Our History
The beginning of Breakthrough Overseas Missions was a group of Breakthrough volunteers and supporters, emigrated from Hong Kong to Canada and hoping to build up a network for carrying on the legacy of the Breakthrough Movement in Hong Kong. BOM was founded in Toronto in 1992 as a non-profit organization. Three years later, the "Vancouver Liaison Committee" came into place. The pioneering goal of BOM was to provide a window for supporters abroad to participate in the Hong Kong Breakthrough ministry through prayer and donations. Over the years, BOM has accomplished to help supporters learn of and support the latest developments of "Breakthrough" by making visits to churches in numerous North American cities, holding vision-sharing meetings, youth workshops and seminars.
To help the new generation abroad understand the spirit of the Breakthrough movement, BOM has, in the past summers, recruited young Christians to travel to the "Breakthrough Village" in Hong Kong in order to receive on-job training and to gain frontline ministerial experience.

Our Present
Succeeding the spirit of the Breakthrough Movement-the whole-person care of youths-a group of Christians, which include ministers, professors, social workers, youth workers and professionals, who care enough about Chinese-Canadian young people, are burning of the same desire: What can we do for the Chinese youths in this city, in this era? In praying, in waiting, and in searching, we seek God's will.

In the summer of 1997, BOM enlisted the help of over 100 young Chinese volunteers to produce "Coffee + Tea", a musical stage production. With tremendously creative means, the youths interpreted their struggles in identity and cultural crisis in a positive manner. The performance received a 1000-strong resonance from the youthful audience that very evening. Furthermore, BOM has managed to hold a series of training camps which aimed to challenge young people to leap forward. In the summer of 1999, we had the assistance of 50 some young volunteers and over 20 youth counselors in organizing a Chinese-Canadian youth leadership training camp-"0 to One-A Step to Square One". Through a series of activities of adventures, innovation, meditation, social involvement, cultural events and round table discussions, we joined the young generation in exploring, introspection and expanding their horizon, which culminated in paving the way for leaders of tomorrow. Another Chinese-Canadian youth leadership training camp-titled "WE Cross" (W stands for west, E for East, Cross for to converge) was coordinated in the summer of 2001, which gave birth to Across U-hub. (www.acrossuhub.com)

Canada, a nation that embraces multiculturalism, sees Chinese young people coming from various hometowns, who possess extensive human networks and the ability to communicate in multiple languages and cultures. They can be identified as "dual- or multi-cultural Chinese". We recognize their need in having a platform to "get Across", so that they can appreciate and help build up one another, overcoming cultural and language limitations to live life to the fullest.

The Mission of Across Youth Ministry

We think...
that the new generation of Chinese-Canadian will take on a significant role-not only to bring the Chinese residing in Canada into a new era, but also to take part in shaping the future society. They need room to grow, and, what's more, the courage to be equipped for taking on challenges.

We see...
the impact and test to face multiculturalism. In searching for the gateway to success, young people need appropriate support and guidance, to unleash their potentials, to establish a positive outlook for life, and to wrestle with the cultural impact.

We believe...
that the Christian faith can offer the proper values and meanings to young people, a heart that embraces the world and adequate spiritual power in order for them to stand up to challenges.

Mandate of Breakthrough Overseas Missions

  • To promote the ministry of "Breakthrough" in Hong Kong-to spread the Gospel and foster believers-from the help of donations.
  • To equip believers in Canada to fervently take part in bringing the Good News to young people in the country through sharing of the "Breakthrough" experience.
  • To regularly support and send Christians in Canada to Hong Kong to join short- or long-term mission training at "Breakthrough" with the purpose of bridging young believers on either side of the ocean.
  • To nurture Across Youth Ministry in serving local Chinese youths and in becoming one of the networks between Breakthrough and youth workers abroad.

The Ministry

Since its establishment, BOM has visited different cities, holding vision-sharing meetings, seminars and workshops, in an effort to publicize the ministry and experience of BOM and help exchange the knowledge of youth workers in Hong Kong and Canada. Cities that have been covered include Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Montreal.

Each summer, there are activities BOM and Hong Kong Breakthrough organize in collaboration that are suitable for overseas Chinese:

Summer Internship: a scheme designed for those considering full-time ministry or university students who want to gain frontline experience serving youths.

International Chinese Youth Leadership Training Camp: an assembly tailored for Chinese youths from different countries, who would take part in forums, creative workshops, social awareness functions, opportunities for camaraderie...to share the growing up experience in different places, to trace the path of a positive life, and to build a network of international youths.

Through various activities arranged by "Across U-hub", we foster in Chinese young people a sense of creativity, discernment and leadership qualities. Furthermore, to help them reinforce their Chinese-Canadian identity and to brave the mission of the Gospel of Chinese-Canadian young Christians.

Publication

"Breakthrough People", "Maple Message"

To obtain a copy of the quarterly "Breakthrough People" and "Maple Message" Chinese Christians in North America are welcome to call (905)944-1944, fax to (905)944-1950, or e-mail to info@bom-org.ca.

Enquiries

We welcome all enquiries pertaining to our services.

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: Breakthrough Overseas Missions
160 Gibson Drive,
Unit 1,
Markham, ON
Canada L3R 3K1

Telephone: (905) 944 1944
Facsimile: (905) 944 1950
E-mail: info@bom-org.ca
Website: www.bom-org.ca