The Other Side of the Golden Rule…

The issues associated with homelessness are numerous and complex, even as the concern and desire to help of many is genuine. My involvement with the ministry of the Open Door Mission has made me realize that often, with the best of intentions, I can do things that actually reinforce the kind of thinking that leads to homelessness. The old adage is that in the life of every addict, there is at least one person who enables them to remain in their addiction. Often you find that there is an entire ‘support network’ (how’s that for a misnomer?), usually the person’s family that enables the person to continue in their destructive lifestyle. Obviously, I have no desire to be a part of this system, which brings me to what I have come to call, “the other side of the golden rule.”

I have learned a painful lesson: with my clients: the thing I tend to feel to be the loving thing to do is often the worst thing I can do. Many of the folks I work with see life very differently than I do, so much so that it sometimes feels like we aren’t even living on the same planet. I automatically assume that if I appreciate an act of kindness or generosity, they will to. This is a false assumption.

It is a painful realization that treating someone the way I would want to be treated can actually have tragic, sometimes even disastrous consequences. My work forces me to recognize that kindness, generosity and empathy, normally wonderful qualities, can be the exact opposite of what my clients need most from me. Frankly, this has been a difficult reality to grasp and something even harder to implement. After almost two years, I am just now beginning to appreciate the importance of this approach.

You see, it goes against everything I have been taught. It is a contradiction to the way I am accustomed to working with the vast majority of the people I meet! I was never told that sometimes ‘ministry’ can appear to be heartless and unsympathetic. In all honesty, I think this might be one of the greatest hurdles I face in seeking to have an effective ministry here at the Open Door Mission

In summary, what I really need is discernment, finding the balance in Spirit-led ministry that only the grace of God can provide.

By the way, I am still a believer in the Golden Rule and I hope you are, too. Let’s be extra gracious to one another the next time we meet.

Blessings.

Dick Arant

Program Case Manager

A Bump in the Road of Life

God demonstrated to me again today how he is able to craft good things out of bad situations. As I was walking back to the main mission building from the Administration Building I came across a despondent looking guy sitting under a tree next to his car that was blocked up with obvious mechanical problems. I initiated a conversation and he told me that he was on his way back to California and his starter went out. He said he would be working day labor for a couple of days to get new parts. He also had an open wound that was very evident.

The real wound was on his heart. He shared with me about his marital and drug problems and how they messed his life up. I told him that I believed this was a divine appointment and that there was real help for him at Open Door Mission. After just letting him talk for about 20 minutes you could see that his appreciation for God’s guidance indeed began to be evident to him. I encouraged him to think about our New Life Recovery Program. I also suggested that he make an appointment with one of our counselors who are well equipped for family counseling. Who knows; maybe this bump in the road of life will lead to a highway of peace and joy for this dear brother.

Tom Meradith
Executive Program Director

Christmas in June

Christmas in June was today! This was a great opportunity for the near homeless in the community to come shop for much needed items. Families came on an invitation basis, and they were already lining up outside the Timberlake Outreach Center as early as 7:00 a.m., with doors opening at 10:00 a.m.!
Many wonderful volunteers came out to help families locate needed items that will supplement their income and prevent homelessness and poverty. Split into two shifts, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., these caring individuals, and groups gave up a big part of their saturday to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
Over 4,100 families were invited to the event. Open Door Mission has seen a 46% increase in services at the Timberlake Outreach Center in 2009. Each family received clothing, housewares, furniture and some much needed pantry items that were provided by The Food Bank

There was live music provided by Glad Tidings, a cookout done by Open Door Mission's hospitality department. And the whole event was coordinated by volunteer Terry Brown, who started this with his wife Cindy, nine years ago.

We listen, give testimony and teach that the Triune God is real!

Watching CNN the other night, Angelina Jolie-Pitts cited there were 42 million homeless people worldwide. The short time I watched the program, she and the interviewer discussed being grateful for their wealth, as well as being able to share their wealth. They also talked about their privilege in life that allowed them to meet homeless children and families all over the world, many of whom have died from simple illness or from living in dire conditions. Mrs. Pitt shed tears at, I suspect, the enormity of what she has seen and how it feels like there is no do-able solution to eradicate homelessness worldwide.

I, too, have cried sometimes here at the Open Door Mission, with and over client’s situations that seem overwhelming and unfortunate. It happens to people from all walks of life. I thank God I don’t see the numbers of hurting people Mrs. Pitt does, but I see enough to break your heart many times over. Struggles of the imaginable and unimaginable; struggles of illiteracy; indifference toward the disabled and the ex-offender; neglect of children and abuse of vulnerable adults; perversions of ethics, morals and authority; and, the teachings of false doctrines, to name a few. A commonality I see in people I serve is their despondency in feeling they have lost their way in life. I believe this is why God sends them here!

