Executive Director, Arloa Sutter

Last weekend I had the privilege of meeting the daughter of Dr. Stanley Tam, the founder of US Plastics. I was deeply inspired by her father’s story.

At the age of 20, Dr. Tam had an idea and started his own business. In 1936, on the road trying to sell his idea he ran out of money. “I was stranded and broke except for thirteen cents and two gallons of gas.” Dr. Tam prayed for direction.

Dr. Tam recalls God’s answer, “Start for home. I’ll see that you get there.” He accepted the challenge and headed toward home. He spent his last thirteen cents--a nickel on a hamburger and eight cents on gas. As his gas was running out he felt led to pick up a hitchhiker. The stranger turned out to be a farmer in need of a ride and he paid for the rest of Dr. Tam’s gas to get home.

Because of his experience, Dr. Tam will never forget that God sends strangers along our paths to meet our needs if we will step out and obey Him. When his business grew, Dr. Tam made God his formal business partner and committed 51% of the business profits to Christian ministries. Years later, as his business continued to succeed, he heard the Lord ask him “Would you be willing to turn your entire business over to Me?”

Believing that God wanted to transfer his earthly wealth into eternal treasures, he said, “Thank you Lord. You can have it all.” Dr. Tam gave millions of dollars of his company’s profits to Kingdom work. Now in his 90’s, Dr. Tam still travels to share his giving testimony.

Your giving to Breakthrough is inspiring as well. Thanks for letting God use you.

New volunteers are required to attend one workshop. Attendance is also encouraged for current volunteers. Light refreshments will be served.

Please contact Scott at 773.722.1144 x271 or sruth@breakthroughministries.com

Rodney holds the keys to his new apartment.

"I think of Breakthrough as a pit stop," says Rodney, a guest of Breakthrough's Men's Services Program. "This is a place to get things checked out and get yourself filled up before moving forward."

Rodney's own journey clearly illustrates his point. Breakthrough proved to be the safe, stable place where he returned during times of struggle over the past several years. "From the beginning, I could tell that there was something different about the environment here. Breakthrough seemed more laid-back than other places I'd stayed, but people here were more focused on getting back with their families or getting a job." Rodney adds, "And I knew I'd be able to hear God's word."

For the past six months, Rodney has stayed overnight in Breakthrough's emergency shelter. Last week, for the first time in years, he moved into his own apartment. "It feels great," he smiles. "There are things that I miss about Breakthrough. I woke up this morning to quiet...no buddies of mine snoring or cracking jokes. But I got up and did my devotions and prayed, just like I used to do."

Breakthrough continues to be a great source of support for Rodney while he looks for a job and gets used to living on his own again. “I use the phone and fax machine for my job search,” he says. “Coming here keeps me grounded. The other guys and I encourage each other.”

Rodney feels strongly about helping others who experience some of the same struggles he's been through. "I tell them about my own story and how the Lord has been faithful and taught me something every day," says Rodney. "Don't give up when you're discouraged."

Fred and Doug, shown with Executive Director, Arloa Sutter.

What is the Barn Benefit?

Fred: We wanted to create a fun evening that would benefit a worthwhile cause and expose people to different faith-based ministries in a non-threatening environment. This is the 4th year we've hosted the event.

Doug: We hold the event at Noble Horse stables in Old Town and hire a DJ and a dance instructor. The ticket price includes dancing and food. There is also a silent auction, which helps bring in money for the beneficiary. This year, about 350 attended and raised $12,000 for Breakthrough.

Why did you decide to make Breakthrough this year's recipient?
Fred: We've known Arloa for several years and have seen Breakthrough's impact. We are passionate about this organization's mission.

Doug: We heard about Breakthrough through our church. We've both served meals at the Joshua Center and have volunteered with the street outreach team.

Do you have any tips for people who want to do a fundraiser on behalf of Breakthrough?
Doug: Don't be afraid to just get started. We weren't always sure how things would come together, but God always provided the resources, volunteers and donors.

Fred: People get excited about helping and really pitch in. You never know where or how the small seeds planted through an event like this will grow.

If you would like to host a fundraiser on Breakthrough’s behalf, please contact Sarah Leoni at sleoni@breakthroughministries.com.