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    29May, 2020
    Summer Camp and Outreach Initiatives for Prisoners’ Kids

    They are often referred to as “hidden victims.” They face a host of challenges and difficulties: psychological trauma, depression, stigmas of shame, antisocial behavior, family tension, economic hardship, and the high risks of being vacuumed into a cycle of intergenerational criminal activity. They are the 2.7 million children in our country who have been affected by having a parent—or both—in prison.

    Fourteen years ago, Breakaway Outreach launched our inaugural summer camp for children of prisoners, beginning with thirteen kids in the Great Smoky Mountains. As this VBS-style overnight adventure camp has expanded to serve a myriad of at-risk and disadvantaged children over the years, our primary focus has predominantly been serving children affected by parental or sibling incarceration. Prisoners’ children make up about 90% of our camper population. This transformative ministry has fostered resilience in kids facing hardship and has been an instrument of healing for entire families.

    We believe this 14th year of camp ministry will be even more impactful than ever, as we serve children of inmates across 11 counties in East Tennessee with an updated and innovative strategy for 2020. Our “Summer of Hope” initiatives include serving children of inmates (and their families) through a modified camp experience and our “VIP” birthday blessings program. We believe that no child should have to face hardship alone this summer. This is the conviction that fuels our bold initiatives in an hour when pandemic, discord, civil unrest, and anguish hovers over our communities like a cloud of despair. BUT the Gospel is not on “lockdown,” and we have opportunities to make a difference!

    Ways you can get involved:

    • Sponsor a child (family): When you give to this ministry it’s not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference. A gift of any amount will empower a child this summer and remind families they are not alone in these difficult times. You can make a secure online donation here.
    • Volunteer: Come out and serve at one of our VIP birthday parties for kids. Send us a private message about specific details.
    • Pray: Your prayers make a difference. Pray for doors to be open to the “word,” and for gospel clarity as we minister to many families in distress (Colossians 4:2-4). Sign up to receive our monthly prayer letter to get more detailed updates and to hear stories/testimonies of impact.

    Thank you for partnering with Breakaway Outreach to empower children through communities of faith, hope, and love.

    15Apr, 2020
    GIDEON (G.O.A.T.): Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum

    VBS Curriculum: Gideon “God Over All Things”

    This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of Gideon. This resilient “overcomer” story will resonate with kids in many ways—Gideon was born into family hardship, his future looked bleak, he struggled with injustices, his people were forced into “social distancing” due to Midianite oppression, he had feelings of insecurity and inferiority, he faced insurmountable odds, and yet he saw God come through despite those odds. Gideon came to see that His LORD was the GOD OVER ALL THINGS (G.O.A.T.).

    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. It’s also a fitting resource for parents facilitating their own Vacation Bible School during times of “social distancing” due to Covid-19.

    • (DAY ONE) God Has a Plan Even When Life is Hard
    • (DAY TWO) God Wants Us to Worship Him Alone
    • (DAY THREE) God Is Bigger Than Our Doubts and Fears
    • (DAY FOUR) God Wants Us to Trust and Rely On Him
    • (DAY FIVE) Jesus is The One True King

    Includes:

    • 5 Bible Lessons with Leader Guides
    • Group Activities, Games, Object Lessons
    • Craft Ideas and Crossword Puzzles
    • Printable Talk Sheets (handouts)
    • 4K Hi-Res Graphics and Logo Files
    • PowerPoint & ProPresenter Images
    • 2-Color T-Shirt Logo (ready for your printer!)
    • *Song Playlist

    *Contents does not include actual music files, only a short playlist with suggested songs to go with each daily lesson theme

    6Apr, 2020
    DANIEL: Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum

    VBS Curriculum: DANIEL

    Based on the Old Testament book of Daniel, this camp theme or VBS curriculum teaches children how to live with courage in uncertain times. 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.

