Life Change Stories
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17
Jun '24
“We Made Friends!”
17
Jun '24
Lexi and Kayla are sisters who have been attending the 71Five Campus in Central Point for some time. They are very shy and often have trouble making friends. Each week they are glued to me from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, and it has been my prayer that they would be able to connect with some of the other girls in their age group. One night we had pancakes for dinner… While all the other kids were playing outside, the younger girls started to gather around as I finished the pancakes. They began decorating their pancakes and started launching whipped cream from their hands to their mouths. They giggled and played together for the rest of the evening. At the end of the night, after the other girls had left, the sisters ran up to me and one yelled “Sara…. We made friends!” They were so proud that after months of attending club they were able to make a friend.
It is such a blessing to experience these big moments in the lives of our youth. Because of your support, we get to have an environment that fosters friendship. Thank you for supporting the youth in our community so they too can make a friend.
SARA NIELSEN, 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
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10
Jun '24
Career Skills Training
10
Jun '24
Jake came to 71Five VoTech in Grant Pass, our pre-apprenticeship trade school, with a strong desire to gain the skills needed to further his career in the trades. He enrolled in our welding course, determined to make the most of the opportunity. As days turned into weeks, Jake’s skills and abilities grew remarkably. His confidence soared alongside his competence, and he began to see a hopeful future ahead. The supportive environment and hands-on training at 71Five VoTech played a crucial role in his development. Upon graduation, Jake’s hard work paid off when he received a job offer in construction and small remodeling work. This position not only validated his efforts but also provided a solid foundation for his career. Jake said, “The skills I learned at 71Five VoTech provided me with the ability to step out in faith to apply for a better job.”
Witnessing Jake’s transformation from a hopeful student to a skilled tradesman was incredibly rewarding. 71Five VoTech didn’t just teach him welding; you are helping him build a brighter, more confident future.
AARON FAUST, 71Five VoTech 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
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03
Jun '24
Far from God
03
Jun '24
I recently talked with a young man about God because of you and your generous giving! We were able to set aside time, place, and even meals so that we could gather as a group with some young people and talk about not just becoming a believer in God (theism) but a disciple of Jesus Christ (a follower and believer in Christ). This young man had been dealing with a lot of trauma and life’s difficulties and at first, was not sure if Christians would even like him. But he was open to the message of becoming a new person in Christ—he seemed far from God. Of course, we know no one is far from God now because of Christ (Eph.2:13). We could share this great news with this young person so that he could become born again and join the Church of God, because of people like you we can have these God-appointed conversations!
I am both thankful and excited to be part of God’s outreach to people with the hope of the Gospel, is there anything more important? Thank you so much for being a co-laborer in this work! (Rom. 16:3).
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
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28
May '24
Juvenile Detention Testimonial
28
May '24
I was going into the juvenile detention center for the first time and wanted to see God move in these kids’ lives and mine. My friend Beau asked me to pray about becoming a volunteer, but I wanted to know if it was something the Lord was calling me to do. I’ve been saved for 25 years and in that time, I have led 3 people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Going into the detention center for group I asked God to have everyone be saved in there that first night, but at least 3 to match my 25 years, and let me know I’m called to serve in this place.
Beau asked me to share my testimony with everyone and afterward, I asked if anyone wanted to be saved. 3 young people stepped forward and the rest were already saved so God fulfilled all my prayers at once. Your partnership with this ministry makes a difference in people’s lives, thank you. – 71Five Justice Volunteer
BEAU JESKA, 71Five Justice 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
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20
May '24
Something to live for.
20
May '24
I was talking with a young person who began a mentorship roughly 2 months ago and I asked them a question. I said, “Since having a mentor, how has the way you think about your life or yourself improved?” Their answer was everything. In an instant, I got a glimpse of God transforming this young person’s life. One relationship for a few hours each month over a short period of time changed everything. It’s what God does through you praying, you giving to make the relationship possible, and you making time to participate in sharing God’s story of hope in your life.
This young person said, “Before, I saw us as slaves to God with no relationship just living life with nothing really to live for, but now I see that I do have something to live for and it’s God!” Thank you for your participation in this young person’s story.
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
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13
May '24
Imagine you couldn’t read or write at 21 . . .
