Across the Miles, Across the Languages...a Common Bond

This past week I had an interesting and inspiring experience. The Presbyterian Missions had a group of people from the Czech Republic come to Omaha to tour Open Door Mission. I was chosen to escort the group and answer questions.  The group of men and women work in organizations similar to Open Door Mission, but in scattered sights. I worked with a translator, which in itself was an experience. The whole group was amazed at the scope of the programs and resources Open Door Mission shares with the community. The best part was, in spite of language barriers, there was an excitement that what we are doing is working to better people's lives and the community. It was a great two hours sharing how Christians of all nationalities can learn from each other and provide for the hungry, hurting and homeless of God's world. It was a blessing that family of Christ gave us a common bond to help change lives.

Simple Math Word Problem

One homeless young mother + (her two children) + one man addicted to drugs + two single women (1 victim of domestic violence, 1 struggling with mental illness) + three veterans (1 Viet Nam, 1 Iran war, 1 Afghanistan) + 5,000 living in poverty + four families (2 downsized, 1 lacking job skills, 1 large medical bills)

x U volunteers =Open Door Mission being able to serve everyone. Can you solve for U?

You see we need volunteers to help make the difference. Open Door Mission cannot do all without YOU! Volunteers yearly = >60 employees to provide life changing programs for those in need or crisis. Open Door Mission needs you to help solve the “U”. Please come for an orientation and tour; then find where “U” belong at Open Door Mission. Just click the link to find the answer. http://www.opendoormission.org/volunteer

PayPal Green Team Spring Cleaning

PayPal Spring Cleaning Lydia House Drive - It’s spring! PayPal GreenTeam cleaned out their closets and DONATED to Open Door Mission’s Lydia House. They made a difference in the lives of others by providing needed items. Nationally, about half of all homeless women and children are fleeing domestic abuse and violence. Open Door Mission’s Lydia House provides emergency services for women and families in need of immediate assistance. Visit www.opendoormission.org for more life changing opportunities.  

Please note that Open Door Mission can only accept gently used clothing and shoes and functioning and gently used household items. Please refer to tour FAQ page for unacceptable items: http://www.opendoormission.org/faqs. You can also contact Open Door Mission at: Phone: 402-422-1111 or Email: ODM@OpenDoorMission.org

NorthStar Financial Keeps Giving & Giving...

NorthStar Financial really cares about the daily needs and the special needs of Open Door Mission's men, women and children. They had  made fleece blankets just last month when the call went out for Easter Care Kits for the men and women at the mission. We have Easter baskets donated for the children, but the adults would have nothing special. NorthStar, under the guidance of Nikki, decided to answer that call and made 75 Easter Care Kits to give out on Easter morning. Besides some basic personal care items each kit has a chocolate bunny, to make the day even sweeter. Thank you to NorthStar Financial and the other businesses, churches, individuals and organizations that answered the call to make Easter "eggs-tra"special so "every-bunny" knows they are special.

Trust God Even in the Bad Times

A dear friend of mine and former case manager at Open Door Mission, Mike K. received a diagnosis of ALS, Lou Gehrig disease, last year. Most of us would rail at God and feel devastated, but Mike's faith is strong and totally trusting. As family, friends and Faith Westwood Church rallied  and prayed Mike began to see his calling during this new season of his life. The students came to him and asked him to lead a Bible study, they would come to him and come they did. They even come when it isn't Bible study night to talk with him, he has become their mentor and an example of a true Godly man.  They decided to volunteer at Open Door Mission in a way to give back. I can not begin to tell you how awesome this all is so here are Mike's words...

I have been so blessed by these kids and their commitment, passion and kindness. I look back on my time there with so much gratitude. I know now why God had me leave there. I would have never met these kids...God is great.

I have a funny story about the AA meeting I attended at the Mission. One of the kids went with me. I asked the men in the meeting if it was okay that he was there. You know, Christian kid, doesn't swear, hair is perfect, beautiful smile. It looked like he may have gotten lost on his way to his Boy Scout meeting.

 Anyway. we all introduced ourselves as we do.."I'm Mike alcoholic, etc,etc."  Came around to Kyler, didn't know what he was to do. I whispered to him "say hi, I'm Kyler". Of course all of the guys around the table said LOUDLY "Hi Kyler". Poor kids face was 10 shades of red...hilarious.

I am doing so good, my spirits are up, sense of humor is good and my faith grows every day. I can honestly say this...Lou Gehrig has been good to me. 

 

Love, Mike

 

NorthStar Donations Warm Those in Need

NorthStar Financial's Young Professionals made fleece blankets for Open Door Mission's Fleece in February drive. NorthStar supports Open Door Mission with various drives throughout the year. This time the Young Professional group got their "no sewing" skills together to make these warm cosy blankets for those staying at the mission. We appreciate all kinds of fleece blankets. Thank you to NorthStar Young Professionals for making a fun project into a blessing of warmth for those in need.

