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On April 23, 2012, Bishop James Connor along with seven (7) other family members and friends were led by the Holy Spirit to unite as "one body in Christ" and accept the name BREAKTHROUGH CENTER INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES.  The charter members are Bishop James Connor, Pastor Lucinda Connor, and Elder Augustine Cole, Sis. Joanna Cole, Brother Saah Kanda Sis. Margret Kanda, Elder Winston Dunbar, Sis. Helena Dunbar, Elder Esther Reeds, Minister Joseph Chieh, Elder Theresa Essien                                 

                                                       

After a few months of prayers, in that initial meeting, through the joint effort and encouragement of the faithful people, a home Bible study and prayer meetings were held every Thursday and Friday evening in the homes of Bishop James Connor, and Augustine Cole’s family. The number of attendants increased into a core group, about more than 30 committed and faithful people every week.

 

Although very successful in the evening Bible study ministry for several months, the core group eventually realized that for the mission to fully impact the city of Charlotte, and its environs and change a city's culture can only occur when whole families are being reached.  That's when the ministry’s dream became a reality, and as the mission expanded to giving every man, woman, and child repeated opportunities to hear and see the Gospel of Christ, we started a weekly regular Sunday evening worship services in the home of Bishop James Connor.

 

 

In April 2012,“Breakthrough Center International Ministries ”was incorporated in the United States as a not-for-profit Christian humanitarian organization, and was publicly launched on August 25, 2013. The establishment of the Sunday evening prayer meetings gradually grew in number, initially, attracting other African and American families and later other people of racial descent. The mission subsequently became a vehicle for a huge Christian transformation in the lives of others as it is now seen today as a local multicultural and international church located in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.

                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With an increase in numerical strength and more regular bible studies, prayers, and church meetings our membership grew to 150 members, and there was a need for a larger accommodation. in May of 2012, we rented a worship space on at 5105 Reagan Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina.  Within a few months, our membership increased from 150 to 185. This location had only one bathroom, and due to the inadequate space to hold the numerical increase in our membership, moving into a larger space was necessary.

 

In June 2014, we moved to our second location, at 5038 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. God continued to add to the Breakthrough family and in a short time, our membership grew up to 215 members, which became a serious problem because we did overgrow the total required amount of occupants for the space, and the location was not accessible to people with disabilities/ wheelchairs, and with insufficient packing space.  

 

In 2016, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Connor and the church leadership were led to purchase a property for the church at 5101 Statesville Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.  All efforts were summoned loan requirements were certified; earnest money was paid, and a survey on the property was conducted, but dishearteningly, the City of Charlotte said the location of the property was not zoned for church congregating.  

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\On January 3, 2017, we moved to our third location at 2029 North Tryon Street, suite 150, Charlotte, North Carolina. God blessed our church family to continue to grow. From an enrolled membership of 215, the regular attendance in the Morning Worship grew to approximately 289 members filling the sanctuary. This location was very conducive for us, because spacious enough for a church setting to hold over 300 occupants.

 

 

                       Then came the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation of the worship services of various faiths and the closure of Sunday schools, as well as the cancellation of pilgrimages, ceremonies, and festivals. While it is true that many churches were closed and some offered worship through Livestream amidst the pandemic, or held interactive sessions on Zoom, our congregation has thrived during COVID.  By the Special grace of God, our church doors remained open, and we survived the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, right after the COVID, the entire building we were leasing was sold, so by the grace of God, we relocated to the West Sugar Creek location, our present place of worship. On February 17, 2021, we moved to our present location at 2817 Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. 

 

 

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As we regularly come together, we are being strengthened and built up, but God intends that what we freely receive, we give. He desires that we go into our world and community to make a positive difference in the lives of others.  

Our church is made up of people, individuals, and families, from all different backgrounds and every walk of life. God cares for every one of these unique individuals and He has a good plan for their life. We are here to share the good news of God’s love for them, revealed in the message of Christ, and to encourage them about God’s good plan for their future. Today, apart from its original establishments in Charlotte, has extended and planted branches of local Breakthrough churches in the US; in the city of Greensboro, NC, Rock Hill, South Carolina, Johnson City, Tennessee, Iowa, Minnesota, and internationally to most countries such as Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Cameroon, Uganda and India, supporting and identifying with suffering people, helping to meet needs, and preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ the lost souls.

"As we move forward, may we never forget the sacrifices made by our members, both past and present. And as we look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ; may He continue to keep our church safe in His arms."  

 

To God Be the Glory and The Praise