13
May '24
Can you imagine being 21 years old trying to figure out the adult world and not able to read or write? We are working with a young man in this situation right now. He has a learning disability but he’s smart. Another young man has genius-level intelligence but is trapped in severe Attention Deficit Disorder. These guys have no opportunity to take care of themselves and be successful outside of crime. They’ve been able to slip through the system but there’s no longer a positive path forward. This is where 71Five is built to step in. These young men and others are being taught by trusted staff and volunteers at a pace or in a method they can handle. When they first come, they call themselves stupid or worthless but in time we see them learn, we see their confidence grow, and we see smiles and pride in their eyes.
Make no mistake, we know the greatest good we can do is to introduce struggling kids to the hope found in Jesus, but there’s so much more ‘good’ that happens in the lives of kids who connect with 71Five. Thank you! You provide the good… and the greatest good!!
BUD AMUNDSEN, 71Five Executive Director
541.301.0897 | 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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06
May '24
10 Words
06
May '24
Jayden graduated from our 71Five VoTech training program about a month ago. I knew Jayden for a little over a year before he came to Votech and I have only heard him say about 10 words since I’ve known him. To say the least, he was a shy kid as he entered VoTech. Like many of our students, he was unsure about what he wanted to do with his life. Jayden lacked direction and purpose. However, while taking our training classes, he has grown tremendously in his technical and personal skills. He continues to come to our classes, even after graduating, to learn more and is even helping us lead the other students during our project times. Through God’s grace, instructor’s encouragement, and generous donors like you, Jayden has found a new confidence in himself and has learned how to step out of his comfort zone.
Thank you for being an important part of Jayden’s journey of growth through your prayers, time, and financial support.
LARRY LICATO, 71Five VoTech Coordinator – Medford
541.890.1819 | 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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30
Apr '24
Pursuing What’s Right.
30
Apr '24
Have you ever lied about something and had to come clean? It’s hard… not only to own up to your actions, but to admit your actions to your boss, teacher, or another leader in your life. Liam, a 13 year-old student, had to own up to something that he was encouraged to lie about by his friends. He had only been coming to 71Five Campus in Eagle Point for a couple of weeks, and one Friday at the beginning of the night Liam came up to me and said, “I love 71Five Campus a lot, and I love coming here, but before the night starts I need to tell you that I lied about something.” He proceeded to tell me the story, and he owned up to his actions. I didn’t previously know about it, nor did anyone else confront him about it. He made the decision to talk to me all on his own, and displayed maturity beyond his years. I thank God that 71Five is a place that, even in a short amount of time, encourages young people to pursue the right thing, even when it’s hard.
Thank you for being a part of 71Five Campus in Eagle Point, and providing a safe space for people like Liam to get closer to Jesus.
PETER KUHL, 71Five Campus Coordinator – Eagle Point
541.630.0648 | 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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22
Apr '24
Intrigued with everything . . .
22
Apr '24
Kayden and Braxton regularly attend our 71Five City – Liberty Park elementary clubs. These two define what it means to be a boy. They are always spontaneous, full of laughter, and intrigued with just about everything under the sun. During a recent lesson about the crucifixion, they learned about what happened to Jesus before he went to the cross… And for a moment it was like Christ got a hold of these boys and He told them, “I did all this for you!” They listened.
Only the Lord knows where the seeds landed. I believe that Christ spoke to these boys, and they heard Him loud and clear. Because of you, we are planting seeds in the hearts of young people and providing hope throughout the Rogue Valley. Thank you!
ISAIAH ABNEY, 71Five City – Liberty Park Intern
(706) 748-1999 | isaiah@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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Happy Retirement Matt Sweeney
Well Done Matt Sweeney – 27 Years!! Matt has served the ministry whole-heartily for 27 years at Youth 71Five Ministries. The first 5 years he poured into the lives of kids in the detention center as a volunteer while operating his own business. When God called him into full-time ministry he sold his glass business and stepped in with 110% (probably more than that). Matt has poured his heart & life into countless young people, staff, donors and the ministry and he has never held back. When he and Jan were married, she stepped in and has ministered alongside him WITH her full support. For those of you that don’t know – it was through Matt’s vision and passion for kids in West Medford that God blessed us with a youth center in West Medford.
DEANNA JONES, 71Five Administrative Director
(541) 779-3275 | deanna@71Five.org
“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB
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