Breakthrough

John Smith is a 14-year-old boy from Guatemala living in Missouri with his adoptive parents. Despite their love and support, he struggles with feelings of abandonment by his biological parents, leading to rebellion and turmoil in his life.

On January 15, 2015, John is dropped off at school by Joyce, who is concerned about his lack of preparation for a family background presentation. During the presentation, he shamefully admits to his classmates that he hasn't completed the assignment, expressing his journey of being adopted at nine months old.

Later that same day, John faces off against Chad, a school bully, during a basketball game. Choosing to challenge Chad's intimidation, John refuses to pass the ball and scores the game-winning basket, marking a moment of personal triumph amidst his struggles.

As John's birthday approaches, Joyce senses his emotional withdrawal and feels helpless to reach him. Her frustrations deepen due to her dislike for the new pastor, Jason, who presents unconventional ideas about faith and community.

On January 18, 2015, Pastor Jason holds a concert at the church, promoting a modern approach to faith. The event challenges attendees to commit themselves to a deeper relationship with God and sparks various reactions within the congregation.

On Martin Luther King Day, John and his friends ignore a neighbor's warning and venture onto a frozen lake. The ice breaks, causing John to suffer a serious head injury and become submerged, leading to a desperate rescue effort.

After being underwater for approximately 20 minutes, John is rescued by first responders, including Tommy Shine, who feels guided to dive back in. This dramatic rescue marks a pivotal point in John's life and the lives of those who care about him.

Joyce is notified by Cindy about John's accident and rushes to the hospital, where he is treated for severe oxygen deprivation. In a heart-wrenching moment, Joyce prays fervently for John's survival as doctors struggle to revive him.

After being transferred to Cardinal Glennon Hospital, Dr. Garrett informs Joyce about the severe consequences of the oxygen loss. As hope wanes, subtle signs of John's responsiveness trigger a wave of prayer and support from friends and family.

Joyce's determination to see John recover begins to create tension in her marriage with Brian. In a confrontation, she realizes she cannot control the outcome, leading her to a moment of surrender as she contemplates stopping life-sustaining treatment.

In a miraculous turn of events, John wakes from his coma, sharing his traumatic experience with his family. The joy surrounding his recovery reignites hope within the family and the community that has rallied for his survival.

Shortly after being discharged, John returns to school, where he is met with a mix of joy and skepticism. Dr. Garrett shares with Joyce that witnessing John's recovery is considered miraculous, reinforcing the profound impact of community faith.

Amidst the celebration of his recovery, John visits the frozen lake where the accident occurred. He expresses gratitude to Tommy, who had played a pivotal role in saving his life, leading to a heartfelt conversation about faith.

With renewed hope and a sense of purpose, John resolves to mend his fractured relationships and continues to channel his experiences into a desire for ministry after high school. This marks a transformative moment in his life and faith journey.

The story culminates in John's journey of healing, emphasizing the profound impact of love, faith, and the support of his family and community. His experiences serve to inspire those around him as he overcomes adversity.