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    4Mar, 2024
    West Africa Sports Ministry Reaching Youth in Mali

    A message from one of our West Africa representatives…

    “I’m one of the youth leaders in my region here in San Pedro [Ivory Coast]. The Lord allowed me to be in contact with pastor Jimmy [Breakaway Outreach] and by the grace of God, last year in November, the pastor invited me to Ghana, Accra, to be part of the team to really learn through the ministry of sport. It is my first time to see that putting youth together to play sport, we can share the gospel with them. I [also] noticed through the sport, we can be in contact with Muslim youth and share the gospel with them. I have a colleague in Mali. Mali is one of the countries here in West Africa, but Mali is Muslim country [95% Muslim]. The brother in Mali really appreciated the idea, and invited me to be in Mali to have five or six days with them, pulling the youth for sport activity, and sharing the great love of Jesus. I want for you to pray for our countries here, especially in Africa, where a lot of youth, they love sport and I believe through the ministry of sport, we can win many souls to the kingdom of God. That’s the reason I’m very, very happy. Every day I’m telling the Lord, thank you for the contact He gave me through pastor Jimmy, and I’m learning from him to also apply the same ministry here in my country, Ivory Coast, and also in Mali and different countries. By the grace of God, we’ll see many youth be connected to the kingdom of God. Pray for our country. Pray for our youth. Thank you very much. May God bless you.”


    18Oct, 2023
    Playing for an Audience of One: Sports Ministry Devotional


    Most of us have heard of Babe Ruth, but few have heard of Babe Pinelli? Pinelli was an umpire in Major League Baseball who once called The Great Bambino out on strikes. When the crowd began booing in disapproval of the call, Babe turned to the umpire and said, “There’s 40,000 people here who know that the last pitch was a ball.” Pinelli responded coolly, “Maybe so, Babe, but mine is the only opinion that counts.”

    In life it’s easy to get caught up in playing for the approval and the opinions of others, but in the end, it’s not our scoffers or critics by whom we will be judged, only God. This book offers 52 weekly devotions for what it looks like to play for an audience One—to seek first the approval of God over all other voices and influences in our lives.

    This doesn’t mean you have no affinity or accountability to your teammates, coaches, family members, or neighbors. Playing for the audience of One means those relationships will be more deeply impacted by the fact that you are playing for a bigger purpose—the chief aim being to please your God and bring Him alone the glory in your life. Playing for an audience of One means you will bring honor to your godly leaders, while ignoring the critics, the haters, and those who are not in your corner. It will even entail overcoming your most difficult opponent: yourself (your fears, your insecurities, your doubts, your lack of confidence). None of these need to get the final word in your performance or the spiritual marathon you are running. By playing for an audience of One, you choose to put God first over all others, including those inner voices that speak contrary to God’s best intentions and His ultimate reign over your life.

    Each devo comes with a prayer and questions for personal reflection or group discussion, fitting for athletes, coaches, parents of athletes, and sports ministry leaders who work with athletes. The format of the devos also work well for fostering devotional times and gospel sharing at sports camps/clinics during mission trips.

    4Aug, 2023
    13-Foot Coffins: The Jimmy Larche Story

    In 13-Foot Coffins, Breakaway Outreach founder Jimmy Larche chronicles God’s redemptive fingerprints through childhood abandonment, abuse, and fatherlessness.

    Like the ancient Roman gladiators, we don’t get to choose the arenas we fight in, but we do get to choose how we will fight, and to what honor we will uphold. Pain, suffering, and injustice are often the catalysts that God uses to birth champions of His Cause.

    Born to a teenage mother, Jimmy spent most of his childhood years fatherless. But he went from one extreme to the other when his biological father remarried his mother and began a seven-year string of violent abuses. At fourteen-years-old, Jimmy ran away over 1,000 miles across the country. He eventually landed in a juvenile detention center; a place that served as a spiritual boot camp for him to begin to learn how to face his giants with grace and courage.