    Day 1: Courage to Be You
    Day 2: Courage to Stand Out
    Day 3: Courage to Speak Out
    Day 4: Courage to Trust God
    Day 5: Courage to Live for Something Bigger

    Kit includes:

    • 5-Daily Lessons with Leader Guides
    • Craft Ideas & Activity Sheets
    • Logo & Graphic Files
    • PowerPoint Backgrounds & Template
    • 5-Minute HD Countdown Video
    • Music Playlist (*not actual music files, just suggested playlist)

    Summary: The book of Daniel provides a historical account of how the Lord God protected and provided for His faithful followers while in captivity. It gives children a bold picture of what it looks like to remain devoted to God under adverse cultural circumstances, social persecution, and uncertain times. It encourages them that they can have great courage (anywhere) to be who God made them to be because God is always with us (everywhere). The book of Daniel also includes a vision of future redemption and the everlasting Kingdom of God reigning over all kingdoms of this world.

    In chapters 1-6, Daniel writes about his own life in captivity. He was selected to work for the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel (or his Babylonian name Belteshazzar), and his friends made bold and tough decisions and several times displayed their integrity to stand for Godliness instead of culture. They rejecting the king’s food, prayed when it was illegal to do so, and refused to bow to the king’s idol, for which they were thrown into a scorching furnace. Daniel interpreted the king’s dreams twice then was promoted as chief over all the wise men in Babylon. Yet, through all the great things that Daniel did He claimed it was God that did it through him and he gave all the glory to God, “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him” (2:22).

    Chapters 7-12 contain the visions that Daniel received from God and the events that are involved in his prophetic ministry. A portion of these includes the results of the earthly kingdoms that he lived in. They also mention the coming Messiah and the apocalyptic events to come. “As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time” (12:8-9).

    Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (Daniel 6:3 ESV)

    1Apr, 2020
    Braveheart: Gideon Youth Bible Study Series

    “Braveheart” is a youth Bible study series for teens and young adults, featuring lessons from the story of Gideon in the Old Testament book of Judges (chapters 6-8). 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 ministry, or prison/juvenile center ministry.

    The leader guides come with background summaries and overviews, pre-lesson activities, icebreakers, student exercises, discussion outlines, team building activities, and printable handouts (Talk Sheets). Includes high resolution logo/graphics/backgrounds for banners, visuals, and presentations, as well as a PowerPoint template.

    Lesson 1: God Has a Plan Even When Life is Hard. Though Gideon’s people had turned their back on God and were reaping the consequences, the Lord still heard their cries of distress. No matter  how ugly our circumstances get, no matter how far we have wandered, God is still faithful, and He still has a plan for our good and our future.

    Lesson 2: Confronting Our Idols and Insecurity. God calls us to worship Him alone, with uncompromising devotion. Before Gideon could lead his people to bravely face their oppressors, he first had to confront his people’s idolatry and his own insecurities.

    Lesson 3: Our Doubts and Fears Don’t Disqualify Us From God’s Plan. Through Gideon’s story, we see that God is much bigger than our weaknesses, and He takes great and gracious measures to overcome our trepidation and our fears, so that we can serve Him with a brave heart.

    Lesson 4: The Dark Side of Success and Power. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat people’s weaknesses; it gives us the good, the bad, and the ugly, so that we might learn to “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

    25Feb, 2020
    Conflict Resolution and Anti-Bullying Workshop

    With bullying on the rise in U.S. schools and increasingly diverse classrooms and communities, the need for empathy and conflict resolution has never been more important. Each year, more than 3.2 million students are bullied, while an estimated 160,000 students miss school for fear of being bullied.

    Bullying hurts everyone.  It can cause lifelong anxiety and depression for victims. Others experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Bullying also hurts the educational environment by affecting every child’s ability to learn.

    Our network is now offering a community resource workshop targeting conflict resolution and anti-bullying measures. This workshop is conducted in multiple sessions by a behavior interventionist with a Masters in Forensic Psychology—a compassionate and resourceful facilitator with a decade worth of experience in managing and organizing teams with youth leadership.

    The design of program focuses interaction and skills based. The topics include Family, School, Community Engagement, positive relationships and bullying prevention. The workshop will benefit, not only youth, but adults to provide understanding and put into place strategies for effective youth development.

    Key Elements:

    Relationships: The workshop is designed for individuals to be interactive towards one another. One key element to consider would be the impact of relationships on students’ environment in context with climate and culture. Another key element to consider is social competence as it connects to bullying prevention and intervention and coping strategies.