We listen, give testimony and teach that the Triune God is real! We are called here to a ministry; some to preach, some to teach, some to plant seeds, and some to lead others to Christ! We do so because we believe in Revelations 21:4-5 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”

Quite frankly, we work the way we do because we do not want to see anyone not know Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, not know the 7,487 promises He makes, and not have the eternal life He promises to believers! Yes, we are challenged: challenged to ensure His word is shared to all! We are grateful to God for the numbers of people we are able to serve with free clothing, free housewares, free furniture, work preparedness programs, and one-on-one case management. But mostly, we are grateful that we can count on God’s promise that He does, and will provide!

Blessings!

From Kelli Young

Community Case managerTimberlake Outreach Center, Open Door Mission

When the Lord Calls; Are We Listening and Ready?

It was an average evening on the A,B and C wings of Lydia House. I went to work knowing I had some time to make up so I was prepared for a long night. We worked on deep cleaning most of the night and after everyone settled down for the night I planned to clean my office. I planned to go home around midnight but I was really tired so I was seriously considering leaving about 11:00 P.M.

That night was really interesting because as I was cleaning my office and 10:45 P.M. came around for some reason I knew I wasn’t supposed to leave even though I was extremely tired. I kept cleaning. Before I knew it the clock said 12:00. I started cleaning up the mess I made cleaning. At 12:15 A.M. security called and told me there were 2 policemen at the front desk wanting to know if we had room for a couple with a 6 week old baby girl! There had been an accident where a car drove into a bar/restaurant and created such an impact that the roof fell in on the apartments above.

I went to the front desk and took the policemen back to E-wing to check the status of the rooms and our bar list. There were no rooms in E-wing but there was one family room on the recovery side. As I was contemplating whether I should put them in that room I received a note that Tim Suelter, Open Door Mission's Men's Emergency Director, wanted me to call him immediately. I did that and he was on the phone with the fire department at the scene of the accident.

Between Tim and I we decided to put the couple in the room on C-wing. There were also 2 other male residents coming who would be staying in our men's wing. Tim notified the firemen and I told the policemen to have someone bring them down.

All of this took about 15 to 20 minutes to coordinate from start to finish. I felt so privileged to be available at a time when I normally wouldn’t be there, and I had goose bumps because I realized God’s plan for the evening. The policemen thanked me for having a room available and working with them. The firemen were so happy to know the family had a safe place to go. Tim and I marveled at God’s coordination of the situation and thanked him for the opportunity to be a part of it.

Only one of the men came to the mission that night and he was very well taken care of. I don’t know why the others didn’t come but it really doesn’t matter. What matters is God orchastrated it as an opportunity for someone to be ministered to, hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Open Door Mission was chosen and ready for the chance to pull someone out of darkness, into the light.

This happens every time someone walks through the doors, or calls Open Door Mission on the phone. Everyone who calls with hope in their heart for a room for themselves or someone else in need is sent as a ministry opportunity. The police and firemen were so grateful to know there was a place of safety for that family that night, so God ministered to their hearts as well. I know this was a reminder to me how important it is for us to be mindful of the fact that I work for our Lord and not just the paycheck or the possibility of a raise or promotion. What really matters is... Who will the Lord find standing ready for service when He calls. I almost went home and now I am grateful for the leading of the Holy Spirit and the fact I obeyed, instead of missing out on the privilege of ministry.

Blessings, Jackie Kudym

Emergency Services Case Manager

Timberlake Outreach Center

Hi, my name is Amy Springer, and I am blessed to be able to say that I work at the Open Door Mission. More specifically, I get to work at the Timberlake Outreach Center where we serve the community, and I love my job!

I don’t know what you know about the Timberlake Outreach Center, but I would like to take this opportunity to give you a quick overview of the services we offer!

Kings Kloset: We take all of the donated clothing, household items, appliances, and furniture and GIVE it to families in need! How awesome is that? You can donate things that your family no longer uses or needs and bless other families with it. However, the physical things we give to people in need are only a small part of what we do here at the Timberlake Outreach Center.

For instance, did you know that we also offer Life Skill Classes? We have Life Skill Classes such as: GED, English as a Second Language, Common Sense Parenting, See Them Grow, Nutrition Class, Budgeting and some tutoring as well. People can come in and take these classes for free! If you, or someone you know, are in need of one of these classes, you can contact Judy Collins at 829-1540 or email at jcollins@opendoormission.org for information and class times!

