Flash

We featured this piece recently on our weekly podcast. A real flesh and blood testimony of how God's mercy triumphed over the crippling effects of panhandling.

"Miles was a 4th grader who enrolled in the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program for the first time last fall," says Marcie Curry, Director of Youth and Family Services. "He was so disruptive and not interested in academics that we had to dismiss him from the program."

Andrea Jensen, Community Arts Coordinator, agrees, "We tried to be patient and give Miles the benefit of the doubt. We realize that it can take time for new students to adjust to the structure we've set up."

"After he left the program, Miles would still come around," says Noel Ritter, Community Health & Fitness Coordinator. "He said he was coming to make sure his little sister, who still participates in our program, got home safely. For a long time, though, I thought he was just showing up to cause trouble," he admits.

Miles kept asking to see Noel. He liked to talk about basketball. As the youth basketball season approached, the staff decided to allow Miles to join Breakthrough's league. Sports is often a first step into Breakthrough for many youth who do not yet participate in other programs.

"I think what happened really speaks to the validity of Breakthrough's core values," says Noel. "Miles didn't have any behavioral problems during our season. In fact, he actually showed the beginnings of a little leadership." Noel explains, "Miles always encouraged his teammates. He would make a basket, then pump his arm and yell out to rally his team as they were all running down the court. Even when THEY were down by 20 points, which they often were, he didn't give up."

 "Not only was he a great player, but he was helpful to the staff and had a great attitude," agrees Marcie. "It just goes to show you that sometimes we need to be patient and that not all kids respond to the same things. We were able to give Miles a second chance, and he shined."

Like all community youth, Miles will have another opportunity next fall to enroll in the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program. Andrea says, "Every student gets a fresh start, every year."

Keri Wyatt Kent is a freelance writer and speaker. She lives in Hoffman Estates and attends Willow Creek Community Church. Keri is also a Breakthrough volunteer.

Why are you so excited about giving financially to Breakthrough?

There are many worthwhile causes, but I think Breakthrough just does so much with so little. The work they do really matters.

Giving is a way of keeping your heart tender toward God, of not just saying "I trust you, Lord," but showing that trust in a very tangible way. I'm blessed because I grew up in a family that valued giving. It's a part of my DNA. I've experienced the joy of giving, and once you've had some of that, you want more!

Have you experienced an example of "showing mercy over judgment" at Breakthrough...or been caused to think about that concept?

Lately I've been talking a lot with Arloa about all the stories of various people who've been touched by Breakthrough, all the miracles. So many people who this ministry has touched would have been judged by our society as not having much worth. But they were valued here, because Jesus valued them. Mercy isn't just feeling sorry for people, it's seeing that they have value. Mercy is not about pity, it's about affirming the image of God in people, calling forth the best in them. I have been thinking about that idea a lot lately, knowing that I need to be a more merciful person, because I have been shown great mercy and grace.

What has impacted you most during your time at Breakthrough?

I love seeing how a small donation can sometimes be an answer to prayer. Last fall, my dad and I decided to donate a shed so the Youth and Family Services program could store equipment. The staff had just been told there was no money in the budget for the shed. Just moments later, they received my e-mail about our donation. Arloa told me they let out a "Ya-hoo!" that could be heard throughout the building. To be able to be a part of that was a real rush, a total thrill. There is nothing like that. To do it with my dad was way cool, too.

Thank you to David Smith, Barbara Anderson, and volunteers from Fourth Presbyterian Church for finishing three bathrooms on the second floor of our Joshua Center. Volunteers have worked one or two days a week for the past several few months to complete two large bathrooms that will be used by youth in our Breakthrough Beginners program and Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program. They have also worked to complete a bathroom for staff.