    When we run from our giants, we rob God of the glory He longs to get from our stories. Jimmy learned that the giants of fear, bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, and a “victim-mentality” must be slain in order to find holistic recovery, ultimate freedom, and the courage to break generational curses.

    There is a dance with destiny awaiting us all if we can learn to live from a forgiving heart and fall relentlessly into the arms of grace. Jesus, the master choreographer of this dance, will never waste our pain and suffering. When we allow him to redeem our past, it gives our life purpose, meaning, and an enduring legacy. Most importantly, our courage to face our giants affords God the glory He longs to gain from our lives.

    Humanity is a messy place to learn how to become fully alive.  Nevertheless, it is indeed a boot camp of faith; a spiritual gauntlet in which God calls every one of us to go through if we are to bear the resemblance of His Son, Jesus. And I’ve learned over the years that pain is not only an unfortunate part of this growth process; it is indeed a very necessary, vital, and essential part of our journey. My hope is that as you read this book you will come to experience the same grace I’ve experienced in discovering God’s redemptive purpose through pain and suffering, and to have the perfect peace that even when our pain doesn’t make sense, our heavenly Father’s love remains steadfast.

    His love can be trusted even when a “Why” cannot be traced.

    13-Foot Coffins is not necessarily my story, it’s His-story; one where I have been given the humble privilege of being an extra that points to the main character in this story: Jesus Christ.  This account is a living chronicle of God’s redemptive work in a fallen world where generational curses run rampant, and specifically, His intimate dealings in rescuing a young person out of childhood trauma, and setting him free to become a difference maker in giving hope to countless others. I am no longer a victim; I am more than a conqueror through HIM who loved me out of darkness and into His glorious light (Romans 8:37). Healing, forgiveness, and freedom can be found for those who truly want to become fully alive.

    Welcome to His story; one in which I serve as a humble stagehand in lifting up the unbound Healer, faithful Redeemer, and Prince of Peace: Jesus, the risen Christ!

    Join me in this rich journey of grace in slaying a victim-mentality and finding your God-inspired dance with destiny!

    The world is waiting!

    -Jimmy Larche

     

    3Feb, 2023
    Tony Dungy Suber Bowl Outreach Video Resource

    Former NFL coach Tony Dungy talks about the purpose of pain in our faith journey. Dungy shares how hardships in the NFL and the personal tragedy of losing his own son have affected his faith. Approximate running time is 15 minutes and the Gospel-centered message makes for an excellent Super Bowl outreach and evangelistic tool.

    Tony Dungy’s words and example have intrigued millions of people, particularly following his victory in Super Bowl XLI, the first for an African American coach. How is it possible for a coach—especially a football coach—to win the respect of his players and lead them to the Super Bowl without the screaming histrionics, the profanities, and the demand that the sport come before anything else? How is it possible for anyone to be successful without compromising faith and family?

    As a devout follower of Jesus Christ, Dungy has earned widespread respect both on and off the field due to what many see as strong convictions and high personal standards of ethics and behavior, which affect his behavior as both a coach and as a member of his community. He has been active in many community service organizations in the cities in which he has coached. While coaching in Tampa Bay, Dungy worked as a public speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action.

    He began a mentoring program for young people called Mentors for Life, and provided Buccaneers’ tickets for the participants. He also supported other charitable programs in the area such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, the Prison Crusade Ministry, foster parenting organizations, and Family First. His community involvement and care continues in Indianapolis where Tony helped launch the Basket of Hope program which aids patients at the Riley Hospital for Children.

    Below is a Teaser, but not the entire video:

    6Jan, 2023
    Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum: KING DAVID

    VBS Curriculum: KING DAVID “A Different Kind”

    This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of David. His story teaches us that when God wants to use someone for a great purpose, He doesn’t choose them based on outward appearances, He looks at their heart. David was a “different kind” of teenager, soldier, musician, friend, servant, and leader. Though he was imperfect and made many mistakes in his life, he sets an example of overcoming evil with good. This curriculum focuses on his early life and how it ultimately points to a “different kind” of love and the new life we find in Jesus. 