Easter Care Kits

Steeplechase Apartment residents are making someone's Easter very special this year. The whole apartment complex has been invited to make an Easter Care Kit for the adult men and women staying at Open Door Mission during the Easter holiday. Steeplechase Apartments have been great supporters of Open Door Mission by doing various drives throughout the years. This project is a little different, but just as important to serving our clients. Steeplechasse wants to help make sure that everyone has something special for Easter...and what better than a Chocolate bunny? As you see by the example in the picture there are only 4 basic items and of course the chocolate bunny! If you would like to help provide the Easter Care Kits for our homeless men and women please call 402-829-1554 or mcope@opendoormission.org.

Children Can make a difference

What is you woke up in the morning and did not have soap and shampoo to take a shower or even a tooth brush and tooth paste. Many homeless in the Heartland do just that.

Last night I had the privilege of speaking to children that attend Gretna Baptist Church. These 25 children collected personal hygiene products for homeless children living at the Lydia House. They shared with me the things they brought and why they wanted children at the Lydia House to have them. It was a blessing to see children that were ages 3 to 11 making a difference in the lives of homeless and needy children right here in their community.

You too can make a difference, you can call Maggie today at
402-422-1111 ext 1554 and request these purple bags known has "Hope Totes".

James Cummings
Public Relations Coordinator

We have Victory in Christ

A man I have known for two years here at ODM, recently found out his mother had died about a year ago. He was distraught and wanted to go out drinking (this was his usual response to things), because he said he was a terrible son for not keeping in touch with his family. While talking to him, he said that his mother was a Christian and in heaven. I asked him how drinking would glorify her or God. He stated that she hated the fact that he drank. I suggested that he try honoring his mother by not drinking. He has not had a drink in about two months, and he is a changed man in attitude and spirit. He talks about the power of God and there is now life in his eyes.

We all go through various trials and tribulations during our lives. There’s not a single person on earth who hasn't experienced horrendous situations. However, the difference lies in how we respond to these situations and cope with them. Do we allow these harrowing events to shake our faith or to strengthen it?

"In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

So no matter what we go through, rough waters or flames, we will come out victorious because of the one in whom we have placed our trust. "Jesus Christ".

Russell Janssen
Garland Thompson Men's Center Staff

Responding to Jesus

"Although the programs here at the mission are all Christian discipleship programs, not all of the men who join the program are followers of Christ. Often, the men in the programs are here because they have nowhere else to go, and they are willing to see if there is more to this Jesus than they know. Today, a man sat across from me who has been in the program for months. During those months he went to classes, read the word, and talked at length about the Lord with staff, but he had never decided to give the Lord a chance.

As I sat across from him, I heard him say one of the things that you listen for… the words that make my life a joy. He had been meeting regularly with a staff member from the men’s center for mentorship and had finally come to a decision. He told me that he had decided that to go all-in after God, no longer sitting on the fence as an observer.  As he told me about the decision, I could see that some of his doubt remained, but all I could do was praise God. For I know that as we seek the Lord, he delights in being found.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7"

Jeremy Settle

Dine Out To End Hunger - Joe's Crab Shack

Joe's Crab Shack will give a percentage
of sales to Open Door Mission

 

When: Tuesday, January 15, 2013
11:00 AM - 1:00AM

 

Where: Joe's Crab Shack
701 North 102nd St

 

Please click on flyer to print and present at Joe's Crab Shack when ordering.

 

 

Prayer Changes Lives

I had an awesome blessing yesterday...even though it didn't start out that way. I was taking an Eagle Scout to the Men's Center to drop off his project. A man came out of the center cussing-I asked him to please stop & he let me know exactly what he thought of my request. After my Scout left I told Russ, a case manger, what had happened. As I was leaving the gentleman was waiting outside-with tears in his eyes he apologized & explained he was angry...because he had chosen to drink he decided to stay somewhere else last night. As I listened to him I realized that he wanted to change but was so angry & tired he couldn't make good decisions...so we prayed...right there in front of the Men's Center. Before he left to return to another shelter I knew his name & he knew mine... I told him I would be praying for God to give him strength to stop drinking so he can come to Open Door Mission & enter the New Life Recovery program. Please join with me in praying for Frederick...may he find HOPE & NEW LIFE at Open Door Mission.

 

Maggie Cope

Communication Coordinator

Reflections of the Past Year

As I left work today I started thinking about this past year. I love my job and the special perks I get working at Open Door Mission. Every Tuesday I collect the clients and/or staff’s prayer requests that are put on prayer walls in each building. I get to be the first to pray for these people…that is an awesome privilege and responsibility. It is a wonderful blessing to pray for others.

Every day I go through the obituaries to see if any of our donors or volunteers have passed away. It is not depressing, because once again I get to pray for the families. As I make each card I pray again that God will comfort the families and that they may know so many lives were blessed by those who gave or volunteered at Open Door Mission. At Christmas time I get to call to encourage companies, organizations and churches to collect new toys for the 4,000-6,000 children we serve in the community. It is a joy to hear people respond with “I am so glad you called” or “Yes!” Then I get to meet them as they bring in all the toys we need to bring joy to those in need.

