Arloa Sutter

When Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, knew their brother was sick and could die, they sent for Jesus. They had faith that Jesus could make him well. But Jesus did something interesting. He waited. He waited to come until it seemed like it was too late. He came after Lazarus was dead.

"Jesus," the sisters lamented when he finally arrived, "where were you? If you had been here our brother would not have died. Where were you Jesus?"

Do you sometimes feel like God has not shown up in your moments of greatest need? Where were you Jesus when my brother died, when my child was hit by a car, when my money ran out? Where were you Jesus?

Jesus explained, "This is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." God was still in control even when the situation seemed hopeless. He had a plan. He had a larger glory story that at the moment they did not understand."Do you believe?" He asked Martha and Mary. "Do you believe that I am the resurrection and the life? That whoever believes in me will never die? Do you believe?"

Do you believe, even when you don't understand? Even when your situation seems hopeless? Do you believe that God can resurrect hopeless situations in a way that will give him even greater glory?

What might God be doing in your life today that would make your story a glory story? Can you trust him? Will you believe in his goodness and grace? Nothing is impossible for God."Yes Lord," said Martha. "I believe". And Jesus performed a miracle for all to see.

Many individuals involved in Breakthrough's programs cannot afford to buy many Christmas gifts to share with their loved ones. We'd like to provide them with a dignified way to do so by operating a Christmas Store on Saturday, December 11 at the Joshua Center.

The Christmas Store is open to our male and female homeless guests, youth involved in our programs and their families, and community residents near the Joshua Center. They will have the opportunity to purchase gifts for a nominal amount, using their own money, or in some cases, earned "Breakthrough Bucks." Any proceeds will go towards the cost of operating the store.

Get your church or group involved! You can help by donating toys, games, personal items and wrapping supplies. Organize a gift drive! Host a holiday party and have guests bring toys and other items! Plan an afternoon Christmas shopping spree with your group!

Click here for a list of donation item ideas, drop-off information and directions to the Joshua Center

You may drop off gifts from now through Friday, December 10.

For more information contact Amy Cosby at 773.989.4382 x271 or acosby@breakthroughministries.com.

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 Director of Women's Services, Yolanda Fields, or call 773.722.0179 x13.

Lucy (at right) just moved into her own apartment. She and Terri (at left) encouraged each other during their stay at Breakthrough.

This month, seven guests of Breakthrough's Women's Services will move into a place of their own. "I'm very happy for the ladies," says Breakthrough caseworker, Teresa McHenry. "It's encouraging to see their progress." The women will set off with a small bag of household items. "I try to include a towel and maybe a frying pan and some plates," says Food Service Coordinator, Sharron Baskins. "Whatever we have that can help them get started."

Since June, Lucy has occupied one of the thirty beds available for overnight guests at Breakthrough's Joshua Center. She just moved into an apartment, part of a two year transitional housing program available through an agency, Deborah's Place. "This has been a very hard time for me," says Lucy. "But I'm glad to have my own place again." As part of her housing requirements, Lucy will volunteer at her building for 20 hours a week until she finds employment. "I like to cook," she says, "so I look forward to that."

Lucy recalls the encouragement and camaraderie she experienced while at Breakthrough. "Terri has always been there for me," she says of her friend, another guest who is working to find housing. The two ladies have enjoyed seeing movies together at the $1.50 theaters, and they hope to keep in touch even after moving on from Breakthrough.

While homeless guests like Lucy eventually leave Breakthrough, the impact of their time spent here is evident and often lasting. "When I first came here I didn't know what I was going to do," remembers Lucy. "I know it doesn't seem like a big deal to most people, but I was happy to find out that I could keep my personal belongings in a storage tub." She also speaks fondly of the volunteers who came to the Joshua Center - those that served meals and those from the Mobile Health Team from Circle Family Care. "I've never met medical staff that cares so much."

Click here for more information about Breakthrough Women's Services.

Robert McGhee is a member of Breakthrough's Board of Directors. He is a Banking Center Manager for Fifth Third Bank. Robert attends the Apostolic Church of God.

In what ways has giving to Breakthrough impacted you?
Giving is the easy part. It takes longer to understand the impact of what goes on at Breakthrough. I am inspired every time I hear about someone's journey and how their life has changed for the better after coming to Breakthrough.

Describe your involvement with Breakthrough's Board of Directors.
I participate in special initiatives conducted by the ministry, but the main reason I joined the board was due to the passion I sensed in the staff, the Board, and the individuals and families served by Breakthrough. Although I have served on other boards, I am hard pressed to find an organization where so many share equally in the passion and commitment to what they do and why it is so important.

What would you say to others who are thinking about supporting Breakthrough financially?
I invite people to spend time at Breakthrough. It's easier to visualize the impact of what goes on here by meeting the people who experience change.

Photo courtesy of Krista Guenin. Close to 1400 Benefit guests enjoyed guest speaker, Dr. Tony Campolo.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, Breakthrough raised $450,000!

Thank you to Keith Johnson and the committee of friends who organized Celebration of Hope, a concert and program held on November 13 at Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Park. The event raised over $4,500 for Breakthrough's Women's Services. Special thanks to those who performed: Landmark Baptist Church Choir, Calvary Memorial Celebration Choir, and Von Matthews and the Proclaim Praise Team.

Click here for a list of donation item ideas, drop-off information and directions to the Joshua Center.