January 2012

Dear Friends,

The New Year started out right with a special trip and presentation at Rosemary Church of Christ in Washington, NC. I appreciated Mike Caton giving me the opportunity to fill in for him while he was on vacation. I attended Sunday School and then did a presentation of the ministries of Open Door during the morning worship. I was privileged to get to spend the afternoon with Marlow and Kay Johnson who took me out to eat and then shared their home with me as we visited together that afternoon. During the evening worship service I preached on resolving to live for Christ in 2012. After our visit, the leadership of Rosemary decided to raise their support for ODCM. I really appreciate their hospitality and willingness to help out. We also received some donations of clothing while visiting the church.

During the first week of this year, Wendy, Michael, Kaiyden, Olivia, and I were able to slip away for a few days break. Chelly and Kris watched the kids so that we could go on a vacation to a resort in Virginia. We also had to take Olivia back to school in West Virginia. While we were on vacation we also visited with my in-laws, Richard and Myrtle Smartnick who were able to come with us for part of the trip. We also were able to swim, soak in the hot tub, play games, horseback riding, exercise, tie-dye shirts, and other things. Daniel and LeAnn also joined us toward the end of our stay.  It was really enjoyable but ended way to fast. We said our goodbyes to Olivia with tears because we won't see her again until Spring break.

The Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, January 15th, here at Unit One. We had several visitors and board members in attendance. We introduced the kids at the home, the staff, and the directors. During the meeting we shared the financial records and the work that was accomplished in 2011. Elections were also held for the directors who had finished their terms (all were re-elected). Then we had refreshments and fellowship. The board met after the meeting to elect officers for 2012. Chris Grimes is the new chairman of the board.

It was a real blessing to be able to go to the food bank this month. We were able to get two fifty pound bags of whole wheat flower, three gallons of pancake syrup, three gallons of white corn syrup, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, bleach, and much more needed items. Open Door Christian Ministries is greatly blessed by the Food Bank of the Albemarle. This time of year is their slow time for donations. Please pray for the food bank and their employees. And don't forget to mark October 14th on your calendar for the Walk for Hunger. Donation/sponsorships given on this day through Open Door allow us credits for later food purchases.

January always seems the month when severe colds or fever go through the house. This year is no different. I was the first to get a severe cold in my head and chest. I took several days for it to start to go away and by that time Wendy had it. Manuel also came down with the cold. We are praying that it doesn't go through the rest of the kids in the house.

This month has been a positive month for inquiries by families needing help. We have also had a few leads come in through Social Services. It always feels good to try and help families in need whether they place their children with us or not. There are so many families out there that need our help. Sometimes it is frustrating getting them to place them here. Recently a family refused our help because they didn't want their kids going to be with those "Bible Thumpers". It is funny that even when some folks have no other place to turn they refuse to seek help from the one (Jesus) who can give them all the help they need.

This month also brought us some good donations of well needed items. Our special thanks goes out to the family who purchased us two portable heaters to help lower our heat bill. They also contributed money towards our heating bill as well as donating dog food, cat food, chicken feed, and some well needed pantry items.

All of us at Open Door are saddened by the loss of our friend, Bill Kendall. Bill and is wife, Grace, have been avid supporters of the ministry, loving the kids in our care, and serving as directors on our board for many years. Bill went to be with Jesus on Sunday evening, January 23, around 11 p.m.. The visitation and funeral were held at Rosemary Church of Christ in Washington, NC where Bill was a member. Grace has asked that memorial gifts be sent to Open Door Christian Ministries. Thanks Bill and Grace, for your years of service and dedication. We love you.

We are having a Yard Sale on Saturday, April 28th, at Unit Two. The sale will help us with repairs around Open Door. The sale will start at 7:30 a.m. and go until 1:30 p.m.. We will be selling some old things that have been lying around Open Door unused for a while. We are also asking anyone who wants to bring items for donation to the sale to bring them to Open Door by March 31st. That way we will have plenty of time to sort and price the items. To keep it simple, We will have a price guide posted for all toys, clothing items, and other misc. items. Some items will have haggle prices on them while others will be marked “firm”. Monetary donations will also be accepted. If you have any items that you would like to donate please bring them to Open Door by March 31s. Call for further information.

Thank you again for your support. God Bless You,

Loren Harold Lung; houseparent