Sometimes I get to help open the mail of donor checks. It is a blessing to see the faithfulness of our donors. Of course I love to see the “really big checks” but I also feel the love and faith of the “widow’s mite checks”. The joy comes because God takes all the donations, big and small, to do His work at Open Door Mission.

And that brings me to the biggest blessing of all…I work for God. You may think I work for Open Door Mission but my joy comes from knowing God has a plan for me and that plan has me at Open Door Mission.

Maybe God has a plan for you at Open Door Mission. Come for a tour, or volunteer, or donate, monetarily or gift-in-kind, or pray. I know you will be as blessed as our clients are when you give back to the community. Make a difference in homeless or near homeless person’s life in 2013…help Open Door Mission meet the need.

Maggie

Who are you Believing In as you start 2013?

“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved”

Hebrews 10:39

Every year I like to select a scripture that I would like to define my year with God. This year I have chosen Hebrews 10:39. This scripture has long encouraged me to not only do more and push harder but also to trust in God. I tend to “shrink back” when I am relying on my own understanding but when I am truly in touch with God and believe I am saved I can push forward with boldness and courage. As I go through 2013 I will use this scripture for my own life but also to share with others that I meet with that seem to have forgotten that we are “of those who believe and are saved”.

Happy New Year!
Vickie Gregorio

Housing First

What are you Pursuing in 2013?

Matthew 2:1-3 (ESV)

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

As we enter a new year with aspirations, resolutions and dreams we need to be reminded of living a life with a purpose. The wise men recognized that life was not about their own agenda and personal desires. They understood their purpose after seeing the star when it rose. These men left everything for a cause greater than stability and comfort.  They pursued the light and the light guided them to their ultimate destination, to find Jesus. Are we ready to pursue the light now in 2013? Are we ready to find Jesus?    

Jonathan Lopez

Case Manager

Garland Thompson Men’s Center

Open Door Mission,

What Energy Crisis?

I sit and I look out the window from my third floor apartment and I am amazed at the amount of activity. I see people everywhere, hustling and bustling, coming and going. I see cars parking and groups of people eagerly unloading. I see others groups of people, just as eagerly, leaving and as they go their parking spaces being immediately consumed by awaiting cars. There are guys in the street directing traffic, their arms blurs of continual motion as they sport brown Carhart overalls and orange neon vest.

There is even a lady in pink coveralls giving an interview. The ground is white, covered with a fresh new blanket of snow. Just a few hours earlier, from this same window, I witnessed crews of men, as early as four in the morning, plowing snow in anticipation of the activity to come. The roar of the gas powered snow blowers drowned out their voices as they communicated through lip reading and sign language. Then there were the more ambitious workers taking a secret pride in manually using snow shovels while their counterpart, the guy driving the warm grey plow truck and wearing the smirk, pretended to be oblivious to their insinuations. In all, not one giving anything less than a Homeric
effort. All day long I’ve watched people, young and old, in some type of frenzy.

Wow, so much activity and so much effort, yet everyone seems to be operating from the same energy source. As I watch I can sense an invisible common denominator. I can’t help but take note of its root. It is Christmas time again at the Open Door Mission. People are coming together in the name of helping others, and though this is what we do here at the Mission all year long, there is something different at Christmas time. Christmas brings an indescribable spirit that envelopes the entire campus. For and at unbelievable hours people are working together all over the place. Employees and
volunteers alike are aglow with the spirit of GOD’S love. This glow can also be seen on the faces of the tireless parade of donors bringing gifts. Celebrating the birth of Christ by honoring him through showings of love and kindness to others generates life in itself. This energy and effort can not be attributed to human strength. Helping and loving others (altruism) does something for the soul that can not be achieved by any other means. When doing so we are no longer operating of our own strength but by the power of GOD.

Energy Crisis? What energy crisis? Why does the heathen rage? Why are wars being fought and so many lives lost over energy. Why is the survival of nations contingent upon obtaining and hoarding earth’s resource. Why does the heathen rage? Why can’t the heathen understand that giving, helping and loving others generate energy in and of itself. True energy does not come from the ground. The love of GOD and our fellow man generates enough energy to supply all the world’s needs.

Thank you LORD for allowing your children to see that there is an abundance of energy flowing from love.

Jesse Powell

Just a neat God sighting today.

I had met with a man earlier in the week to complete his paper work to move into our new SRO units that are opening in January.  While we were completing the forms, he talked about his new job and the approaching cold and wet weather and that he did not have a good pair of boots and would be a few paychecks before he could afford.  So we went and looked to see what had been donated at our Timberlake Outreach Center, he looked on the shelves and I looked in storage.  It took me awhile, he wears a men's size ten and not too many shoes that size are donated, and when I got back with a few nines that I hoped he could stretch he was already gone.  I kept the shoes in my office until I saw him again, sad that I could not help him that night.

