Arloa Sutter

When Jesus encountered a man who had been blind since birth, his disciples asked the same question many of us want to know when we see people with problems. "Whose fault is it?" they asked him. "Who's to blame for this problem?"

At Breakthrough Urban Ministries we work with homeless men and women, many of whom have serious problems. Like the disciples, we wonder, "Whose fault is it that a woman is out on the street or a man is without food and shelter? Was it parental neglect, neighborhood poverty, or inadequate education? Did they cause their own problems? Who's to blame?"

Interestingly, Jesus did not even address their question. His response was, "This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." He brought a sense of purpose to the problem and then proceeded to do the work of God by healing the blind man.

Are you hungry to see God work in your life? Could it be that the problems you face today are purposefully designed by God so that His work might be displayed in your life? Are you spending time blaming and looking for answers instead of looking to Jesus who is the answer? Every problem you and the people you love face has been filtered through the loving hands of the Creator. Jesus wants to be intimately involved in your healing. May the work of God be displayed in your life today.

Invite friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to raise the money needed to provide support for men, women and children throughout the year. Host a table at this year s event on Friday, October 29 at the Chicago Hyatt Hotel downtown.

Click here to register as a Table Host.

Extra opportunity for Table Hosts - Guest attendance at the Annual Benefit has greatly increased over the past three years. While this significant growth is a blessing to the ministry, it also adds to the cost of the event. Table Hosts can help by becoming Table Sponsors for $500 a table. Table Hosts are not required to sponsor a table, and both Hosts and Sponsors will still have the opportunity to donate at the conclusion of the Benefit program.

NEW Volunteer Opportunity!

Breakthrough seeks a Volunteer Health Educator to help facilitate a Smoking Cessation Counseling Program for women at the Joshua Center. The volunteer educator will utilize health education materials, weekly tracking and nicotine replacement patches supplied through the Mobile Health Team from Circle Family Care. Medical staff members from the Mobile Health Team will provide training.

Time commitment - Once a week for one to three hours, with an ideal time commitment of six to 12 months. We encourage the volunteer to view the program for several sessions before making a long-term commitment.

Qualifications - Healthcare experience is a plus but is not necessary. Volunteer should possess good interpersonal skills and enjoy counseling and encouraging others.

Click here to e-mail Joshua Center Director, Oreon Trickey, or call 773.722.0179 x15.

Vernon's faith has been strengthened during his time at Breakthrough.

"Homelessness was a wake-up call for me," Vernon says. "I grew up with a knowledge of God, but I have recently experienced His grace and love for me during my time of trouble."

For Vernon, who became homeless for the first time several months ago, it has been a period of both struggle and joy. "For me, the hardest part of being homeless was not being able to provide for myself," he says. "But I've learned so much, and over and over I have received confirmation that God really does love me and wants to provide for me."

Vernon remembers the day when he had a job interview and his bag turned up missing. "Everything I had—my suit, my shoes—was in that bag. I didn't know what I was going to do." Fortunately, Breakthrough had a donated suit and shoes in exactly the right size. "They looked brand-new, and couldn't have fit better," he smiles. "I felt like a beautiful, loved child of God!"

He is thankful for the care he received from staff at Breakthrough. "I admire their willingness to share God's love and take time out to listen to and talk with me. I'm surrounded by people who set good examples of why I should stay focused and steadfast in my faith."

Through the support he's received at Breakthrough, Vernon has been able to find several temporary jobs. He continues to work diligently toward his goals and is confident about the future. "God knows what I need," he says.

Shawna Schoonveld volunteers as a tutor with Breakthrough's Youth Outreach Program. She and her family live in Chicago, near the Joshua Center. They attend church at Near West Connection (Evangelical Covenant).

Tell us about your experience.
I have experienced God's work in such amazing ways. At one time, the Youth Program seemed like a pipe dream, but I've seen God grow every aspect of it. Now, the kids really want to be a part of what's going on. The program flourishes, and God has provided funds, space, equipment and an awesome staff!

What led you to become involved with the ministry?
I've been so inspired by Bill and Marcie Curry*. God has given them a true passion and the gifts to partner with urban youth. Their desire to see the kids reach their God-given potential is contagious!

For which program at Breakthrough do you volunteer and when?
I tutor and assist kids with their homework in the After-School program. I also assist Marcie Curry in a class teaching the younger kids how to read.

How did you hear about Breakthrough?
My husband, Eric, has been on Breakthrough's board for about 10 years.

*Bill Curry is the Youth Outreach Director. His wife, Marcie Curry, is the Academic Assistance Coordinator.

Click here to learn more about Breakthrough’s Youth Outreach Program.

Members from the Village Church of Barrington unload bags of canned goods at the Joshua Center.

Thank you to all who participated in the Annual Hunger Walk on June 19. Nearly $4,000 was raised to credit Breakthrough's account at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, where we can purchase food for only 7¢ per pound.

Thanks to our friends at Park Community Church and Village Church of Barrington who organized food collections and donated canned and dry food items as part of Breakthrough's Annual Food Drive.

Additionally, over $6,700 was raised towards our Food Service Program. Thank you for your financial support!

Click here to register as a Table Host.