Life Change Stories
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18
Dec '20
Trusting in Him brings HOPE!!!
18
Dec '20
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
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14
Dec '20
Seek Refuge 🙌
14
Dec '20
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
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07
Dec '20
TITAN
07
Dec '20
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
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30
Nov '20
Can’t NOT Be There 😷
30
Nov '20
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
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24
Nov '20
Jaw Dropping Experience . . .
24
Nov '20
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
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17
Nov '20
Peeling Back the Layers
17
Nov '20
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
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09
Nov '20
Providing Opportunities 🙏
09
Nov '20
Recently I was invited to a home for young moms. In an effort to build connections, I started joining them for dinner once a week. After a month of dinners, I invited them to the 71Five Parents Night Kick Off at the youth center. Kay, one of the moms, had bad experiences at church in the past, but she was willing to try. All the girls came the first night. Kay was involved and interested in everything we did, and expressed that she wanted to come back the following week. The next week I was asked to transport a couple of the girls. When I arrived at the house, Kay quickly greeted me and asked, “Who will be riding in your car?” I responded, “Whoever would like to.” She quickly raised her hand and exclaimed, “Me!”… We have begun building a trusting relationship.
Trusting relationships allow us to share the hope we have because of Jesus Christ. Thank you for providing these opportunities! TERESA TONINI 71Five Parents Coordinator (541) 779-3275 teresa@71Five.org
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02
Nov '20
Love Pursues 💕
02
Nov '20
Em always showed up in dark clothing and wouldn’t show her smile much. She preferred to sit far away from everyone, be on her phone, and wasn’t interested in participating in our activities. As weeks went by, we kept investing in Em. We’d ask her questions about her life and would find ways to get her interested in joining in. When kids were leaving to go home, we’d make sure to tell her that we loved seeing her and we’re excited to see her next time. Real love pursues, it doesn’t give up, it’s patient. At a recent 71Five Campus club night, Em walked in and she was wearing brighter clothing. We saw her smile more and she sat closer to the group engaging in conversation and laughing with everyone. We believe these visible outward changes, show Em feels loved and safe at 71Five.
Our hope is that she’ll come to know and believe the joyous truth of the Gospel. That even though we live in a world full of darkness, we have the hope and the light of Jesus Christ that saves us. “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” [John 12:46]. Thank you to all of you who partner with us financially, as volunteers, or as prayer warriors. You make this ministry possible! MELANIE CIENFUEGOS 71Five Campus Coordinator – Phoenix /Talent (541) 779-3275 melanie@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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“I’ll go!”
We are in a time where there are many needs in our community. Recent fires have left entire families and communities displaced. COVID-19 has caused families to lose their sources of income and also restricted our children to their homes for schooling. Basic things like a safe place to sleep and eating a good meal were taken for granted, but now are real concerns for many people. We are responding to help children and their families. When I say “we” I’m not just referring to myself and our 71Five adult volunteers. I’m also talking about the kids who are part of 71Five City in West Medford. As we’re delivering lunches to kids who are at home for schooling they are right there with us sharing hope with the families we serve. Cruz, Jordan, Anela and Gigi are some of the kids from our Kids Club in West Medford who have stepped up on many occasions to serve our community. They were at the Expo helping feed families who lost everything. They go out with adults to deliver lunches to other kids whose parents don’t have cars or can’t leave their kids at home alone.
What a blessing to see these kids respond in this way. When presented with an opportunity to help others, their response is, “I’ll go!” What an honor it is to be working with this next generation of servant leaders. Thank you for providing for this opportunity to reach so many in our community faithfully. KEN RUIZ 71Five City Coordinator (541) 779-3275 ken@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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12
Oct '20
I Love You Son 💕
12
Oct '20
Recently my 8-week old son was ill, he had a high fever and after a trip to the Emergency Department he was admitted to the Pediatric unit. Days later and after many horribly invasive tests they still had no idea what was causing the fever. Late Sunday, I was home with our 2-year old daughter when my wife called, she said they had received the results from the latest blood work and it didn’t look good. On my way to the hospital, I considered that my son may not survive this ordeal, my heart and whole being ached for him. I cried out to God, “Lord, I trust you and know that you are good but WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” And that is when, at the corner of Central and Jackson he whispered into my right ear, “See how you love him? That is a shadow of how I love you.” This wrecked me. I now understood that for me this was about my heavenly Father showing me just how much He loves me. About how much He loves all His kids. At that moment, He gave me peace. I was able to face my wife and be strong for her, with confidence, that regardless of what happened, He was going to use this for our good, because we love Him and are called according to His purpose.
This experience has enlarged my heart, for my family, co-laborers, volunteers, and most importantly, the lost and broken kids we minister to. Baby Beau is fully recovered, thank you for the overwhelming amount of love, support and prayers. 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
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