Two days later, as I came to work, I was excited to see a man that was very hard to get a hold of trying on boots.  I needed to see him to sign some forms.  I asked how it was going and he said that he was looking for boots and found this very nice pair of water proof boots, but they were too big - that they looked to be a size 10!   Oh my - I was now really excited. I told him that I had 9's in my office and I would love to trade for his too large of find - now he was excited!  The first man was to receive his boots tonight and I am sure he will be excited, too! No way could I or these men have orchestrated these events that both men received the correct winter work boots and I got paperwork done with a hard to reach man.  Make me smile - we know there are not coincidences - just you..

Thank you Jesus for the alignment!

Merry Christmas all!
Ronda Nelson
Housing Services Director, Open Door Mission / Lydia House

A Widow's Might

Many of us have heard of the widow in biblical times that put in two mites at the treasury. But there are mighty widows giving sacrificially at Open Door Mission, even today.

Tis the season to be toy bagging as we are preparing to serve nearly 4,000 children in need this Christmas. A nice woman came to help sort and organize toys. As she was checking in, she mentioned that she had been doing so for nearly five years. It was their family tradition.

A sadness overcame her as she said her husband had recently passed away. This would be her first year serving alone. Right then she pulled out a prepaid cellphone complete with instruction manual and rechargeable card. She said, “This was my husband’s. It still has plenty of minutes on it. I’m sure he would want the Mission to have it.” Then, she pulled a check out of her pocket and said “He is not here for us to exchange gifts this year. So I made a check out to the Mission for the amount I figured we would have spent on each other. ”

She proceeded to check in and put away her belongings. She stayed for another two hours, serving in our warehouse. As much as I could tell she missed her husband, it seemed like being here and keeping up their tradition almost made her feel at home. Once she was done we thanked her and informed her that the phone was going to be put to great use. With her gift, residents would be allowed to call long distance for Christmas to reconnect with their families. She walked to her car and made the nearly hour long drive back to her home in Ashland, Nebraska.

I couldn’t help but think of the Scripture. “Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then a destitute widow came and threw in two mites. Jesus called His disciples said to them, ‘Surely, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.’” (Mark 12:41).

Whether or not she realized it, her attitude and actions had just ministered to us...For she gave of her livelihood that day. Though she didn’t say much, her strength and MIGHT to give had just spoken volumes.

Do you have an item you’ve considered donating? Maybe you’re not sure if anyone could use it or how it could help? We have many needs at Open Door Mission and could use your help to touch the lives of the hurting and broken. Your donation can change lives – and minister to us all in the process.

Merry Christmas!
Victoria Leuthold
Executive Assistant

Thank you to our donors

I would like to take this opportunity  and thank our donors for their generosity during the Holidays and all year long. The out pouring of your care and concern for the hungry and homeless is appreciated greatly by those we serve.

I work in the Development Department and see first-hand your generosity through financial and gift-in-kind donations. Also, your time that is spent volunteering to help accomplish all the tasks around the Mission and your willingness to give above and beyond to our various drives, such as Turkey 'N' Fixin's and Project Santa. 

It is always a pleasure to hear from our faithful and generous donors. Thank you and God bless!

Linda

Joy at Open Door Mission

I revel in the joy of working and volunteering at Open Door Mission. My work here allows me to interact with fellow employees, donors, volunteers, program clients, and emergency clients. I am in the presence of a mighty work of God.

 

As my fellow employees are about their tasks—they are also caring for each other. Hopefully, this is the case at your job. Joy abounds in me each day as I experience the living out of personal relationships with Jesus. It is a joy to come to work because I am in the presence of people God has drawn to Open Door Mission.

 

Our donors are incredible people. They believe in Open Door Mission; they desire to help the homeless and hungry; and they listen to the whispers of God and are providing for the increasing needs that God is bringing to us. When I get to be with or simply talk with them—joy abounds in me as they accept my thanks and explain how God has drawn them to us.

 

Our volunteers come from every demographic. They are a visible testimony to the truth that God calls everyone to Him! Each time I have an opportunity to work with them—joy abounds as I see the love they give and receive, I hear their excitement about helping others, and I know they have experienced the presence of God as God has drawn them to help the homeless and hungry.

 

Our emergency clients are people who are trying to survive. Many of them came and stood in line for 2-3 hours on a Saturday to sign up for Project Santa. We were working as fast as we could to sign them up, but it seemed to take forever. To a person they understood, patiently waited, and thanked me when the process was done. What a testimony to the presence of God that the people God is drawing to the Open Door Mission respond to His presence and all who are gathered are blessed.

