responded, “There is no doubt about that… thank you for what you’re doing.”

 

It is so true. Kids who struggle with ‘relational poverty’ and the hopelessness that comes from it are all over the place. They can’t travel much, so our goal is to bring trusting relationships and hope into easy reach within their own neighborhoods. Through you, God has blessed the effort.

 

That ‘thank you’ really goes to you! You are giving the resources needed to reach lonely, hurting and lost young people all across the Rogue Valley!

 

 

 

It was an ordinary night at club when two boys walked through the door. With them, a girl I’d never seen before. I thought to myself, this girl is running with the wrong crowd. She and I engaged in small talk and shared a couple chuckles before she leaned in and whispered, “Can I talk to you privately for a minute?” “Sure,” I said as I stood up, walked around the corner, and found a quiet place to talk. No sooner than I sat down, she asked me “Is abortion a sin?” I didn’t respond right away due to the intensity of the question. She continued, “because I had one when I was 15 years old, and I don’t know if what I did was the wrong thing or not.” Pausing for a moment of thought, it prompted me to not answer but ask a series of questions. “Will my answer change how you feel about the decision you made? Will it alleviate the burden you carry?” Then I asked, “do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?” She replied, “No.” I responded, “Does it really matter if something is a sin or not if you don’t believe in God or have a relationship with Him?” Again, the reply was no. “Would you like to have a relationship with Him?” “Yes!” she exclaimed. We then prayed together as she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior right then and there. I explained to her that she can’t change the past, she can only make new decisions for her future with Jesus as her guide. I said, “His Word will let you know if something is right or wrong, He’ll encourage repentance, bless you with His grace, guide your path, and trade your pain for joy.”

 

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:18-20) This girl was seeking a yes or no answer and had no idea that another existed. The answer we give to young people should always lead to Christ. When the significance of Christ matters, only then will the “yes and no” always lead us towards our Savior. At 71Five, we desire that young people leave with more hope than when they arrive by engaging in safe conversations and trusting relationships that point to a loving Savior.

 

Leo and Luis approached me as our After School Hangout was winding down at 71Five City -. They asked where I was going afterwards. When I told them I was going to church, I was surprised that they both responded, “Can we go?” I explained there were no kid’s class and it would be bible study and not as lively as a normal church service. They did not waiver, saying, “That’s OK, we just want to go with you.” When we arrived I reminded the boys it was different than club and they would need to stay focused during the teaching. They both assured me they were up for it. As the church gave “Praise Reports” Luis added, “I want to thank Kenny for bringing us tonight.” Except for an occasional candy wrapper being opened the boys were totally focused on the study.

 

Thank you for helping kids hear God’s story!