Breakthrough Urban Ministries Newsletter -


August 2003

leader brief

God's Emergency Response System

Arloa Sutter

When I asked women at the Joshua Center how many of them ever called 9-1-1, nearly everyone raised their hands. They told of car accidents, shootings, and domestic violence, the kinds of disasters that make us panic and strike fear in our hearts.

Then we turned to a passage of Scripture written long before the 9-1-1 emergency response system was established. Psalm 91:1 speaks of dwelling in the "shelter of the Most High" and finding "refuge under His wings" so that we do not need to fear the "terror of night."

We call our overnight shelters "Dwelling Places." We want those who come to us to experience the warmth, safety, and refuge described in Psalm 91. Thank you for your continued support!

Blessings,
Arloa

partner with us

Help support Breakthrough by hosting a table at our 2003 Annual Benefit!

There is no cost to you to host a table. We simply ask you to invite friends, family, co-workers, and others that may support Breakthrough's mission of empowering individuals, families, and urban communities to overcome poverty, addiction, and isolation.

The benefit is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This year's guest speaker is Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. Ashley Cleveland, a Grammy award-winning artist, will perform. We look forward to an evening of reflection, hope, and sharing the vision for Breakthrough's future.

Register online today at www.breakthroughministries.com, or contact Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290.

All table hosts are invited to join us for a Table Host Kick-Off meeting THIS Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Breakthrough's Joshua Center (3330 W. Carroll Ave.) Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and learn more details about this year's benefit. You will receive an informational packet and guest invitations.

mark your calendar

Table Host Kick-Off

THIS Saturday, August 9, at 10 a.m.
All Annual Benefit Table Hosts are invited to join us for the Benefit Table Host Kick-Off meeting at the Joshua Center (3330 W. Carroll Ave.). Brunch will be served. Please RSVP today by contacting Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382, x290.

If you cannot attend the Kick-Off but would still like to host a table of ten, register online at www.breakthroughministries.com.

Breakthrough Annual Benefit
Friday, October 10, 2003

Don't miss guest speaker Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. Singer/songwriter Ashley Cleveland will perform. This year's benefit will be at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (131 W. Wacker) at 6:30 pm. Reserve your spot today with an online RSVP at www.breakthroughministries.com.

ministry update
the latest news from Breakthrough

William, a former high school dropout, graduated last spring with a handful of academic and athletic awards. His journey took an unexpected turn several years ago at a Youth Outreach Bible study.

Soon after William became a heavy marijuana user, he dropped out of high school. Shortly after, he joined a gang and started selling drugs. Forced to make a difficult choice, his family asked him to leave home.

As his life spiraled out of control, William made attempts to get back on track. He enrolled in a G.E.D. program and tried to quit selling and doing drugs, but the temptation was too strong. William spent nights in abandoned buildings or with friends, including J.J., a former grade-school classmate.

J.J. invited his friend to attend an evening Bible study run by Breakthrough's Youth Outeach program. William reluctantly went "because he'd given me clothes and a place to stay." He didn't know how dramatically his life was about to change.

The speaker that night was José Hernandez, Executive Director of Jubilee Youth Ranch in Prescott, Washington. Jubilee offers young men a second chance by offering recovery services and a high school education. José informed Bill Curry, Breakthrough's Youth Outreach Director, about a scholarship opportunity at the school. Although he'd just met and learned of William's situation, Bill immediately asked William if he'd like to go. The young man left on a bus the next morning.

At Jubilee, William found the support he needed to focus and start over. He reflected on his life and the decisions he'd made. "I regretted that I'd been a bad example to my sisters and showed disrespect for my family," he says. William continued his high school education, excelling in class and in sports. He earned a role in the highest level of student leadership and was asked to speak this spring at his high school graduation ceremony. He received several honors, including a scholar/athlete award from the U.S. Army Reserve.

William recently started a job at Burger King and plans to enroll in a culinary program. According to Bill Curry, "Even when I first met him, William wanted to open his own restaurant and catering business."

Pray for William as he works toward his goals. Although he admits the transition from high school is a struggle, he is optimistic. "God blessed me with everything I have, including this job," William observes. "He knows my needs."

thank you

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Annual Food Drive by donating food, participating in the Hunger Walk, or giving a financial gift. We received $15,000 in support of our Food Service program that provides hot, nutritious meals to over 900 homeless men and women each year.

staff spotlight

Dr. David B. Artman is the new Director of North Side Operations. He is excited about the opportunity to serve and lead in urban ministry. David and his wife, Amy, are the pastoral leaders at Catching Life Christian Church. The church, which meets on Sundays at the AMC City North 14 Theatre at 2600 N. Western Avenue, also operates a Christian Bookstore and Ministry Center at 4054 N. Lincoln. David and his wife moved to Chicago five years ago from Texas.

Ken Butler joins us as the new Director of Employment Services. In addition to running Breakthrough's current Cleanstreet program, he seeks to create a for-profit division of the program, focusing on janitorial services. Ken learned about Breakthrough through Inner Voice, Inc., a not-for-profit social services agency that provides services to homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals. He serves on their board as program committee chair and nominating committee chair. Prior to Breakthrough, Ken was an account manager for Aramark ServiceMaster.