Anniversary Tribute: Reverend Billy Zeoli and Gospel Films Inc — Breakaway Outreach

Anniversary Tribute: Reverend Billy Zeoli and Gospel Films Inc

Billy Zeoli helped Breakaway get started with our very first juvenile justice chaplaincy program, equipping us with a film projector for showing Gospel Films in youth facilities, and resourcing us with other tools to run sports ministries in jails.

Reverend Billy Zeoli

With this year being our 30th anniversary, we are paying tribute to folks who made a significant impact on Breakaway Outreach over the years. One of the people who contributed early to the Breakaway mission was Reverend Billy Zeoli (pictured with Jimmy Larche, 1991).

Zeoli was an American evangelical leader, speaker and media executive from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served as the White House chaplain to U.S. President Gerald Ford and Betty Ford during the mid-1970s offering counsel on national spiritual matters, and acting as spiritual counselor to President Ford. Zeoli was the director for Indianapolis Youth For Christ before taking over at the helm for Gospel Films Inc in 1962, where he served as president until retiring from the organization in 2006.

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Zeoli was also a pioneer in sports ministry, well-known as a preacher and chaplain to professional sports teams and celebrities. Working with Baseball Chapel founder Watson Spoelstra, and New York Yankee great Bobby Richardson, Zeoli helped to increase the frequency of ministries in baseball, football and other sports. Zeoli was the minister for several Super Bowls, World Series, and All-Star Games services.

Zeoli helped Breakaway get started with our very first juvenile justice chaplaincy program, equipping us with a film projector for showing Gospel Films in youth facilities, and resourcing us with other tools to run sports ministries in jails and facilitate aftercare programs for youths released back into their communities. He also invited us to Grand Rapids to cast the Breakaway vision to thousands of executives from across the country.

Billy Zeoli was a catalyst for Breakaway Outreach in our early years and we will always remember his legacy, his contributions in reaching youth for Christ, and his bold advocacy for the kids we serve.

“Before the first year at camp, it was the lowest part of my life. I had lost my mother and sister in a tragic car wreck. I was being bullied at school and was planning to commit suicide when I received an invitation with a scholarship to attend Breakaway camp. I decided to put off the suicide plan and attend camp. It was the best decision I ever made. I gave my life to Jesus at camp and then Breakaway helped me get involved with a local church. My life still has ups and downs but I know now that God has me no matter what.”

Ryan

“A wonderful ministry that serves children here and abroad. I first met the founder, Jimmy Larche, when he came to visit my church during mission conference. Since then I have served at Breakaway’s summer camp for trauma-impacted kids, as well as the sports in ministry in Dominican Republic. Jimmy has a powerful testimony that drives him to reach out with the love of God to kids who are struggling like he once was.”

Tyler

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Breakaway Outreach. My father was incarcerated and I was sent into foster care. I started camp as a tiny little camper and now I get to serve as camp nurse! I graduated from Lee University with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am currently working as a Nursery and Postpartum Nurse. Breakaway Outreach is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an outreach of family and community that all come together because we truly care about God’s children.”

Lacey

“This camp has been wonderful. You have helped me to find Jesus, the Lord. I have let Jesus into my heart. You have so many amazing people here and you have given me so much hope. God has given us all a chance to know and love each other. Thank you so much and I hope that I can keep coming back to camp.”

Maya

“Before the first year at camp, it was the lowest part of my life. I had lost my mother and sister in a tragic car wreck. I was being bullied at school and was planning to commit suicide when I received an invitation with a scholarship to attend Breakaway camp. I decided to put off the suicide plan and attend camp. It was the best decision I ever made. I gave my life to Jesus at camp and then Breakaway helped me get involved with a local church. My life still has ups and downs but I know now that God has me no matter what.”

Ryan

“A wonderful ministry that serves children here and abroad. I first met the founder, Jimmy Larche, when he came to visit my church during mission conference. Since then I have served at Breakaway’s summer camp for trauma-impacted kids, as well as the sports in ministry in Dominican Republic. Jimmy has a powerful testimony that drives him to reach out with the love of God to kids who are struggling like he once was.”

Tyler