Arloa Sutter

I grew up on a farm in Iowa. It was my job to milk the family cow every morning. One frigid morning as I headed to the barn in the darkness before dawn I stumbled over something I thought was a rock. I knelt down and discovered the body of a frozen baby lamb. As I picked up the stiff lamb, I felt something on my thumb. It was a warm breath coming from the lamb's nostrils. He was alive!

I rushed him into the house and put him in a box on a heat register. I wrapped him in warm towels and held him and rubbed him, but still the lamb remained stiff and cold. Finally I put him back in the box and went into the kitchen to get a drink of water. From the kitchen I heard a loud, "Baa". He was alive! I rushed to him to find him standing up in the box, very much alive!

My experience with the lamb reminds me of the homeless men and women that come to Breakthrough. Often they are shunned and shut out by society and left abandoned to face certain death. But inside each person is that tiny breath of the image of God waiting to be called to life through the power and love of Christ. When they come into an environment in which they experience His love and forgiveness, we can watch them literally come alive, much like that little lamb.

During this Christmas season, I am reminded that Jesus came to us much like that vulnerable little lamb, a baby born in a barn needing to be received with warm blankets and love. Jesus Himself affirmed this solidarity with the poor in Matthew 25 when he spoke of the importance of providing food, clothing and shelter to "the least of these". He said what we do for the most vulnerable we do for Him. My prayer for you this Christmas is that you will have the joy of showing your love for Jesus in your expressions of care for "the least of these."

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

Many individuals involved in Breakthrough's programs cannot afford to buy 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.

You can help by donating toys, games, personal items and wrapping supplies. Click here for a list of donation item ideas, drop-off information and directions to the Joshua Center.

The last day to drop off gifts is Friday, December 10.

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

We'd like to hear from you.
Please click here to complete a short, anonymous survey.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Campins. Youth learn the value of teamwork by participating in sports.

Young athletes who participated in Breakthrough's fall sports leagues were honored at the 2004 Fall Sports Banquet on Saturday, November 18 at the Joshua Center. Youth and their families enjoyed dinner and an awards presentation, highlighted by remarks from staff, volunteer coaches and players.

"When I started playing this year I just wanted something to do," said 12 year-old Lamar, who is very active at Breakthrough and played soccer and football this fall. "I really like all the friends that I made during the season."

Awards were given for all soccer and football players. This year, 20 youth played football and 22 played soccer. They played teams from churches and other youth organizations.

At the banquet, Ricky Robinson, a father and volunteer coach, urged parents to get involved. "If you haven't taken the chance to come out to see your kids play in Breakthrough's sports leagues, you are really missing seeing a lot of smiles and joy on your kids faces." Ricky's four children are active on Breakthrough's teams and in the other programs.

Breakthrough's sports leagues offer opportunities for youth to experience and develop positive relationships with adults and peers. Basketball season kicks off on December 11th and runs through the end of April. Although many coaches are returning, there is a need for coaches in the 3rd & 4th grade division.

For more information, contact Athletic Coordinator, Marvin Grover, at 773.722.0179 x21.

Ed Campins is a volunteer coach for Breakthrough's youth sports leagues. He and his wife, Leslie, live in Chicago's West Bucktown neighborhood and attend Park Community Church.

The kids are so enthusiastic. I hear a lot of laughter and see a lot of smiles. The real reward of volunteering is to see the kids motivate each other and try to help each other in practice and in games. Breakthrough provides a unique opportunity for the kids to work together and to learn how each person can affect the other, both on and off the field. As coaches we strive to present strong Christian values that the youth will see and hopefully take on in their own lives.

Tell us about your volunteer experience:
I am filled with joy when the kids smile after they've learned a new skill or made a great play. It's fun to play pick up games of football and basketball. Breakthrough is such a blessing to the community and to Chicago as a whole - not just for the men, women and children served - but also for the staff and volunteers. I have learned so much about the people and community of East Garfield Park.

What led you to become involved with the ministry?
I prayed for God to present to me some way to use my skills and available time to do something here in the city. A friend of mine from church asked me if I'd coach baseball with him. It was definitely an answer to prayer. I have always been a giant sports nut, especially baseball, and I always wanted to play some role in the lives of children.

Thanks also to the following groups who prepared and served meals at our homeless centers on Thanksgiving Day: Joe and Amy Uyeda & family, North Park students and staff, Eric and Tori Wagnon, members from Willow Creek, Joe Riccardi and other Park staff and members, Kevin and Lisa Gwin and members of Lighthouse Community Church, and Doug Lively.

Besides the good food, Breakthrough's guests enjoyed the good company!