March 2010

Dear Friends,

This month was filled with lots of visits to various churches. I want to thank the good folks at Plymouth Church of Christ for hosting us during their Wednesday night program. We had a wonderful meal, the kids enjoyed the youth programs, and I presented the ministry of Open Door. I also want to thank my friends at Philippi Church of Christ where we presented the work on a Sunday evening. I also want to thank everyone at Scuppernong Church of Christ who allowed me to preach on Palm Sunday and present the work. The kids also had a great time at the Area Youth Rally at Woodards Pond Church of Christ as I shared with the young people the important work at Open Door. Special thanks indeed to all the people who invited us to participate or visit at their congregations during March.

Spring has sprung and as the clocks went forward were are in the process of planting trees, pruning the vineyard, and getting the garden ready. It is good to see Sunny days and warm temperatures that can help dry out the ground. We have been busy filling in the ruts and holes in the yard where vehicles and mowers have gotten stuck. We just don't want it to get too dry.

Open Door Christian Ministries would like to welcome Cody and Sammy to the Big House on Weston Road. Cody is 14 and Sammy is 15. Both boys like skateboards and basketball. The boys came with very little clothing so we had to take them shopping for summer clothing and school uniforms...and boy do these boys like to shop!

We are also making plans for Thomas to go home in June if all works out. Thomas will have been with us almost 4 years. It is sad to see him go but he it is time. After 4 years he has become a very real part of this family and our ministry.

One of the great blessings at Open Door is having two small tractors and a zero-turn mower. One of the tractors has turf tires and we use it almost exclusively for mowing the grass, especially when the zero-turn mower isn’t working (which is most of the time). The other is used for garden work, bush-hogging, hauling, lifting, and occasionally getting the other vehicles out of the mud. Both tractors are assets to the work we do here at Open Door Christian Ministries. But age takes its toll on all things. Billy has been working hard in the off-season to get both the tractors and the mower in good working order. On the zero-turn mower Billy and his father had to completely rebuild the mower deck. The hydrostatic drive is leaking and in need of service. The thing drives like a broncing bull and leaves my back hurting after only a short while on it. Part of the problem with the mower is that we have a lot of land to mow and it wasn’t built for what we put it through. The board has been discussing purchasing a new commercial mower for the ministry and has approved raising funds through Vacation Bible School offerings and special offerings from the churches and individuals.A new mower would help solve a lot of headaches around here. Between all the rain and the breakdowns last summer it was hard to keep up with mowing schedule. If you or your church group is interested in helping us raise some funds for a new mower please contact us at 252-797-4218.

In April, I will be doing a presentation at Poplar Chapel Church of Christ and Cabin Swamp Church of Christ. I also plan to be at the Ladies Retreat at Roanoke Christian Service Camp. I still have openings for presentations if you would like me to come to your church.

Thank you again for your support.

God Bless You,

Loren Harold Lung

houseparent