    Peer Mediation: Peer Mediation, is a way in which students can think through solving problems and in the end finding a resolution for future conflict. It most certainly demonstrates responsibility, ownership and respect.

    Problem-solving and Decision Making: Participants learn work to work, communicate and articulate issues and concerns with others, such as, peers and adults.

    Leadership Development: Adults have the skills to continue to practice and implement change initiatives for improve program quality.

    Contact us for more information about this workshop and how it can be implemented in your context. This is great program for schools, youth community centers, and juvenile centers.

    31Oct, 2019
    Every Youth: Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center Outreach

    Every Youth: TENNESSEE

    Working together to reach every youth in every facility

    November 1-2, 2019

    ONE GREAT EVENT.
    THREE GREAT LOCATIONS:

    • Knoxville: November 1 @ 6PM
    • Nashville: November 2 @ 9AM
    • Memphis: November 2 @ 6 PM

    Join the movement to reach every youth in every facility! Giving juvenile justice-involved youth hope and a future.

    Contact us for more info about this event or other opportunities to get involved with juvenile detention center ministries in your region.

    17Oct, 2019
    80 Youth Discussion Questions

    Questions about life, faith, social issues, and more.

    Youth discussion questions to get young people talking in group environments or mentoring relationships.

    1. What does it mean for you to be created by God? How does that play out in your life, or does it?
    2. What is hard about accepting yourself?
    3. How would you describe your personality?
    4. Do you find you are harder on yourself than other people? Explain why or why not?
    5. What is one question you would like to ask God in person?
    6. What are the things that you like about yourself and what do you not like about yourself. Explain why?
    7. What do you think is the purpose of the Bible?
    8. Is it hard to change? Explain why.
    9. If there is one thing you could instantaneously change about yourself, what would it be and why? What’s preventing you from working on that change (if applicable)?
    10. Is prayer important to you? Why or why not? Is it hard or easy for you?
    11. Who is one person you would like to go back in history to interview? Why?
    12. What kind of things do you tend to worry about or get anxious about?
    13. How do you feel when another person notices a quality or attribute about you?
    14. Who are your role models and why?
    15. Do you think people live in poverty because of their own decisions or because of uncontrollable circumstances that happen to them, or both?
    16. Is there a biblical character you identify with and why?
    17. Do you act differently in certain situations than others? Do you act differently at school than at church? Different at home than with your friends?
    18. How do you deal with pressure or stress?
    19. What are healthy ways to deal with stress/pressure?
    20. Do you have a pet peeve that makes you irrationally angry? Why gets under your skin?
    21. How would you describe good leadership? Would you call yourself a leader? Why or why not?
    22. Do you think the Bible is relevant to your life, why or why not?
    23. Why do you think we have so much anger in our society?
    24. Do you feel pressured to be someone that you’re not? Explain.
    25. Why do you think some people bully or attack others? What is their motivation?
    26. What is your biggest fear? From where do you think most people draw their self-esteem? What gives them identity?
    27. If you’re feeling down, what cheers you up?
    28. Do you think you’re a patient person? Why or why not?
    29. How does it feel to not have what you want when you want it?
    30. Is it easy for you to work towards a goal, or do you get frustrated and quit quickly?
    31. Have you ever set a long-term goal for yourself to work toward? What was that experience like? (Examples, improving in sports, music, hobby/activity, academics)
    32. Do you set realistic expectations for yourself? Explain.
    33. What qualities make someone a good friend?
    34. If you were standing before God and He asked you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” What would you say?
    35. Who would you die for?
    36. Do you consider yourself a good friend? Explain.
    37. Do you sometimes think you’re capable of doing more than you are?
    38. What’s it like to get in over your head in a situation and not be able to solve it yourself?
    39. What is the one thing that motivates you the most everyday?
    40. What is something that demotivates you, or zaps all of your energy to make progress?
    41. If you had a terminal illness and only had six months to live, how would you spend your time?
    42. Do you think Christians are easily recognizable to others? Why or why not? Should they be?
    43. If you could change one thing in the world for good, what would it be?
    44. Do you think you’re the same person in your social media that you are in person? What is different?
    45. Why do you think people go to church, or should go to church?
    46. What kind of things do you willingly post about yourself on social media?
    47. What is something you wouldn’t post about yourself on social media?
    48. Have you ever thought about what God’s calling is in your life?
    49. What does it mean/look like to have healthy relationships in your life?
    50. Can you think of any biblical examples of healthy relationships and what can they teach us?
    51. What makes relationships hard?
    52. Do you find yourself giving up on relationships or people when things get difficult?
    53. When a relationship has an issue—what techniques or problem solving strategies do you like to use? (Example, having an intentional conversation about the issue, writing a letter, bringing in a mediator, etc)
    54. Do you feel you are good at conflict resolution? Explain.
    55. What’s the most important element of a good relationship to you and WHY?
    56. Do you find yourself to be confrontational or more passive when conflict arises?
    57. What does the Bible mean to you?
    58. Have you ever lost someone, either through death or a broken relationship that was important to you and you’ll never get to talk to them again? What has that experience been like for you?
    59. How do you feel when someone tries to get you to do something you don’t want to do?
    60. Why do you think some people brag or exaggerate about themselves? What do you think they’re hoping to accomplish?
    61. Why do you think people talk badly about other people sometime? Why put someone else down?
    62. Which best describes you during conflict among friends and family—a peacemaker, a fighter, a defender, an instigator, or a hider? Is there another way you’d describe yourself?
    63. Among groups of friends, are you the person who comes up with ideas about what to do, the person who goes along with what everyone else is doing, or a combination of the two?
    64. Have you ever held a grudge against someone? What was that experience like for you?
    65. Why do you think some people give up on life?
    66. Are there certain people you don’t like following on social media? Why?
    67. How often do you read the Bible?
    68. What do you think when you hear someone making fun of a group of people different than them?
    69. How does someone follow Jesus? What does it look like?
    70. What confuses you about prayer?
    71. What is social justice to you, and do you think it is important?
    72. What does equality mean to you?
    73. What could you do, as a young person, to help improve the life quality of someone in need (Go-Fund Me, Kickstarter, could lead into mission ideas).
    74. How often do you help others? How?
    75. Have you ever taken part in mission or served others? What was the experience like?
    76. How would you like to be remembered? (Your legacy)
    77. How do you show Jesus to people who are different than you? What are actual examples from your life?
    78. Do you find most of your friends are similar to you or different?
    79. What is a good way to get to know someone different than you? Think situations or conversation topics.
    80. If you could take away someone’s pain, whose would it be?
    9Jan, 2019
    International Prisoner’s Family Conference

