Breakthroughs Church, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida: A Brief History
2016
In his inaugural sermon, preached on August 7, 2016, and entitled “The Sky is in My Way”, Pastor and Founder of Breakthroughs Church, Rev. Mariko T. Billups, stated that the fundamental God-given biblical premise for establishing Breakthroughs Church in Jacksonville, Florida rests on Scripture found in Ephesians 3:20: “20 Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…,” Pastor Billups emphasized the following:
“The sky is not the limit, but is in the way. There is no ceiling, no limitation, no barrier whether it be of culture, tradition, gender, race, economics, etc., that God cannot take you beyond or through, over, or above. Therefore, if you are going to experience breakthroughs in your life, you must: (1) Be willing to go through unfamiliar territory; (2) Realize that the sky is a limitation; and (3) Totally, completely, and fully enter into partnership with God. In order to experience breakthroughs, we ourselves must be fully committed to God in all areas of our lives: praying, giving, serving, relationships, loving. We as Christians will then be able to live a lifestyle where breakthroughs are the norm.”
So it was that no limitations held us back and the establishment and planting of Breakthroughs Church, Inc., became a reality, along with the giving of ourselves in prayer and through tithing. Under the leadership of the dynamic Pastor Billups, the President (Deacon Leavon Storey), the Treasurer (Deacon Darrin Parker) and the Secretary (Mrs. Jean Jones) were chosen for the incorporation of the church. Breakthroughs Church, Inc. officially and legally became incorporated on May 7, 2016. The church by-laws were approved by this body on June 23rd, 2016.
Those present at the regular planning meetings included: Deacon and Mrs. LeaVon and Sallie Storey, Deacon and Mrs. John and Lynette Huey, Deacon and Mrs. Darrin and Lashun Parker, Mrs. Rhunette James, and Mrs. Jean Jones. Other planning sessions took place during the months that followed and included Ms. Iris Butler. Several of the meetings were spearheaded by Deacon and Mrs. Parker who worked tirelessly alongside of Pastor Billups to pinpoint and secure the business, organizational and start-up needs of this new church.
Breakthroughs Church opened on Sunday, August 7, 2016 for its first “meet and greet” Icebreaker and Fellowship at 9:00 A.M. The inaugural service- with Communion- was held at 10:00 A.M.
2017
On February 26, 2017, the Breakthroughs Congregation held its first Baptism Service. Reverend Brian Campbell, Pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church on Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville, FL., offered full use of their baptismal pool so that our seven youth candidates could be baptized. The service began at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Mariko T. Billups presiding, and Deacon Michael Avery and Deacon Frederick Jones assisting. Others assisting the candidates were Deacon Leavon Storey, Deaconess Jean Jones, Deaconess Rhunette James, Mrs. Christine Wilcox, and Deaconess Sallie Storey. The Breakthroughs Praise Team including Mrs. Greta Pollard, Mr. Tony Pollard, Deacon Darrin Parker, and Mrs. Kenya Mitchell led the congregation in song. After the newly baptized members received their first communion, the services were dismissed with prayer, and with new members receiving the right hand of fellowship from Pastor Billups and the Breakthroughs congregation. The first baptismal candidates included: Michael Guthrie, Deion Tolbert, Zion Robinson, Jimmica Davis, Journi Eberheart, Summer Cobb, and Kendall Coleman.
The first meeting of Breakthroughs Children’s Church was held on October 2, 2017. Mrs. Sallie Storey is the director.
The celebration of Breakthroughs 1st Anniversary was held on Sunday, August 13, 2017.
One of the church’s greatest missions is to “reach the unchurched”. To this end, Breakthroughs Church began its Radio Ministry on March 4, 2018. Directed and hosted by Pastor Billups, the broadcast can be heard on radio station WCGL-1360 AM and simultaneously on FM radio station 94.7 each Sunday morning from 9:15-9:45 a.m.
As Pastor Billups waters and God continues to give the increase, we must remember that the sky is in our way, and Give glory to God for all that He has done and continues to do for Breakthroughs Church.
God is ABLE to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think… To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen
History Addendum (8/9/2016)
Other History
The first funeral service held at Breakthroughs Church was that of Sister Joan Sampson who passed away on November 10, 2017. The Home-going service was held on November 19th, 2016. Ms. Sampson was the twin sister of Mrs. Jean Jones. Pastor Billups officiated, and the Breakthroughs Praise Team provided the music.
The second funeral service was that of Sis. Rosa Snow. Mrs. Snow passed away on March 25th, 2017. Mrs. Snow was the cousin of Mrs. Christine Wilcox. This home-going service was held on April 1st, 2017 at T.S. Warden Mortuary. Pastor Billups officiated. Selections provided by Mrs. Greta Pollard.
The third funeral service was that of Kelvin Franklin, Sr., son of Sis. Gloria Franklin, and father of Kelvin Franklin, Jr. This home-going service was held at Grant Memorial A.M.E. Church with Pastor Billups officiating. Music was provided by the Breakthroughs Praise Team.
The fourth funeral service was that of Sis. Joyce Vereen. Sis. Vereen passed away on June 12, 2018. The funeral was held at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Billups bringing the Eulogy.
The fifth funeral service was that of Sis. Christine Wilcox. Sis. Wilcox passed away on June 12, 2018. The funeral was held at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Billups bringing the Eulogy.
