Arloa Sutter

"At the present time your plenty will supply what they need." (2 Corinthians 8:14)

I can still picture it. I was crossing a busy four-lane street in Manila during the morning rush hour. The air was thick with diesel fumes as a tangled mass of taxis and jeepneys pushed forward, blasting their horns. As I stepped onto the median, I saw a young man in brown shorts and no shirt. He was curled up in a ball, sleeping on the hard concrete without a pillow or blanket, right in the middle of the frantic traffic.

In squatter huts and shantytowns throughout the world, hundreds of thousands of people lack the comfort and privacy that so many of us take for granted. Many lack basic human necessities.

Add to this the heartbreaking stories of tens of thousands of recent earthquake victims in Iran, many of whom have been left homeless. As the death toll reaches nearly 35,000, the growing smell of decaying bodies fills the air. Those who survived are in desperate need of food, water and shelter. I am grateful that our friends at World Vision are passing out tents and supplies to survivors.

Breakthrough continues to aid the homeless in Chicago. At the same time, I think the apostle Paul was clear in his letter to the Corinthians that we need to do something about global suffering. Our "plenty will supply what they need", he said. I urge you to visit World Vision's link below to learn what you can do to provide emergency relief to homeless families in Iran. www.worldvision.org

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What do you give to someone who already has everything? Consider making a contribution to Breakthrough on behalf of your loved one, friend or co-worker. A gift to Breakthrough is also a wonderful way to honor someone who has passed away. Donate easily online at www.breakthroughministries.com . We'll send a card to the recipient or family, stating the gift amount and a brief message from you.

Jeff continues to succeed with support from Breakthrough's Addiction Recovery Housing Program.

Jeff's wake up call came when he was sentenced to 30 days in prison for a probation violation. His experience in jail jolted him out of his destructive behavior. The 41 year-old had battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol for over 20 years. Over the past decade, he made multiple attempts to rehabilitate with little success. Jeff drifted from place to place, living with relatives and friends.

Determined not to slide back into his addictive lifestyle, Jeff was referred to Breakthrough. He wanted to get "real help in a place that was spiritual" and start life over "as if I were 19 years old again". In his first two weeks at Breakthrough, Jeff had a dentist appointment, a doctor appointment and a job interview. He chose to participate in a Bible study every day.

Ready to address his addiction, Jeff soon enrolled in Breakthrough's 12-week recovery program led by Steve Bonasera, a certified addictions counselor. Jeff was also admitted into the Recovery Housing program situated on-site at Breakthrough's north side location.

The provision of housing during treatment has proven to be a significant factor for men enrolled in the 12-week program. Over 90% of those admitted to Breakthrough's Recovery Housing program successfully complete treatment. For Jeff, it helped him stay away from the pressure of the streets. "It gave me a sense of independence and freedom. I was able to get into the Word more and spend time with Steve".

Jeff is waiting for an opening in Breakthrough's subsidized housing program. He participates in the After Care group, has secured a part-time job, and plans to enroll in trade school early next year.

Please pray for Jeff as he tries to stay disciplined, searches for a home church, and starts his new life.

Click here for more information about Breakthrough's Addiction Recovery Housing Program.

Keith A. Johnson volunteers with Bridge Of Hope, Breakthrough's outreach to women in prostitution. He is a Vice President at Northern Trust Bank. Keith lives in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood and attends Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park.

Describe an evening of street outreach with Bridge of Hope.
Staff and volunteers meet together to share from the Bible, worship, and pray about the evening's outreach. Then, we board the RV...a roaming coffee house of sorts. Our mood is always high in anticipation of what the Lord may do. As a male, my role is to support the female staff and volunteers as needed. Whether I'm on the street or stationed at the RV, I pray and watch for disruptive or curious onlookers. I only intervene when necessary. The goal is to provide a safe, uninterrupted visit for women who are looking for help. At the end of the evening, the staff and volunteers pray together again.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Although I see a lot of heartbreak and hopelessness in the eyes of the women and men we come in contact with, there is a joy that comes from sharing God's love. Sometimes, I sense seeds of hope being nourished in the hearts of others.

What unexpected things have you learned?
Through volunteering, I have come to realize that urban ministry is one of my great passions. For me, there is no greater joy then seeing changed lives through the power of Jesus Christ. Although Bridge of Hope reaches out to women with various addictions, God has also allowed us to minister to many men in need. On most nights, men approach the street team or the RV. I often have the opportunity to answer questions, offer referrals to the North Side Center, or pray with them.

Click here to find out more about Bridge of Hope.

Neighborhood residents shop for gifts at Breakthrough's Christmas Store.

Breakthrough held its second annual Christmas Store in December at the Joshua Center. Special thanks to all who generously donated toys and gift items, and to staff and volunteers who sorted and priced gifts, operated the Store, and provided meals and snacks. Around 60 homeless guests and over 50 community families participated in the day of holiday fun and activities.

Thank you also to the Cochlan Group for sponsoring the Youth Christmas party. Steve Cochlan, Diane Gomez, and their colleagues enabled each child to receive a present from their Christmas list. They hosted a wonderful party filled with fun, food and joyful holiday songs.