    The InterNational Prisoner’s Family Conference was initiated in 2009 to address critical issues of those affected by incarceration personally and/or professionally. The conference has attracted attendees from across the country and abroad.

    WHEN: OCTOBER 16, 17 & 18, 2019 DALLAS, TEXAS CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFO



    THE CONFERENCE GOAL

    The conference goal is to strengthen the entire prison family and promote successful reentry and reunification, reducing the rate of recidivism by providing critical connections, information and resources for families and secular and faith based organizations serving prisoners and their families.

    CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

    Like most conferences, this one features dynamic knowledgeable speakers and provides opportunities to learn best practice approaches and exchange creative ideas, but it is so much more.  It offers such amazing opportunities to network and receive and provide encouragement and support that it has even been described as “magical!”  However, the “magical” part of this conference is intangible and cannot be fully understood without actually being there.  But here are some of the tangible highlights:

    Families – The conference offers prison family members the opportunity to meet and share with other family members experiencing similar concerns. Participants build many lasting friendships for on-going support and encouragement.

    InterNational Experts – Participate in the largest international conference specifically addressing issues relevant to all prison families. Learn from the private and public, secular and faith based sectors, including criminal justice; social service; academia; ministry and others serving the prisoner and their family and from prison family members themselves, including successfully reintegrated former prisoners.

    One on One Meetings – You will have ample opportunity to meet and share ideas and information with other attendees from various non-profits, federal, state and local agencies and faith-based organizations, as well as members of prison families from across the country and even internationally. This allows for discussion of potential collaborations.

    Exhibitors Showcase – Speakers, attendees and sponsors showcase services and offer resource materials and literature. This event engages a wide variety of secular and faith-based organizations serving prisoners, family members and experts in the field.