    This resource was designed as a camp curriculum for children 8-12 years of age but can also serve as a VBS theme, a 5-week Sunday morning children’s ministry teaching series, Sunday School curriculum, Backyard Bible club, or kids’ sports camp curriculum. Each lesson has a “Gospel Connection” connecting David to Jesus and what that means for us.

    • (DAY ONE) A Different Kind of Heart
    • (DAY TWO) A Different Kind of Courage
    • (DAY THREE) A Different Kind of King
    • (DAY FOUR) A Different Kind of Love
    • (DAY FIVE) A Different Kind of Life

    Includes:

    • Lesson Guides (5 Sessions)
    • Inductive Bible Study Questions
    • Group & Team Building Activities
    • Object Lessons & Illustrations
    • Craft Ideas & Music Playlist (*Links)
    • Printable Handouts (Talk Sheets)
    • Logo Files & 4K Media Graphics
    • T-Shirt Logo Design

    *Contents does not include craft supplies or music audio files, just craft ideas with links to suggested materials as well as a short playlist of ideal songs to go with each daily lesson theme.

    David is one of the Bible’s most powerful characters… flawed, incredibly human, yet called “a man after God’s own heart.”

    We can learn a lot from the life of David. In Hebrew, the name David means “beloved.” David was born in 1040 BC, and was the youngest son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10-11). He is described as handsome and ruddy with beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12). He was anointed as a boy to be God’s chosen king by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel. 16:13), and from that day forward, the Holy Spirit remained with him for the rest of his life.

    David started life as a shepherd-boy. He quickly grew into a brave teenager who protected his flock from hungry lions. He defeated a giant named Goliath when all the King’s soldiers were too scared to fight. He was very musical, playing a harp, the nearest thing they had in those days to a guitar. His psalms are masterpieces, capturing human guilt, longing, joy, hope and faith.

    David was kind and respectful to King Saul, even though Saul was jealous and tried to kill David numerous times. David wasn’t overcome by evil, but overcame evil with good. Like other flawed human beings, David made some big mistakes in his life, but he knew how to say sorry and put things right. He became the most famous King that Israel ever had!

    His story teaches us that when God wants to use someone for a great purpose, He doesn’t choose them based on outward appearances, He looks at their heart.

     

     

    5Apr, 2022
    The Mentor Toolbox: A Handbook for Mentoring Youth

    Every young person deserves to have a caring, committed mentor in their life to listen and help them realize their God-given potential.

    For over 28 years, Breakaway Outreach has been enriching the lives of young people through a myriad of mentoring relationship contexts (churches, schools, neighborhoods, recovery programs, juvenile detention centers, youth chaplaincy services, sports coaching, re-entry and aftercare ministries, orphan and foster care, domestic violence outreach, and much more).

    In this handbook you will find a treasure trove of wisdom gleaned from the experiences of hundreds of our volunteers over the past two and a half decades.

    Mentoring Chapters

    1. Introduction: Mentoring Matters
    2. The Role of a Mentor
    3. Biblical Examples of Mentoring
    4. Mistakes and Pitfalls to Avoid
    5. Getting the Mentoring Relationship Off to a Good Start
    6. Sample Match Icebreaker: Getting to Know Each Other
    7. Give the Young Person a Voice and Choice
    8. 100 Activity Ideas for Mentors and Mentees
    9. 30 Conversation Starters for Mentors and Mentees
    10. Faith-Based Mentoring (for Discipleship)
    11. 100 “Make-a-Difference” Quotes(to keep you motivated!)

     

    Research consistently reveals the long-term positive effects of mentoring.

