April 2008

Dear Friends,

The question about me being a "city-boy" always comes up when it comes to gardening or raising chickens. Let me tell you that if it weren't for the information that I get from experienced people, reading books, and reliable web-sites I might not be able to pull it off. But so far it hasn't been too bad. Some of the thing my grandparents taught me are also coming back. We started putting out our garden and so far the rows are pretty straight and the collards, cabbage, and broccoli are growing fairly well. I may have gotten a bit too ambition and put a few things out too early. The kids are anxious to get corn, beans, and cucumbers planted but I think we'll wait just a tad longer. We did receive our peeps and even though some didn't make it we will still have about 12 hens to help pick up the egg production.

Some of you may be asking why I'm working so hard to put out a garden and raise chickens. Well, two things are important for the children at Open Door. First, we are able to provide food for the kids. Homegrown veggies and eggs are more nutritious and less expensive than what we can get in the store. Second, we are teaching the children how to grow a garden, take care of the chickens, gather eggs, and to use what we have made to cook nutritious and delicious meals. The lessons are probably more important than anything in the long run. You should see the look on the kids faces when they get to eat something they helped to grow. The other day I fixed an egg for one of the boys and he asked, "Is this one of OUR eggs?" I said yes and he smiled and went to town on it.

Check Out the picture page for some interesting pictures and videos.

All this wonderful rain that we have had as of late has made the grass grow like crazy. We got the mowers ready and started cutting the grass last week (on the days when it wasn't raining). Billy Spruill has come on board to help us keep up with the grass cutting this year. Billy is not only experienced but also knows how to take care of the equipment. Billy is a hard worker and will be a great asset to our program.

It is also getting time for us to clean the pool out and get it ready for swimming. The kids have already been asking even though I am sure it is still to cool for the water to be comfortable to swim in.

The board is working hard to open Unit Two soon. We are currently looking for house-parents and relief house-parents. We have already had a few inquiries and are hoping to get the Unit Open this summer. There are those who asked me if there is really a need for Open Door to open another Unit. The answer is YES. It is sad to say but in our society today there are more and more children who are in need of a loving, safe, and nurturing place to call home. 

I had a great time representing Open Door and Roanoke Bible College during the Homecoming and Gospel Rally. I really enjoyed visiting with many of our supporters and telling others about our ministry. We had some jelly that we made from our grapes here at the home and I was pleasantly surprised that all the jars were given out. We are looking forward to the Ladies Retreat later this month and the Men's Retreat coming up May 23 at Macedonia Christian Church. We will have a display at both retreats.

The boys are excited about a work-group that will be coming to Open Door this Spring to help the boys build a club-house/play fort. This group is from Kernersville, NC and they have invited us to come to First Church of Christ in Kernersville for a fund-raiser for the project. 

We also have a work-group coming in June from New Lisbon Christian Church in New Lisbon, Indiana. They will be spending time with the kids, doing work projects, and spending a day at the beach. 

VBS season is coming soon. If you would like to support Open Door for VBS please feel free to call and get information or to schedule us to visit your VBS group. Presentations and DVD's are available as well. Now is the time to schedule us before the rush. Check out our needs list page for project ideas.

God Bless You,

Loren Harold Lung

houseparent