 

Our program clients are amazing people. Their life’s journey has taken them places I do not even want to think about. They have heard the whisper of God and now are seeking refuge at Open Door Mission. We ask them to confront their demons, respond to God’s leading, and practice a godly life with us before they re-enter their lives. What an explosion of joy when a person commits themselves to Christ and begins their journey. What a sense of joy is felt each time this happens as heaven cheers, peace is granted, and hope restored.

 

What a blessing it is to be in the presence of God. Thank you all for making this possible. Please come and experience the joy of the presence of God; come and rejoice; come and be a blessing and be blessed; come and experience the joy I enjoy each day at work.

Grace with Accountability

I am a minister of grace, or at least I am trying to be. Sounds impressive huh, but aren't all we Christians ministers of God's grace?? I certainly count myself among the biblically challenged (if that is in fact a word). I am not a mature Christian by any stretch, but rather a maturing Christian, trying every day to make the most out of the time and opportunity God has given me. I am a big picture, bottom line kind of guy, and one who believes very strongly that the Gospel is an amazingly simple message that we work very hard to complicate. Jesus' Gospel message is one of grace.
 

Grace is that thing we don't deserve, that "unmerited favor". We don't deserve it, can't earn it, and frankly have a hard time understanding and accepting it, which may explain why Christians throughout the ages have struggled to share it and extend it the way Jesus intended. We tend to lean more quickly and naturally toward judgment and self-righteousness. I fully admit to struggling pretty hard with it myself.
 

Here at the Mission, I wear a number of hats. Much of my training comes from years engaged in the trenches of life. Business, church, family, school, and of course life at Open Door Mission have all been rich training grounds. I like most, have learned some lessons far better than others. The lesson I have learned and continue to learn about grace though, is that while not complicated or contingent, grace is a beginning and not an end. Grace is free, but is not, and should not be cheap.
 

Here at the Mission, we are essentially in the hope and grace business! I watch our staff and volunteers serve with grace, offering hope to friends who have a very hard time experiencing either. My understanding of grace grows every day, as does my ability hopefully, to share and extend it myself. Serving at Open Door Mission though is teaching me a very important lesson about grace, and that is that such unmerited favor must be associated with appropriate responsibility and accountability to have any lasting value or impact. In my quest to be less biblically challenged (there is that word again), I study the Gospels, and the words of Jesus in particular. Jesus hung out with, and in fact searched out the most unsavory people he could find. He taught them, he saved them, he blessed them. Not once though can I find an instance where Jesus then sent someone back into the world instructing them to live as they like, and make the same mistakes. Jesus saved by grace, and then sent people back into the world to live a better life by taking responsibility for their actions.
 

We all need grace, but we need to understand the importance and necessity of responsibility and accountability that allows such a gift to bear fruit in our lives. I am getting to know a number of men who are embracing the grace of God. I have the honor and responsibility of walking with them as we learn and grow together through that grace and mutual accountability. These guys are terrific, and they too are becoming ministers of grace! My prayer for all of us is simply that by God's power we can embrace the simplicity of the Gospel and be the people and the ministers of grace that God wants us, and challenges us to be.
 

Thank you to everyone who prays for and supports the Open Door Mission! Please know that we are praying for you too!

Blessings

Scot Morris

Donations for life changing impact

I work in information technology here at the Open Door Mission.

The Re-Building Lives center is preparing to open and is buzzing with activity in preparation for the Grand Opening. As part of that preparation, I was tasked with constructing a computer lab so that our men can have access to computers and utilize the internet for research and to seek employment opportunities. The lab is to consist of twelve computers initially.

I took an inventory of all the components required it became sadly apparent that I was way short of the number of LCD monitors that were required to field twelve work stations for the men.

As I started constructing the computers in the back of my mind was the thought “where am I going to get the twelve LCD monitors that would be needed for the Lab?” It was much, too big for me. I had to trust in the promise of Philippians 4:19 “ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

As the construction of the lab computers continued, the LCD monitors trickled into the Timberlake Outreach Center one at a time, from individuals who cared enough to donate. These blessed donors of at the Timberlake Outreach Center may have not known it at the time of their donation but their actions were fulfilling the promise made to all of us in Philippians 4:19 and I praise God for our donors because “they make it happen here” at the Open Door Mission.

As the Re-Building Lives center prepares to open, please join me in praying that all the work of our hands will produce changed lives and bring Glory to God.

Chris Brooks

Men Praying for Men

I am thankful for a place where I can not only work but a place where I can also be used by God to make a difference in the spiritual life of a person. Today this morning at 5am; we began our first prayer meeting. I have been letting clients know all week long that they are all more than welcome to come and pray for their hardships and for their loved ones. Even at 6am we always pray after each "KREY radio" session mini-devotional announcement that echoes through out the P.A. system in the facility every morning to wake up men to a God given and productive new day.

 

However, in the 5am prayer meeting we had only two clients show up for Prayer but we together, made supplications to the Lord; casting all of our cares to Him. We prayed for clients and their prayer requests posted on the wall where it says, 'Prayer Wall'. We prayed for The Mission, Men's Ministry, for each other and for our loved ones.