    • Increased high school graduation rates
    • Lower high school dropout rates
    • Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
    • Better attitude about school
    • Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
    • Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
    • Improved behavior, both at home and at school
    • Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers
    • Improved interpersonal skills
    • Decreased likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use

    (MENTOR, 2009; Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, and Rhodes, 2009)

    Mentoring has also been linked in studies to social-emotional development benefits, improvements in youth perceptions of parental relationships, and better prospects for moving on to higher education. Mentoring can help youth as they go through challenging life transitions, including dealing with stressful changes at home or transitioning to adulthood. Close, healthy, supportive relationships between mentors and mentees that last for a significant portion of time (i.e., more than one year) are central to success. Without this, mentoring programs run the risk of harming young people who are paired with mentors ill-equipped to meet the mentees’ needs. Specifically, relationships with mentors that last less than three months; where there is irregular and inconsistent contact; where there is a disconnect between the personalities, interests, and expectations of the mentors and mentees; where mentors are unprepared and lack skills to relate to youth; and where there is no emotional bond between the mentor and mentee have been found to be harmful to youth (Jekielek et al., 2002; Rhodes & DuBois, 2006). “The Mentor Toolbox” can help you, or your volunteers, become more equipped to go the distance in your mentoring efforts.

    7Mar, 2022
    Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum: JONAH

    VBS Curriculum: JONAH

    This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. Jonah’s story as a runaway prophet getting swallowed by a “great fish” resonates with children in many ways. Jonah had to learn the hard way that God loves those we might not like, and calls us to demonstrate mercy in the same manner in which we have received mercy.

    Jonah’s story is about someone being rescued by God. Yes, the Ninevites were spared God’s wrath, but the story also shows that God did not give up on Jonah. God gave Jonah a second chance (and more). He didn’t let him run away, and he didn’t let him drown. He could easily have called someone else more faithful to go to Nineveh, someone who had some compassion and mercy toward others. Maybe he used Jonah because Jonah needed God’s rescue―not just from drowning, but from his hard heart.

    This resource was designed as a Bible camp curriculum for children 8-12 years of age but can also serve as a VBS theme, a 5-week Sunday morning children’s ministry teaching series, Sunday School lessons, Backyard Bible club, or kids’ sports camp curriculum.

    • (DAY ONE) Jonah Runs From God
    • (DAY TWO) God Rescues Jonah From a Dark Place
    • (DAY THREE) God Gives Jonah a Second Chance
    • (DAY FOUR) Jonah Points to a Real Superhero (JESUS)
    • (DAY FIVE) Jonah Learns About Compassion and Mercy

    Includes:

    • Lesson Guides (5 Sessions)
    • Group & Team Building Activities
    • Object Lessons & Illustrations
    • *Craft Ideas & Music Playlist
    • Printable Handouts (Talk Sheets)
    • Logo Files & 4K Media Graphics
    • HD PowerPoint Template
    • T-Shirt Logo Design
    • Staff Devotions

    *Contents does not include craft materials or music files, only links to craft ideas and short playlists with suggested songs to go with each daily lesson theme.

    26Jan, 2022
    Chad Buckner Story: Overcoming Childhood Trauma

    Chad Buckner’s story is one of redemption, healing, and restoration. Abuse. Abandonment. Suicide. Cancer. Divorce. Loneliness. Despair. Watch this video to hear how God’s faithfulness redeemed Chad’s story and gave him a new hope and a “second chance” at life. This is a fitting video resource with discussion questions for youth and young adult ministries, small groups, mentors and leaders, juvenile center and prison chaplains, domestic violence support groups, and many other ministry and outreach contexts.