Another class offered is Worknet. Worknet is a set of workshops to help men and women become more aware of the God given talents they naturally have and are already using. It is three weeks of Workshops, Interactive Labs, Mock Interviews and ends with a Celebration of Accomplishments. If you, or someone you know are interested in Worknet, call Tyrone Abdul at 829-1579 or email at tabdul@opendoormission.org for more information.

We also offer the 29/11 Program that is based on Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This program has Strength Based Case Management, a 4 Phase Program plan to move clients from Survival to Long Term Growth, In-Depth Budgeting and Employment help, Spiritual Growth and Life Skill Classes. If you, or someone you know are interested in the 29/11 Program, call Jeannette Blackstone at 829-1552 or email at jblackstone@opendoormission.org for more information!

If you want to know more about volunteering at the Open Door Mission, give Cris Morris a call at 829-1504 or email at cmorris@opendoormission.org to set up a time for a tour!

What's Your Blessing?

Hi, this is Candace,

Today, Inside the Open Door Mission we have been blessed….


A big thank you to Page and her group of teens from the United Methodist Church all the way from Wichita, KS who spent their valuable day at Open Door Mission Biel day camp. They helped with crafts, played games, sang songs, and ministered to the many hurting children that are attending camp this summer.

A group from Mutual of Omaha spent part of their day volunteer at the Timberlake Outreach Center. They helped by sorting clothes, organizing and stocking the shelves so low income families and individuals can come supplement their income and prevent homelessness.

Melanie and her group from Dundee Presbyterian Church are here tonight volunteering in the kitchen helping prepare and serve the hot nutritious meals to many hungry and homeless men, women, and children.

You can hit a home run for the Open Door Mission. The Omaha Royals are home on Sunday June 28th at 1:35pm and $3 from the purchase of a $6 ticket will go to the Open Door Mission if you purchase your ticket today by calling James at 422-1111.



Well, this has been Open Door Mission’s blessing today, what’s yours?

What's Your Blessing?

Hi, this is Candace,

Today, Inside the Open Door Mission we have been blessed….


A big thank you to Matt and his group from Nebraska Christian college who spent their valuable time volunteering at Timberlake Outreach Center helping by sorting clothes, organizing and stocking the shelves so low income families and individuals can come and supplement their income and prevent homelessness.


Connie and her group from Ida Mission Society were here today volunteering their time in the kitchen and pantry. Part of the group are helping prepare and serve the hot nutritious meal to many hungry and homeless men, women, and children and the others are helped organize and stock the pantry.

The hurting men in Men’s Emergency Services area will be ministered to in chapel this evening by Matt and his group from Salem Church.

You can hit a home run for the Open Door Mission. The Omaha Royals are home on Sunday June 28th at 1:35pm and $3 from the purchase of a $6 ticket will go to the Open Door Mission if you purchase your ticket today by calling James at 422-1111.



Well, this has been Open Door Mission’s blessing today, what’s yours?

Have you "Got it"?

Hello everyone this is Angela Casper overnight supervisor for the Lydia House.
My nights are quiet here while everyone sleeps. The last three hours of my shift are not so quiet; everyone starts waking up and the bustle of getting ready for their day starts.
Most of my mornings with the clients are spent monitoring medication times and this is when clients love to share their progress with me. “I’ve found…. I’m applying for…” the most wonderful three words I love hearing is “I’ve got it”


I overheard these words the other day from a client, while I was entering my office. I was about to congratulate her when I found out that she had just found a house, she hadn’t gotten the house yet. She was talking as though she had already signed the lease. She believed that the Lord has already given her this house, what amazing faith she has.
Now those three words have new meaning for me, this client has the faith to believe that the Lord is going to give her a house, before she even receives it. I now know she will have a successful life, because she’s got it. She has the faith that moves mountains.

if you think it's hot...

Last week, on the first really hot and humid day, my air conditioning stopped working. Believe me; I was really upset that my comfort had been taken away. I just didn’t know how I could stand the 90’s without cool dry air. Of course I soon had a repairman out and the air conditioning was up and cooling again. Then as I sat in my cool living room God reminded me that I was very lucky. Even when I didn’t have air conditioning I did have fans, an ice-maker and cool running water on tap-others in our community aren’t so blessed. Throughout the Omaha are there are families that have no air conditioning, much less fans to bring some relief from the heat. As you enjoy your air conditioner or fans this summer please think about those without. Please consider donating working window air conditioners and fans to Open Door Mission. Or better yet consider doing a “Beat the Heat” drive at your work, church or neighborhood. You can collect working window air conditioners & all types of fans, bottled water and sunscreen for Open Door Mission to provide for those in need this summer. Please call me to help others “Beat the Heat”

Maggie Cope
Communications Coordinator
Call Maggie to set up a "Beat the Heat" drive
402-422-1111 ext 1554, or mcope@opendoormission.org