October 2009

Dear Friends,

Some things change but some things say the same. October saw the loss of one of our girls at Open Door. She went to live with her aunt and hopefully "live happily ever after"... or as close to it as the life of a teenager can get. We love her and will miss her much. But almost as soon as that door closed we said hello to a new girl. Wendy and I have always stated that saddest times are the day a child comes, because we see all the hurt and pain they have been through, and the day a child goes, because we will miss them so much.

Some people think that all you have to do to be a good houseparent is to love these children. Love is not always enough. You wouldn't believe the things that have happened to some of these children by people who told them that they loved them. We have to show them love, teach them God's way, be patient when they goof up or blow a gasket, and discipline them in a calm, loving manner. We have to live what we believe. We have to be there 24-7. We have to be open and looking for that "teachable moment." Sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail. It is always an emotional rollercoaster. And there is always drama around the house in one form or another.

So why should anyone want to do this type of ministry. Well, if you really think about it, it is exactly what everyone in Christ is called to do... Live their faith. James 1:22 says that we should be "doers" of the word and not merely hearers. The message says, "Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!" Let me tell you that if you are not genuine in your faith the kids will be the first to catch you on it. 

One of the things the kids have caught me on is saying "I love you" and then following it up with "BUT you need to work on...". I just preached a sermon not to long ago about unconditional love an believe me they caught my hypocrisy. We all have things we have to work on so why do we follow up "I love you" with something they need to do. For me it is really that I want them to know that they are loved so they don't think I'm just gripping all the time. But that's not how it comes across.

Isn't it wonderful that God didn't say "I love you, BUT..." No sir. The scriptures say, "But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:28)". God said, "I love you this much" and then he stretched out his arms... and died on a cross. That is a lesson we not only need to learn but to live daily.

I want to thank all the wonderful people who had us come for a visit, presentation, or program. We really enjoyed our time with you and the kids get a great joy out of visits. We really were uplifted by the good folks at Elizabeth City Church of Christ when we presented the ministry to them. The kids also enjoyed learning about our history at the Great Communion service at Mid-Atlantic Christian University. We had a great time at Community Christian Church in Williamston for their Fall Bible School (FBS) and our visit with the good people at Tranters Creek Church of Christ for Fall Festival. We had so many wonderful invitations to Fall Festivals that we hated to turn them down but we could only be in one place at a time. 

Special thanks to all who donated, sponsored, and participated in the Golf Tournament. Special thanks to our good friend, Wilbur Stokesbury and the good people at Wilkinson Church of Christ for putting it all together. We received about $1,500.00 from the event. Thanks again!

As you are getting your calendars ready for 2010 you might want to keep in mind scheduling a presentation. I have plenty of open dates at the moment. I am willing to come for the whole congregation or for Sunday School Classes and youth activities. I am also available to come to club meetings, circle or auxiliary meetings, social clubs, and more. Just give me a call or email me. 

Thank you again for your support.

God Bless You,

Loren Harold Lung

houseparent