    Prisoners Fine Art Display & Silent Auction – Attendees have the opportunity to vote on the winners of the annual conference prisoners’ fine art competition, as well as to view the exceptional works of artists behind bars.  The small art works are available for silent auction, and winning attendees will take home a lovely memory of the conference.

    Social Networking – Social networking will help you connect with many participants prior to and following the conference by simply “liking” the Prisoner’s Family Conference Facebook page.  You may also follow us on Twitter by connecting with #PrisonersFC.

     Advocacy Participation – The conference Advocacy in Action Coalition meetings offer those with significant concerns about criminal justice at any and all levels the opportunity to engage in actively advocating for needed change. Uniting to voice concerns strengthens each individual voice and possibilities for change.

    International Network for Children with Incarcerated Parents – Meet with caring individuals from around the world, working to improve the conditions for children.

    Professionals– Those employed throughout the criminal justice system, as well as college and university students preparing for careers that will place them in contact with prisoners and prison family members have a special opportunities for facilitated discussion and meetings with those most directly impacted by the criminal justice system.

    4Jan, 2019
    ESTHER: Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum

    VBS Curriculum: Esther “MADE For Such a Time as This”

    This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of Esther. The biblical story of Esther is a fascinating story of faith, courage, and redemption. A minority Jewish orphan girl becomes the unlikely queen of Persia and must risk everything to save her suffering people from annihilation.

    The key passage is found in Esther 4.14 when Mordecai says to Esther, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther realizes she has been made for this moment and her bravery shines as she goes on to save many people from destruction and harm.

    YOU were made for such a time as this! God shaped you to be able to overcome insurmountable odds in your generation.

    This resource was designed as a camp curriculum for children 8-12 years of age. Can also serve as a 5-week Sunday morning children’s ministry teaching series or Backyard Bible club.

    • (DAY ONE) God Is Near Even When He Seems Far Away
    • (DAY TWO) God Created Us For a Time and Purpose
    • (DAY THREE) We Can Be Brave Because We Don’t Stand Alone
    • (DAY FOUR) God Makes All Things Good Because He Is Good
    • (DAY FIVE) God Wants Me to Know My Identity in Christ

    Kit includes:

    • 5-Daily Bible Lessons with Leader Guides
    • Group Activities, Games, Object Lessons
    • Craft Ideas and Printable Talk Sheets
    • *Song Playlist
    • Logo and Graphic Files
    • PowerPoint Backgrounds and Template

    *Contents does not include actual music files, only a short playlist with suggested songs to go with each daily lesson theme.

     

    From Amazon, order the book “Esther Now: Made and Positioned for Such a Time as This” as a leader devotional or supplemental study. (download the first chapter for FREE!)

    Table of Contents

    Chapter 1
    God is On the Move: Even When Humanity is at its Worst

    Chapter 2
    Beautifully Flawed: You Were Made For This Moment

    Chapter 3
    Seize The Day: It’s Now or Never

    Chapter 4
    Prayer and Fasting: Power to Make a Difference

    Chapter 5
    The Scepter of Grace: Come Boldly to the Throne

    Chapter 6
    Finding Your Identity: On This Your Life Rises and Falls

    Chapter 7
    It’s All Good in the Hood: Increasing Our Faith

    Chapter 8
    How to Change the World: It Doesn’t Have to be Overwhelming

    Summary: Esther is the last of the historical books of the Bible. This story gives us powerful lessons about God’s relentless love for His people no matter how far they have wandered from His covering; it shows us how to live with courage in uncertain times, helps us to recognize divine appointments and to seize those God-given opportunities to make a difference with our lives, and to trust in the sovereignty of God over all things that are happening in our world today—good and bad.

    Esther reminds us there are no accidents with God. He is always at work, especially behind the scenes in our lives. Through this study you will see that every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for something that’s meant to come. Everything in your life—the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly, the blessing and the bleeding, the pleasant and the hurtful, the laughter and the tears, the privilege and the under privilege, the joy and the regret—has been working together to shape you for what God is up to right now in this very hour.

    You have been uniquely designed and divinely positioned to live with purpose for such a time as this.