 

Eventhough it was not a huge turn out of men wanting to pray. I believe very strongly that God will increase it with great testimonies of answered prayers. Interestingly, Up on the same wall where it says 'prayer wall' just off to the right side, is also a much more profound statement. It reads 'MIRACLES' and the bottom of this word it says, 'Believe in them'. And in this, I believe God has provided this new men's facility so that every inch of space could be used for His Glory.

 

Especially, for this little corner 'prayer wall' located outside the med room. God is going to answer many prayers because in Romans 5:5 it delcares, "and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." I know God will not dissapoint His people. So please pray for this little corner. That God may move on behalf of these men that will stand in faith to believe God for great things!

 

God bless you all and Shalom!

 

Rey Rios

The Assistance League Assists Lydia House with Books

Open Door Mission’s Lydia House was blessed this past week with the gift of books. The Assistance League of Omaha brought over 200 pounds of books for the women and children. They brought new books for the children. The books are great stories and full of pictures to give spark to the children’s imagination. Books are a wonderful way for children and their parents to read together and share a special time. The League also collected gently used books for the adults at Lydia House. The books will go into the library so everyone has a chance to solve mysteries, travel to distance places or have a good laugh. Open Door Mission appreciates the Assistance League of Omaha for proving an enriching pastime for the children and adults at Lydia House.

If you would like to do a drive please call 402-422-1111 ext 1554. We would love to help you make a difference in the lives of others.

Maggie

Are you a servant?

The other morning as I was getting ready for work, I was listening to a song. 

 

Make me a servant, humble and meek.

Lord let me lift up those who are weak.

And may the prayer of my heart always be,

Make me a servant, Make me a servant,

Make me a servant today.

 

Jesus certainly set the example of how to be a servant when he washed His disciples' feet. It was not beneath Him to do such a lowly thing. He did it out of love.

 

At Open Door Mission I see servants everyday. The mission staff reaches out in love to the people who come to us. These people are hurting and have many needs, and the staff try to 'be Jesus' to them and 'serve' them, and show them God's love. Sometimes it's hard to be a servant. Our pride gets in the way and Satan uses that to keep us from being the humble and meek servants God wants us to be. I pray that God will help me and continue to mold me into the servant He wants me to be. How is your servant attitude?

Lynnette Walter
Development Associate

Freedom in Christ

In a cold dreary winter day a young man stood in the busy streets looking for a friend. Up and down the streets he roamed, looking for someone to notice him. As the Christmas lights gleaned off the glistening snow, his heart sank because the day had come and gone. No one seemed to notice or even care. Where was that one special person, better yet, where was this God he “knew” so much about?

In each day’s passing this young man contemplated his existence. He wondered where his life had gone so wrong. In his final hour of desperation he found himself in a small city mission. It rescued him from the elements for the days to come, but not ailments that plagued him so. Who is this young man you ask? Well, that young man was me. I was a lost soul, who knew of Jesus, but did not KNOW Jesus. From that cold winter in 2000 on, God has taken me on a journey. After attending several Christian Programs freedom in Christ became a reality. Since then, He has allowed me to marry a Godly wife, finish my degree at Grace University, and join a wonderful staff at Open Door Mission.

My passion for this ministry is strong because I believe in their three fold objective. It states that each person will be saved, discipled, and equipped when they leave. I was given that opportunity several years ago and now I work at a place that provides the same elements of freedom.

I want to encourage you to come to Open Door Mission graduations and witness God’s hand at work. It is truly a miracle of His love, mercy, and grace. Though I have a position “behind the scenes” I consider these men and women my brothers and sisters in the battle that has already been won. I would also encourage those who are thinking about giving to a great cause, to consider Open Door Mission. As I visit a few donors that helped me, I know Open Door Mission graduates appreciate every dollar given to them as well. I want you to know through my story that every dollar given represents a changed life, including mine.

Thank you and God bless.
Christopher J. Yelinko

God is changing the hearts of men

"I must admit that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect this summer when I started working with the men in the New Life Recovery and Journey to Work programs. Although there was uncertainty and doubt, I knew that it was God who had brought me here. Since my start this summer, I have truly come to see God at work in magnificent ways here at the mission! Each week I see men come and apply to join the programs. When they come, they are often broken hearted and hopeless, yet fearful of what to expect. As they spend time at the mission, I see God begin stirring in their hearts as he meets each and every one right where they are at.

The most exciting times for me are the points when God stirs my heart to minister to a man and tell him about the greatness of our God. When I see the doubts and fears come out and become replaced with love and hope, it is powerful and moving. I am so glad that God is working in those men and that they are coming to know Him, but I am also excited that God has continued to work in my own life so that I can see others who came from backgrounds like my own experience the same wonder and love that I have experienced. Praise the Lord!"

