Arloa Sutter

"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." Zechariah 4:6

The needs and opportunities present in urban ministry can be overwhelming at times. There is so much that we could do, and there are so many things that we can and should make better. Often the situations seem so serious. And since often we are in relationship with people who have been crushed by their circumstances, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, confused and even discouraged.

That is why I often find myself repeating Zechariah 4:6 in the form of a prayer. "Not by might nor by power, but by your Spirit, Lord." My own might and power is pretty flimsy, yet when His Spirit guides me I am often amazed at the things He and I come up with!

I have also learned that sometimes our best-made plans are superseded by something from God that we never expected. We still plan and perform our "due diligence" before making decisions. In the end, though, we try to remember that we may need to adjust our plans to His plans.

Pray that the Spirit would control our lives and our ministry, and that we would rely upon Him for wisdom and direction. And please, join us in the Spirit walk!

Here are three ways you can help:

1. JOIN US FOR THE 19th ANNUAL HUNGER WALK.
Raise support with a three-mile walk along Lake Michigan at Montrose Harbor on Saturday, June 19th. This year's event will feature music and family entertainment! All proceeds raised by Breakthrough's Hunger Walk participants are credited to our account at The Greater Chicago Food Depository, where we can buy food for around 7¢ a pound. For more information and a pledge sheet, please call Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290, or click here to fill out a request form online.

2. DONATE FOOD.
While we can purchase many items from the Food Depository, there is always a need for additional items. Click here for a list of items needed and drop-off information.

3. GIVE FINANCIALLY.
Click here to make an online donation. Your contribution will help our food service program wherever it's most needed.

GET YOUR CHURCH OR GROUP INVOLVED!
Click here for fund raising and food drive ideas.

Ministry Assistant, Brenda Williams, comforts a woman. Bottom: Volunteer and pastor, David Artman, also serves as Breakthrough's Director of North Side Operations.; The Bridge of Hope RV is used for street outreach.; BOH Director, Yolanda Fields.

"As a pastor, this has been the most successful spiritual growth engine that I've ever seen," observes Pastor David B. Artman on his congregation's involvement with Bridge of Hope. "It is an ongoing mission opportunity that has allowed people to move outside of their comfort zones in significant ways."

After Bridge of Hope Director, Yolanda Fields, spoke to members at Catching Life Church, many in the congregation committed to volunteer once a month on Tuesday night street outreach. Bridge of Hope staff and volunteers reach out to women in prostitution on Chicago's west side. The program pairs weekly street outreach with opportunities for women to receive physical and spiritual recovery and support. As a result, women's lives are transformed.

Volunteers realize change in their own lives, too. "People have taken big jumps in their spiritual maturity level after volunteering with Bridge of Hope," Artman says. "We are no longer in the comfort of our own turf, and that feeling of anxiety or inadequacy takes us to places where we have to depend on Jesus in order to do it."

Matt Ross, Catching Life's Worship Leader and a volunteer, agrees, "This experience has changed our church community." The excitement seems to be contagious. Pastor Artman says, "Our church serves meals to Breakthrough's homeless guests. Since we've added this opportunity, the number of people who want to volunteer has doubled."

Bridge of Hope welcomes church groups to make a volunteer commitment together. Director, Yolanda Fields, speaks of the two-fold benefit, "By working together to make an impact, the Church body can be strengthened. At the same time, the ladies we reach out to experience the love of Jesus by observing a family of people who are caring, serious and dedicated."

Interested in Bridge of Hope and group volunteer opportunities? Contact Yolanda at 773.722.0179 x13 or yfields@breakthroughministries.com.

Dave and Karen Kang live in California. Karen used to work for Breakthrough as a caseworker.

Why do you feel it is important to support Breakthrough financially?
Even after my husband and I moved to California, we really had a desire to help support the staff. From having worked at Breakthrough for a time, I know that their jobs are tough. Regardless of that, they are obedient to God's call on their lives to serve others.

In what ways has giving to Breakthrough impacted you?
I am grateful that I can support a ministry which truly makes a difference in the lives of people who might otherwise be ignored.

In what other ways are you involved with the ministry?
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to share about Breakthrough with some of the staff at our church here in California. They started supporting Breakthrough, and Arloa even had the opportunity to come speak at a mission's conference we held recently.

Are you a Breakthrough donor? Click here to give online now.

When board member, April Williams, heard of Breakthrough's need for cleaning services on the North Side, she contacted Yolondria Harvey of Sparking Spaces, LLC. Sparkling Spaces is a local, owner-operated commercial cleaning company. Yolondria generously agreed agreed to donate her services to us for free. Thanks for keeping our space clean!

Our newly acquired building on St. Louis Ave. needed an intensive cleaning to prepare for the May 8th tours. Special thanks to the youth and their leaders at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows. They took the lead and devoted a great deal of time and effort to the project.

Saturday, May 22 - Bridge Of Hope Reception

• Enjoy music and refreshments!
• Hear testimonies from women and volunteers.
• Meet staff and other team members.
• Hear the exciting program vision!
• Find out how you can support the ministry.

2-4 p.m., Joshua Center, 3330 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago
Click here to RSVP, or call Bridge Of Hope Director, Yolanda Fields, at 773.722.0179 x13.

Saturday, June 19 - 19th Annual Hunger Walk
Raise support with a three-mile walk along Lake Michigan at Montrose Harbor. All proceeds raised by Breakthrough's Hunger Walk participants are credited to our account at The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Click here to request a pledge sheet, or call Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290.

Friday, October 29 - Breakthrough's 2004 Annual Benefit at the Chicago Hyatt. Guest speaker, Dr. Tony Campolo!.