Life Change Stories

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“I’ve never done this before and I’m nervous.”

Posted on Jul 22, 2024 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 0

At a recent club event at 71Five City in Grants Pass, we hosted an art night where youth tested their skills by painting portraits of each other on canvas. It turned out to be a lively evening filled with laughter and camaraderie. Some paintings were remarkably impressive, while others were more experimental, but regardless, it was a joy to witness the kids enjoying themselves and forming new friendships. Prior to painting, some of the girls expressed doubts, saying things like, “I’m terrible at art” or “I’ve never done this before and I’m nervous.” However, as the night progressed, these same girls surprised themselves by creating beautiful portraits of their friends. I made sure to affirm their talents and reassure them of their abilities.

Many of the young people we work with come to us lacking confidence and affirmation in their lives, burdened by insecurities. It’s heartwarming to see their faces light up as they realize their potential and take pride in their creations. Your support through prayers and donations makes these transformative experiences possible. We are deeply grateful for your partnership!

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five City – Grants Pass Coordinator

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

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

Jul '24

Self Sacrificing Love

Posted on Jul 10, 2024 by Breanna Stoutenburgh | Life Change Story | 0

Jul '24

Violet is a sixteen-year-old girl who found out that she was pregnant. Looking at the positive pregnancy test, she felt heavy fear and unrelenting dark waves of panic mixed with disbelief. “Is this real?” She went to her mom hoping she would help, instead her mom replied: “I don’t know what you are going to do about this problem. You got yourself into this mess.” When Violet finally had the courage to tell her child’s seventeen-year-old father, he said “You aren’t going to keep it, ARE YOU?” She knew he didn’t love her, and he wouldn’t walk this road with her either. Violet felt a connection with her child, a love for the life inside of her despite what everyone else said. Violet did have one person who listened to what she wanted to do, it was a kind lady she talked to at the Pregnancy Care Center, this woman helped her get into The Magdalene Home, a homeless shelter for teen mothers. Violet knew she couldn’t do this by herself; however, she was encouraged because someone cared and showed her how to get the help she needed to have her baby.

This same story has been told to me again and again by a number of teen moms who attend 71Five Parents. 71Five has a team of Christians who support teen parents by sharing God’s story of Hope. It is very humbling to witness the self sacrificing love that teen mothers give to their children, it is uncommon and heroic. Thank you for your sacrifice and love for the teen parents at 71Five.

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

Jul '24

A New Desire

Posted on Jul 8, 2024 by Will Arias | Life Change Story | 0

Jul '24

Some of the coolest moments to be a part of in youth ministry happen on our drives on long trips. On this trip I witnessed the work of our staffs fostered relationship and encouragement in Sophia’s life. I would ask Sophia prior to our trip to South Umpqua Falls, “Sophia, what do you want to do when you grow up?” Sophia is good at singing and acting and dancing and caring for others. Her possibilities are great, but she doesn’t see it. She would always say, “Will, I don’t know… I am just a kid.” But this time was different. She did lead with the same comment however, upon my response of, “Welp, fair enough.” She began asking questions about my job. How much school is needed, do you have to be 18, how do you start, do you make a lot of money? And finished with saying, “I would really like to do what you and Ryann do because I like encouraging and loving people and that’s what you guys do all the time. Without you, I wouldn’t have a relationship with Jesus.”

Without you, Sophia wouldn’t have a relationship with Jesus. It begins with you in prayer then God leads you to take the next step. Without you we wouldn’t have the staff to be in Sophia’s life fostering her personal relationship with Jesus. Are you willing to take another faith step by becoming one of our faithful 1500 financial partners? As always please continue to pray.

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

Jul '24

Unlikely Friendships

Posted on Jul 1, 2024 by Troy Ellis | Life Change Story | 0

Jul '24

Eli and David are two unlikely youth who have bonded at Station 71Five. Eli is two years younger than David who just recently graduated into Middle School. David was ecstatic to get his prize for bringing someone new to 71Five. This was Eli’s first experience… He jumped right into the mix and sprinted around the building to help set up our laser tag arena. As I was checking on everything for the second time, I heard David yell, “My mom said yes!” David was affirming that a sleepover was at hand. Eli usually has trouble fitting in, so I knew this meant the world to him.

Thank you for every way a disciple is made in West Medford through Youth 71Five. From shy kids like Eli to bloomers like David. We’ve done more for them together with your faithful show of giving.

TROY ELLIS, 71Five City Coordinator – West Medford

541.538.0207 | troy@71Five.org

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

Jun '24

Faith, Grit, and Graduation!

Posted on Jun 19, 2024 by Chris Willis | Life Change Story | 0

Jun '24

Ever felt like you hit rock bottom or knew someone who did? Imagine a young person at that point, but also behind bars. How would you want someone to step in and help? That’s where 71Five Justice and my role comes into the picture. Just over a year ago I met a young man who was locked up in Juvenile Detention for a string of bad choices. As I got to know him and build that trusting relationship, I found out that he had lost his dad and Grandfather all within a years’ time. As a 16-year-old, I couldn’t imagine losing these male figures. As we began to meet in detention, he took a bible and began to read it, not only was he sharing scripture with other inmates, but he was also sharing with his mom and grandmother. He was eventually released and started coming 71Five events and church.

With sheer grit and a refusal to give up, he turned his life around, nailed his classes, and walked across the graduation stage, proving to everyone that he was more than his mistakes. It’s amazing to see the longevity of our work as missionaries to this community. Thank you for your prayers and partnership with 71Five.

CHRIS WILLIS, 71Five Justice 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

Jun '24

“We Made Friends!”

Posted on Jun 17, 2024 by Sara Vassallo | Life Change Story | 0

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

Jun '24

Career Skills Training

Posted on Jun 10, 2024 by Aaron Faust | Life Change Story | 0

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

Jun '24

Far from God

Posted on Jun 3, 2024 by Shane Skirvin | Life Change Story | 0

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

May '24

Juvenile Detention Testimonial

Posted on May 28, 2024 by Beau Jeska | Life Change Story | 0

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

May '24

Something to live for.

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Wendy Collins | Life Change Story | 0

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