 

Jeremy Settle

Veteran Coordinator and Program Case Manager

Through Christ we have Joy in the Morning

Over the last 2 years it has been such a blessing to see first hand what God is doing at the  Mission. It is incredible to get the opportunity to love and pray for the clients here. A few months ago a new resident moved in who was trying to get her 2 sons back into her custody. Weekly I would meet with her, and she would express how difficult it was only getting to see her children a few times a week. Together, we would prayer the verse John 16:22 over her situation.

"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." 

Continuously  week after week, seeing her complete each goal she had set and going above and beyond what was being asked of her to do. Yesterday, I got the privilege to meet with her and her case worker. She was finally told that her boys were going to move in with her full-time. She began crying and threw her arms in the air and said praises to our God for answering her prayers. What an incredible moment to be able to witness. A woman who completely has given her hopes to God and being steadfast in His promises to her.  Praise Jesus!

Katie Schumacher
Lydia House Case Manager

What is your vocation?

I have to laugh sometimes at how life works. I was in the lobby of the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) facility recently doing what I do. I joke with people who ask what I do at the Mission, that I am the Director of other duties as assigned. It’s not that I don’t have specific responsibilities but that I can do many things and being able to switch hats around here is a real plus. On this particular day I was cleaning windows for the second time that day  and one of our community partners walked in and asked me if I had gotten in trouble or something. I wasn’t sure what he was referring to but he pointed to the window cleaner in my hand and I got it. I smiled and told him to hang around for a few minutes, I was moving to toilets next! We joked about how that college education was really working out! It was a fun exchange but highlighted a key difference between working in the world and working in ministry, particularly here at Open Door Mission.

 

My job right now is to be Director of Permanent Supportive Housing. The PSH is a facility consisting of 41 two and three bedroom apartments, and it exists to serve those who have had problems with stable, affordable housing, but who are ready and equipped to pay rent and live independently (with some gentle guidance and support). Being Director means I am charged with managing the facility and serving the 92 men, women and children who call the PSH home. I love these people, and I am very serious about helping each and every one of them to live safely, independently, and responsibly while also helping them identify and realize their goals and dreams. That is my job, but at a recent conference, Pastor Clyde pointed out that it is not my vocation. My vocation, is to serve Christ! I have a lifetime of experience and education that prepares me to do my job, and I can do that pretty well.  My only qualification and power to engage in my vocation however comes from the Holy Spirit. Pastor Clyde challenged me to really think about what my vocation means and I would love to tell you I have some deep new truths to share about that, but I am a “big picture” “bottom line” kind of guy. The only word that comes to me as I consider what it means to truly embrace my vocation to serve Jesus is “willing”.

 

I am not a gifted evangelist, I cannot preach or teach, and while I continue to seek God’s truth in his Word, I am as biblically challenged as anyone else. I can’t do anything to instantly change those realities but in this moment I can make a conscious, prayerful decision to be willing. Willing to do what?? I guess willing to do anything that I believe serves Christ, and for me that simply begins with meeting people and helping them wherever they are. Does washing windows or scrubbing toilets count then in my vocational pursuits? I believe they do if those simple acts help one person feel better about where they live or who they are. More importantly, those actions serve my vocation if it helps one person draw closer to Jesus. The big picture or bottom line for me is a question from the prophet Isaiah. I heard the challenge from two Pastors in different cities this week. Does that mean it's a message I should pay attention to? God asks the question…Who then shall I send??

 

Here am I Lord, send me!! Send me to visit someone in the hospital. Send me to the store or the bank or the Social Security office. Send me to help someone find a relative, to get legal help, offer  a ride or fix their car. Send me to pray with someone, and yeah, send me to scrub the toilet.

 

It is an honor and a pleasure to do my job, but I am challenging myself and I guess anyone else who takes a moment to read this, to be willing to truly engage in my, or our vocation. I want to be willing to go and do whatever serves Jesus today, and I hope and pray I can see and grab those opportunities as they come. Here am I Lord, send me!

Scot Morris
Permanent Supportive Housing Director

Southside Church Kids for Christ TPS Open Door Mission

To most of us toilet paper is one of those things we don’t talk about much but really appreciate. The Kids for Christ group at Southside Christian in Council Bluffs decided to let a lot people know how much toilet paper is needed at Open Door Mission. They made flyers and biked all over their neighborhoods asking for donations. They were hoping to get some extra rolls besides what they brought to church.

They were surprised to find out how responsive people were; they would hear thuds on their front porch and find packages of toilet paper had been dropped off. They were so successful that they filled the trunk of my car and most of the back seat! That was 117 pounds of toilet paper! They are already planning on making the drive next year more successful-they want me to have to make 2 trips to collect all the toilet paper for Open Door Mission.

