Flashback to the seventies, Americans were wearing bell-bottom jeans, collecting pet rocks, and listening to McGarrett say “Book ‘em, Dan-o!” on television’s Hawaii Five-O. Our country was standing on the threshold of the “Me Generation” when God inspired five courageous men with a vision of ministry to others.
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| "The Courageous Five" (From left to right: Ronald Lee Ambrose, Milton Phelps, Ronald Sawyer, Wayne Snell; Sitting: David Sykes) |
Though many people told them it couldn’t be done
and though they at times doubted themselves, God nurtured their vision until it
evolved a plan. The plan called for
an outreach ministry, a children’s home, and an elderly care program.
These ministries were begun in 1973 as a benevolent outreach of the
The first phase of the plan was accomplished by the construction of warehouses to receive donated clothing and furniture. Those items were then distributed to those in need.
The second phase of the plan was met with the construction of the children’s home. Since the first child came to Open Door in 1976, scores of children have been ministered to.
An independent living community was the avenue chosen to meet the third phase of the plan. When the construction on the first apartment was completed, interest dwindled. Elderly people were discouraged by the remote area and distance to medical facilities. For several years, the apartment was used for a second children’s home. In the spring of 2003, due to the cost of upkeep and maintenance, all the children were moved into Unit #1.
Today countless children are suffering as a result of broken home, substance abuse, neglect, and peer pressure. Providing food, clothing, shelter, education and spiritual guidance for the children entrusted to us here at Open Door is a monumental task.
Open Door has dedicated herself to helping children. The reopening of the second home would enable us to minister to greater numbers of children. We lack only the financial support to meet this need.
Please keep our ministry in your prayers. Your support makes its continuation possible. The plight of countless children makes it a necessity.