January 2008

Dear Friends,

I am always amazed at the out-pouring of love at Christmas time. We had several churches that made this a very merry Christmas for all the kids. There were visits, Christmas baked goods, pantry items, a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, peanuts, fresh fruit, candy canes, presents of all kinds, gift cards and money, and more. We even had a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! I don't think these children have ever had such a Christmas. Thank-you all for the love, support, and special gifts.

Christmas day was special. The five youngest boys were all here for Christmas Day. Donovin, Treva, and Brenton's mother was here as well as Joel and Josh's father. Both parents were able to stay the night with their children and spend Christmas day with us. We had a wonderful ham dinner with green bean casserole and scalloped potatoes. The house was filled with the noise of joyful children playing with their toys and their parents.

The kids received such a blessing that we want to be a blessing to others. Wendy and I are planning a few service projects for the kids to do this month in order to be a blessing to others. We plan on visiting a nursing home and taking presents to the children's ward of the hospital as well as visiting others. 

The Annual Meeting is coming up on January 20th at 3:00 p.m. We are hoping to see many of our supporters here. The annual meeting is a time when we share not only the happenings of the last year but also ideas for the future. We have election of board members and a time of visiting with the kids and enjoying refreshments together. We hope you will take time to come and be with us during this important meeting. 

We are beginning to make plans for the spring. We already are working with a group of middle-school children to come for a visit and to do a service project. We would love to plan something for your youth or adult groups as well.

We are looking forward to the new year at Open Door Christian Ministries. Thanks again for your continued support for the kids, staff, and ministries here. May God bless you in 2008.

God Bless You,

Loren Harold Lung

houseparent