May 2010

Dear Friends,

The month started off with a bang. I was invited to preach at Old Ford Church on Faith Promise Sunday. I really enjoyed sharing the work of Open Door during the Sunday School hour and preaching during the combined worship services that day. One of the things I have missed about traveling for the home is preaching every Lord's Day. So I really appreciate the opportunities to preach and fill the pulpit.

Another big step this month was opening Unit Two. Kris and Chelly got to put what they learned in MAPP class to work. We had eight boys living at Unit One and so when we got an emergency placement for a girl we felt it was necessary to open Unit Two so that she wouldn't be picked on by all these boys. 

May was one of those months for us where the devil just steps in and squashes us hard. As I write this month's update it is kind of like being on autopilot. The good news is that I know God will be victorious and his will and work will be done. The bad news is that sometimes in life we have these pains and trials. The problem is that we have had three  residents leave this month under unfavorable circumstances. It is always difficult to put your time, energy, faith, and love into young people and then have it all blow up in your face. It's a part of the job that bites. On the upside is that we trust God that each of these children has received a seed of faith and kindness from some people who really do care for them. We will trust in the Lord that he will send those to water and tend those seeds.

One of the children who left was the new girl we placed in Unit Two. It was disappointing to only have the unit open for three weeks but we know that it will be opened again in the Lord's timing. Kris and Chelly are disappointed too. 

Amongst all the bad things that happened this month there were some really great victories too. The most important of all was that Donovin accepted Jesus as his Lord.  Donovin was baptized in our pool out back in the presence of his family and friends. There were many people from Holly Neck Church of Christ present to support him. There were also a lot of people from Philippi Church of Christ, who were here for a church picnic, to witness his baptism. Donovin and the boys attend both churches.

I really appreciate those churches that have asked us to come for Vacation Bible School this year. So far we have received invitations from Poplar Chapel Church of Christ, Philippi Church of Christ, St. Clair's Church of Christ, Community Christian Church of Christ (Richlands, NC), and Mount Pleasant Church of Christ. There are plenty more dates open and we would really love to come and present the ministry to your children.

The pool has been up and running now but is leaking like crazy. It has several punctures in it that have been repaired more than once. It has become inevitable that we replace the liner. I think this is going to be a big job and I am not looking forward to it.

Please pray for us. Pray for the children (those that are no longer here too). Pray for more new residents.

Did you know? 

• Donovin was baptized this month in the pool.
• Brenton is swimming in the pool without floaties this year.
• Thomas loves Nerf guns.
• Olivia is thinking of going to the Art Institute in Raleigh for Culinary Arts studies.
• Kaiyden turned one year old this month.
• Wendy is taking classes on-line.
• Billy has to have some teeth pulled (yuk).
• Kris fixed the brakes on the truck (yeah!).

Thank you again for your support and prayers.

God Bless You,

Loren Harold Lung

houseparent