These young people were so excited that they had done something to make a difference in the lives of others. They had had fun doing the Toliet Paper collection as a group. They experienced sheer joy seeing how their efforts piled up and then had to be stuffed into my car. They learned that helping others is not just the Christian thing to do it can be fun. What would your youth group or organization like to do to make a difference? Give me a call today at 402-422-1111

Maggie Cope

Whoever is kind to the needy honors God

I work in the administration building in the development department. My job is a pretty “behind the scenes” kind of job. This past Friday, I had the opportunity to help with a program called Streets of Omaha. The purpose of this program is to help people in their homes and on the street by providing them with sack lunches. Every Friday hundreds of sack lunches are made and then delivered to people all over Omaha. Friday was the second time that I have helped make the lunches and deliver them.

I had a really great experience both times and I think it would be hard to go home at the end of the day unchanged. I was amazed how thankful people were for something that seemed so simple to me. On many of our stops, we were greeted by lots of small children with huge smiles on their faces. In addition to giving out the lunches, we also gave out tracts and Bibles. I was surprised how eager and grateful people were for a Bible. There was a man who did not want a lunch but just wanted a Bible.

He said that “the Word was the only food that he needed.” A couple of men we stopped to talk to on the side of the street said they really needed a toothbrush. We happened to have a couple new toothbrushes and toothpaste in our van that we gave to them and they were very happy. There was also several people who asked for prayer. We were able to pray with a woman outside of her apartment and others just asked that “as we lay our head on our pillow tonight, we would think of them on the streets, and pray for them.”

I am very thankful to be a part of what God is doing at the Open Door Mission. Tonight as you lay your head on your pillow, think of those who are on the streets. Think of those who are hurting and hopeless. Ask God how He wants you to help them.

Proverbs 14.31 - Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Ryan McDowell
Open Door Mission

Morning Time with God

Psalm 13:5 "I trust in Your unfailing love and my heart rejoices in Your salvation."

 

I can honestly say that I love getting up in the morning and coming to work at the Lydia House! It is so refreshing to enjoy my job, my co-workers, and the residents. My favorite thing about my job is being able to share God's word, while also being encouraged by the determination of the residents that we serve.
 

My day tends to be very busy, but I wouldn't change it. The morning time proves to be my most rewarding; my co-worker Mandy and I start the ladies off with prayer at 7:30 and devotions at 8. We have a great time doing this because it really gives us time to answer any questions that the ladies have regarding Jesus and His plans. The photo I have included are just some of the women who attend devotions on a regular basis.

 

Part of my job includes working with the residents in maintaining room cleanliness and organization. I am currently seeking some donations, such as; tubs with lids, 3-drawer plastic organizers (larger size), and rugs to help the residents give their rooms more of a feeling of home. Thank you in advance for volunteering, donating, and especially praying.

 

Rachael Hillebran

Lydia House Day Supervisor

 

 

 

Rearview Mirror

As I was driving to work this morning I made sure I was following all the laws. The reason why…because when I looked in my rear view mirror there was a police car right behind me. So I did what everyone does in a situation like-I did what I knew was right. That got me to thinking how would we live our lives if we lived like Jesus was always in our “rearview mirror”?

We all know Jesus has told us to care for the needy but are we doing it. Working at Open Door Mission I see so many needs every day. We have great community support but the needs are growing daily as more people seek help. Can you help us meet the needs in poverty or that are homeless? Can you clean out the winter clothing you no longer use & donate so someone else can be warm? Can you come volunteer to help fix & serve a meal? Even though I work here I am blessed to volunteer at Open Door Mission too. Would you do a food drive so we can continue to feed over 2,000 a day? Jesus remembers what you do not just what you should do. Is Jesus in your” rearview mirror”? Call 402-422-1111 today or visit www.opendoormission.org to see how you can help make a difference at Open Door Mission.

Betz Woodhull

My Own Little World

My name is Amy Buss and I am the Human Resources Director at the Open Door Mission. On the way to work I heard the song: My Own Little World by Matthew West. Here is some of the song.

 

Stopped at the red light, looked out my window

Outside the car, saw a sign, said "Help this homeless widow"
Just above this sign was the face of a human
I thought to myself, "God, what have I been doing?"
So I rolled down my window and I looked her in the eye
Oh how many times have I just passed her by
I gave her some money then I drove on through
in my own little world there's
Population two
What if there's a bigger picture
what if I'm missing out
What if there's a greater purpose
I could be living right now
outside my own little world
Start breaking my heart for what breaks Yours
give me open hands and open doors
put Your light in my eyes and let me see
that my own little world is not about me

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and we sometimes we don’t take the time to reach out to others. Many people come through Open Door Mission doors because they lost a job, a loved one, a fire destroyed their house, domestic abuse or so many other reasons. We might not ever know why they are here but we as staff are blessed to be able offer a warm meal, and a place that is safe for them to lay there head . In 1 John 3:17-18 it says "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." We don’t know what the people we serve are going through but we can show them the love of Jesus and to me that is the best gift of all.

Perhaps you feel a tug to get involved at Open Door Mission. Visit our volunteer page today and learn about volunteer opportunities. I look forward to seeing you around here soon!

 

Amy Buss