    Youth Discussion Questions

    1. Chad prayed for his story to be used for the glory of God. Why do you think that is important?
    2. Chad said that he grew up in a “functioning dysfunctional family,” where anger, abuse, and domestic violence had an effect on his upbringing. In what ways are you a product of your upbringing?
    3. The spiritual leader in Chad’s home was his mother. She modeled faith for him in distressing circumstances. Do you know someone like this?
    4. When Chad lost his father to suicide, he said that trying to work through pain got him “sideways” with his faith, and confessed to making bad choices as a result. Have you ever struggled in this way?
    5. During the biggest crisis of his life, Chad felt like the people who should’ve been there for him were not. Can you relate to this tension?
    6. When diagnosed with cancer, he likened it to a death sentence, in which fear tormented him. When has fear or anxiety hijacked your life to such an extent that it felt like a death sentence?
    7. While going through radiation treatment, someone handed Chad a piece of paper with the Bible verse Isaiah 41:10. It read “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What promise is attached to this scripture that can encourage us when going through a crisis?
    8. Though being healed of cancer, Chad still went through a painful divorce. How did God give him a “second chance” and show Himself faithful and good in Chad’s life?
    9. In what ways do you think God wants to take your “mess and turn it into a message,” like Chad suggested?
    10. In what ways do you sense that God wants to meet you right in the middle of your mess? How can you respond to His love and kindness in this moment?

    DOWNLOAD the Discussion Guide PDF

    14May, 2021
    The Struggle Is Real: Youth and Young Adult Bible Study Series

    “The Struggle is Real” youth and young adult Bible study series. The leader guides come with background summaries and overviews. Includes 1-page simplified printable handout for each session with icebreakers, inductive study questions, “DIGGING DEEPER” discussion and application questions, as well as personal takeaway/introspection questions. Includes high resolution logo/graphics/backgrounds for banners, visuals, and presentations, as well as a PowerPoint template.

    SESSIONS: 

    1. The Inner Battle

    2. No Condemnation

    3. Discouragement, Depression, Suicidal

    4. Worry and Anxiety

    5. Dysfunction, Rejection, and Loneliness

    6. A Better Struggle (Struggling for Growth in Others)

     

    2Mar, 2021
    Among Lions: Daniel Youth Bible Study Series

    “Among Lions” is a youth Bible study series for teens and young adults, featuring lessons from the Old Testament book of Daniel. It’s fitting for a youth group or Sunday School series, a summer camp theme, discipleship retreat, or small group study. Though this story is popular with young people, the curriculum and discussion format can easily be adapted for any age Bible study group, men’s or women’s ministry, or prison/juvenile center ministry.

    The leader guides come with background summaries and overviews, and include group discussion questions in a format of ice-breaker, inductive, instrospective, and application. Comes with printable handouts (Talk Sheets), high resolution logo/graphics/backgrounds for banners, visuals, and presentations, as well as a PowerPoint template.

    SUMMARY:

    What can an ancient Jewish exile teach us about living with courage in a world growing increasingly hostile to people of the Christian faith? Just like the Old Testament story of Daniel, Christ-followers today find themselves in a changing world where “cancel culture” runs rampant, social bullying has become the norm, and Christian persecution is on the rise. These are times of hostility and uncertainty. Apart from the grace and abiding presence of Jesus, our hearts would surely faint. But we are not alone, and that makes all the difference in our lifetime.

    Living as a captive in a land far from home, Daniel didn’t conform to his world but transformed it. It wasn’t easy, but it was all part of God’s redemptive plan. We too, have been divinely placed and positioned in a broken world for such a time as this. God has a plan, and we are part of His purposes to be light in the darkness around us. To be faithful to that calling we will need courage. Fortunately, this kind of boldness doesn’t come from our human strength, or something we must manufacture on our own—God wants to give it to us! He is all-sufficient to do that just as much as He is all-sufficient to save us from our sins. God wants to equip us with courage.

    In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them…” Yet it also tells us why we can be bold and fearless… “for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” That’s an awesome promise for each of us today. Because our strength and courage come directly from the God Who is mighty to save, even the most timid person can be clothed and equipped to live with boldness in the face of the most intense persecution.

    Lesson 1: Courage to Remain Pure

    Lesson 2: Courage to Stand Up

    Lesson 3: Courage to Speak Out

    Lesson 4: Courage to Trust God